Where does this myth come from?
Is the claim that ‘Climate change is only about reducing emissions’ true or false? Understanding the roots of this perception is essential before we delve into the facts and fallacies.
Despite the multi-dimensional impacts of climate change, there remains a widespread perception in Uganda that climate change is primarily, if not exclusively, about reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This perception has been shaped by a combination of public awareness campaigns, policy priorities, and international climate frameworks that emphasize emissions targets as central indicators of climate action.
Numerous studies and surveys conducted across Uganda have highlighted this limited understanding of climate change. For example, the Afrobarometer report revealed that while 53% of Ugandans had heard of climate change, only a fraction could accurately describe its causes or effects beyond weather-related changes. When probed, many respondents equated climate action with tree planting and emission reduction, pointing to a narrow interpretation shaped by national rhetoric and external messaging (Afrobarometer, 2016).
This perception is reinforced by both government and non-government actors. Various climate-related advocacy campaigns, particularly those led by environmental NGOs and international partners, have cantered on the promotion of clean energy solutions, carbon financing, and climate-smart agriculture with emissions offsetting and reduction as a core outcome. These efforts, while important, have not always been properly matched with holistic public education about the full spectrum of climate change impacts.
This emissions-centric narrative has shaped how communities understand their role in addressing climate change. Many believe that if emissions are cut whether through tree planting, solar power, or limiting fossil fuels then the climate crisis will be averted. While these actions are critical, they represent just one dimension of climate action.
Our Response
Building on the insights drawn from existing literature and the broader public discourse, the Debunk Green Falsities team undertook an independent and exclusive poll (using StrawPoll) to gather primary evidence on public perception around the statement: “Climate change is primarily about reducing emissions.”
This digital poll was designed to be accessible and was widely shared across various online platforms to encourage broad participation. The poll remained open for a period of seven (7) days, during which a total of 46 participants cast their votes. Of these, 29 respondents (approximately 63%) correctly identified the statement as false, however, the remaining 17 participants (around 37%) either believed the statement to be true or were uncertain, a statistic that still points to a significant knowledge gap.
This result, though promising, reinforces the necessity of further public engagement and education. It highlights a critical need to unpack and communicate the full breadth of what climate change entails.
It is within this gap that we, as the Debunk Green Falsities initiative, find purpose: to investigate, educate, and clarify.
Through this story, we aim to challenge lingering misconceptions and provide accurate information for our audience to better understand the complexity of climate change and respond to it in more holistic and informed ways.
The Analysis
What Does Climate Change Actually Entail?
The scientific understanding of climate change dates back to the 19th century. In 1859, Irish physicist John Tyndall demonstrated that certain gases could trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere, a principle now known as the greenhouse effect (Hulme, 2009). This theory was later built upon by Svante Arrhenius in 1896, who suggested that increased carbon dioxide (CO₂) could lead to global warming (Arrhenius, 1896).
However, climate change became a major global issue in the 20th century, particularly after the 1950s when accurate CO₂ monitoring began. The Keeling Curve, launched in 1958, documented steadily rising atmospheric CO₂ levels, reinforcing the link between human activities (especially fossil fuel combustion) and climate disruption (IPCC, 2014). These developments led to growing scientific and political concern, culminating in the establishment of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in 1988.
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperatures and weather patterns, these can be natural but are now overwhelmingly driven by human activity. While greenhouse gas emissions are a major driver, climate change encompasses a much broader spectrum of environmental, social, and economic transformations.
Key elements include:
- Global warming due to greenhouse gas buildup.
- Sea level rise from melting ice sheets and glaciers.
- Increased frequency of extreme weather events (e.g., droughts, floods, storms).
- Biodiversity loss and habitat shifts.
- Food and water insecurity due to disrupted ecosystems and agricultural systems.
- Public health impacts, such as heat stress, vector-borne diseases, and mental health issues.
Climate Change and Emissions
The industrial revolution marked a turning point in atmospheric composition. The combustion of coal, oil, and gas primarily for energy, transportation, and industry has released billions of tonnes of CO₂ and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, causing the Earth’s surface temperature to rise thus a phenomenon known as anthropogenic (human-caused) climate change.
Today, fossil fuels account for over 75% of global greenhouse gas emissions (IEA, 2023). Deforestation, agriculture, and industrial processes also contribute significantly, particularly through methane and nitrous oxide emissions.
Climate Change Beyond Emissions
While emissions reduction is critical, climate change is equally about mitigation, adaptation, resilience, and transformation. These are especially crucial for Uganda that is already experiencing the consequences of a warming planet.
Besides emissions, climate change is deeply interconnected with:
- Agriculture and food security
- Water resource management
- Urban planning and climate-resilient infrastructure
- Disaster risk reduction
- Education and behavioral change
- Gender equality and indigenous knowledge
VERDICT: The Claim is FALSE!
Based on available literature and global consensus, the claim that “climate change is only about reducing emissions” is FALSE. While reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a core aspect of mitigation, climate change is a multidimensional challenge that affects nearly every system on Earth.
References
- Afrobarometer. (2016). Climate change in Africa: Public awareness and risk perception.
- Hulme, M. (2009). Why We Disagree About Climate Change. Cambridge University Press.
- Arrhenius, S. (1896). On the Influence of Carbonic Acid in the Air upon the Temperature of the Ground. Philosophical Magazine and Journal of Science.
- IPCC (2014). Fifth Assessment Report (AR5): Climate Change 2014 – Synthesis Report. Geneva: IPCC.
- IPCC (2022). Sixth Assessment Report (AR6).
- United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). (2021). What is Climate Change?
- NASA (2023). Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet.
- IEA (2023). Global CO₂ Emissions Report.
- UNEP (2022). Emissions Gap Report.
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If you have any feedback, corrections, or additional perspectives to contribute, we encourage you to reach out. Your insights help ensure that we continue to deliver accurate, well-rounded, and impactful reporting, patrick@greennarrativesug.org | WhatsApp +256 755 854 225.
