Does East Africa really need a crude oil pipeline?

On Wednesday, April 21 at 19:30 GMT:
Uganda, Tanzania and oil companies from France and China have just agreed on terms to build the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP), a $3.5 billion-project expected to begin later this year. Once completed, EACOP could be the world’s largest electrically heated pipeline, moving crude oil from western Uganda to an Indian Ocean seaport in Tanzania.

Amid a global climate emergency, East African environmental activists say it is shortsighted for the Ugandan and Tanzanian governments to set their sights on fossil fuel extraction. Activists also worry that the pipeline could pose major risks not only to protected lands, but water sources and livelihoods of millions in the region.

In this episode, The Stream examines concerns surrounding the East African pipeline plan.

This is one of four episodes of The Stream in support of Covering Climate Now, a global journalism collaboration strengthening coverage of the climate story.

In this episode of The Stream, we are joined by:
Samuel Okulony, @Samuelokulony
CEO, Environment Governance Institute in Uganda

Landry Ninteretse, @ninteretse
Managing Director, 350Africa

Elizabeth Rogo, @tsavoil
President, African Energy Chamber