EAC countries urged to increase environment-friendly factories

Arusha. The East African Community (EAC) countries have been challenged to increase factories that produce environmental-friendly products and absorb carbon in attempt to attain Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which seek to protect humans, plants, and livestock from the adverse effects of climate change.

The appeal was made by the director of the Institute for Climate and Environmental Studies at the Aga Khan University, Arusha Campus, Dr Emmanuel Sulle who was speaking to journalists about environmental conservation.

He said eco-friendly products ensure sustainability of employment and conservation of trees that are important for carbon absorption and protecting the environment.

Dr Sulle said communities living in the northern Tanzania are affected by climate change due to drought, pushing the institution increase efforts in environmental conservation.

The institution collaborates with the communities to acquire indigenous knowledge on environmental conservation.

"If we decide to increase industries, we must ensure they produce environmentally friendly products. Such environmental conservation efforts should also involve lower-level students for them to become ambassadors for real change," he said.

Dr Sulle said climate change significantly affects peripheral communities, asking everyone to protect the environment.

He added that Kenya and Tanzania last year experienced heavy rains and floods which were mainly caused by deforestation and soil degradation from human activities.

He emphasised the planting of more trees in various areas to attract fresh air and eliminate various diseases caused by climate change.

He also urged abandoning unsustainable farming practices and promote the use of alternative energy sources such as natural gas and solar power that reduce environmental pollution.