ENVIRONMENT: MEDIA URGED TO CREATE AWARENESS ON RENEWABLE ENERGY SOURCES

By Idarus Pajobo

Gulu

Media practitioners in Northern, central and western regions have been urged to carry out awareness programs in their different media houses and channels about the importance of efficiently using the renewable  energy source during a media engagement held in Gulu city, organized by SNV from 24- 25th May 2023.

The major issues raised during the engagement where the unsustainable use of charcoal in the country which in turn affects the tree coverage,   with northern Uganda being mostly affected.

Jacob Etunga a facilitator during the engagement   said that the community should resort to energy efficient equipment like improved charcoal stoves, use of briquettes, and the new electric gas cooker in the market that can only take 30 minutes to boil beans with less power.

Jackson further explained saying this will help households save money and preserve the environment. “Through energy efficiency, we are simply saying, how do we get that same output by using less energy? That means it applies for both renewable and none energy sources. “The purpose of energy efficiency is to ensure that we reduce on the amount of energy used, cut costs, build resilience as households and business and reduce on carbon emissions that are likely to cause climatic change. So we are able to save money and protect our environment”, said Jackson

He added that, the use of energy efficient tools like efficient charcoal stoves, efficient bulbs at least 8Ws yet with proper lighting, use of solar energy among others should be the way to go. The journalists were asked to create awareness in the society about the best methods of using energy efficient equipment to sustainably utilize both renewable and none renewable energy sources.

COVER PHOTO: Journalists in a group discussion during the energy efficiency engagemennt in Acholi Inn in Gulu city By Idarus Pajobo