Understanding the Interconnectedness of Climate Change, Violence and Human Relationships: The Case of Uganda
Understanding the Interconnectedness of Climate Change, Violence and Human Relationships: The Case of Uganda
Monday, 7 July 2025: 09:15
Location: FSE001 (Faculty of Education Sciences (FSE))
Oral Presentation
Uganda, like many parts of the world, is grappling with a series of interconnected crises: climate change, violent conflicts, and public health challenges. Human behavior and relationships are significant factors contributing to both the escalation and potential resolution of crises, emphasizing the need to rethink our interactions with each other and the environment (Agrawal et al., 2023) (Abbas et al., 2022) (Abidoye et al., 2017).
Deforestation, resource exploitation, and land degradation -- driven by economic pressures -- are major contributors to environmental decline. Rapid urbanization in areas like Kampala has led to increased greenhouse gas emissions, while social inequalities exacerbate the vulnerability of rural communities to climate change.
Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall patterns, and prolonged droughts have devastated Uganda’s agricultural sector, leading to food insecurity, economic hardships, and displacement of families. Additionally, environmental stressors are linked to psychological trauma and have fueled local conflicts, particularly in regions like Karamoja, where resource scarcity has intensified violence.
Consumerism, unsustainable lifestyles, and a lack of environmental awareness are prevalent in both urban and rural settings. Social tensions, xenophobia, and political instability further strain community resilience, contributing to a vicious cycle of conflict and environmental degradation. The limited empathy and disconnect from the environment seen in some urban centers drive unsustainable behaviors.
Transforming how we relate to each other and our environment is critical to mitigating these crises in Uganda. The call to action is for Ugandans to adopt sustainable, empathetic, and cooperative practices that safeguard both the natural world and human relationships.
The researcher shall adopt a mixed-method approach to data collection. Quantitative data is gathered from climate reports and conflict datasets, including surveys/questionnaires, observation; secondary and content Data analysis. Qualitative data shall then be obtained through interviews and focus groups in climate-affected regions.
Deforestation, resource exploitation, and land degradation -- driven by economic pressures -- are major contributors to environmental decline. Rapid urbanization in areas like Kampala has led to increased greenhouse gas emissions, while social inequalities exacerbate the vulnerability of rural communities to climate change.
Rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall patterns, and prolonged droughts have devastated Uganda’s agricultural sector, leading to food insecurity, economic hardships, and displacement of families. Additionally, environmental stressors are linked to psychological trauma and have fueled local conflicts, particularly in regions like Karamoja, where resource scarcity has intensified violence.
Consumerism, unsustainable lifestyles, and a lack of environmental awareness are prevalent in both urban and rural settings. Social tensions, xenophobia, and political instability further strain community resilience, contributing to a vicious cycle of conflict and environmental degradation. The limited empathy and disconnect from the environment seen in some urban centers drive unsustainable behaviors.
Transforming how we relate to each other and our environment is critical to mitigating these crises in Uganda. The call to action is for Ugandans to adopt sustainable, empathetic, and cooperative practices that safeguard both the natural world and human relationships.
The researcher shall adopt a mixed-method approach to data collection. Quantitative data is gathered from climate reports and conflict datasets, including surveys/questionnaires, observation; secondary and content Data analysis. Qualitative data shall then be obtained through interviews and focus groups in climate-affected regions.