Need to integrate and harmonize population and climate change issues into development planning process

Mugisha Polly Akankwatsa, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)

The linkage between Population and climate change is undeniable, yet not well understood. It is unequivocal that human activity is contributing to climate change and environmental issues in general. Climate change poses the most serious threat to humans and its echo systems for the present and future generations. The only lasting solution to the climate change challenges will be one that puts people at its centre. Countries can reduce risks to the lives and livelihoods of people caused by climate change as well as increase resilience, security and equity of socio-economic development in vulnerable communities. There is need to set up concrete and practical adaptation actions as the most appropriate approach to addressing climate change. Efforts should be made to integrate, harmonize population and climate change issues into development planning process as well as create awareness amongst the people to enable their contribution to achieving the set climate change objectives.