Last week I participated in a run themed #Run4Climate that was organised by Tree Adoption, Uganda and had a subtheme of "Restoring Uganda's Forest Cover", following the destruction of Bugoma Forest for sugarcane plantation. Participants ran from the starting point in Makerere University, Uganda to surrounding areas. 

Runs such as these, contribute to environmental protection. But how does an exercise do this?

Well, it is more than just the stretching of muscles. During the activity, runners dress in vests, shirt or any clothing with attractive slogans and tags that advocate for climate action. These intrigue people in places in which the run is happening. For example in Makerere and surrounding communities for the mentioned run.

Runs, among other awareness creation activities, are effective in that, they increase public attention towards the climate crisis and therefore inspire enthusiasm, support and stimulate self mobilisation and positive action.

I had a great time exercising the body and meeting fellow environmental health and protection enthusiasts while contributing to the spread of environmental awareness at the same time.

References

Awareness campaigns for behavioural change

https://climate-adapt.eea.europa.eu/metadata/adaptation-options/awareness-campaigns-for-behavioural-change