Local authorities visit a forest cut in central Uganda for charcoal burning. Experts say forest cover in Africa must be prioritised, with governments, indigenous communities, and private stakeholders collaborating to protect different resources. PHOTO/MICHAEL J SSALI
A reality in which ecosystems are crumbling under the weight of human-driven changes. Habitat loss, pollution, ecosystem degradation, and overexploitation are the primary causes, yet climate change is emerging as the powerful driver, impacting species and habitats.
Climate change?
Rising temperatures, shifting rainfall patterns, and increasingly frequent natural disasters are pushing fragile ecosystems to the brink. The Amazon rainforest, home to 10 percent of the world’s biodiversity, is a stark example. Known as the lungs of the earth, it captures immense amounts of carbon and recycles 75 percent of its rainfall within the forest itself.
But with 17 percent of the forest already down, scientists warn that the Amazon is nearing a tipping point. Should deforestation reach 25 percent, the rainforest could begin to collapse, transforming from a climate-cooling carbon sink into a source of emissions that accelerates global warming. The implications would be catastrophic for biodiversity and climate stability alike.
Visible climate-related crises
In Uganda, Kampala’s wetlands, which buffer against floods and store fresh water, are under pressure from urban development. The loss of these natural resources, particularly as climate instability intensifies, is a sobering reminder of what is at stake.
In Chennai, India, Day Zero, a situation where the city ran out of water, demonstrated the severe human toll of wetland degradation and changing weather patterns.
Conservation
According to Harold Turinawe, the forest markets transformation manager at WWF, forest cover in Africa must be prioritised, with governments, indigenous communities, and private stakeholders collaborating to protect resources.
Ecosystems such as the Congo Basin must be safeguarded, using both indigenous knowledge and scientific innovation to manage these vital areas.
Food systems
Turinawe says food systems require urgent reform. This can majorly be done by reducing on the wastage of food, which happens through every stage of production, namely; harvesting, processing and preparation itself.
“Currently, 40 percent of land and 70 percent of freshwater is used for food production, yet 30 percent of food is wasted. Inefficiency like this is unsustainable, and as climate change threatens crop yields, rethinking how we grow, process, and consume food is crucial to reducing our ecological footprint,” Turinawe says.
Energy transformation
Energy transformation is essential since shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources is urgent, with an emphasis on equitable energy solutions that protect both communities and ecosystems. Technologies like electric cars, motorcycles, will require responsible sourcing of minerals to avoid causing new environmental damage.
Ms Margaret Kigozi, a business consultant, believes one of the most pressing issues Uganda faces is her dependence on unsustainable energy sources such as charcoal and firewood.
“Many of us have not yet explored cleaner alternatives. Uganda has abundant sunlight and solar energy can be a viable solution. On an individual level, we can all start using solar energy where possible, planting trees, and reducing reliance on charcoal,” she says.
Financial systems
These must be aligned with sustainability. The current funding gap for global conservation goals, according to the report, is vast, with only $1.4 trillion available against the estimated $2.5 trillion needed annually. Eco-friendly investments, private sector participation, and mechanisms like debt-for-nature swaps can help close this gap and support meaningful climate action.
“Each sector of society has a role to play. Governments must lead with robust climate and biodiversity policies. The private sector can develop sustainable business models,” Kigozi says.
According to him, banks and investors must factor environmental impact into their funding decisions. The mining and energy sectors, for instance, offer significant economic potential for Uganda, yet these industries need responsible management. The government’s cautious approach to mining, delaying investments until it can train more experts, may be a wise move in the long term.
There is no doubt, according to Kigozi, that nature is rich in diversity; whether it is the vast marine life, intricate forest ecosystems, or even the countless species of insects we rarely see. But with the severity the report brings on the table, the business guru believes extinction is not only for animals, but also of the human population, the future, and what is left of the next generation.
“As business leaders, we need to recognise our role in this crisis. Day after day, we are caught up in meeting targets, maximising returns, and expanding our companies. But often, we overlook the environmental costs,” she adds.
Family planning measure
With one of the world’s highest population growth rates, Kigozi says, Uganda must not only develop sustainable food and energy systems but also address family planning to reduce future strain on resources.
“From the government to our faith leaders, we all have a role in promoting responsible family planning to balance environmental stability,” she says.
Wildlife effect
The consequences of habitat loss are already visible. For instance, in the Greater Kampala area, monkeys have become common sights in different communities. This, according to Mr. Sam Mwandha, the executive director of Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), is not because they are naturally drawn to human settlements. Their natural habitats have simply been destroyed.
Historically, Kampala was surrounded by lush hills and wetlands filled with fruit trees that provided food and shelter for monkeys. However, urban expansion has led to deforestation and wetland degradation, leaving the vervet monkeys with nowhere to go. Now, they enter human communities in search of food and shelter.
“Beyond the vervet monkeys, larger species like lions and leopards are also struggling. These iconic predators face a range of pressures, from habitat destruction to fluctuations in prey populations. Uganda has seen a cyclical decline in prey species, which has, in turn, affected predator numbers,” Mwandha says.
While some prey species such as impalas and waterbucks are making a comeback, the recovery of predators such as lions and leopards remains uncertain. The core issue remains; without enough protected and natural spaces, wildlife populations will continue to dwindle.
