Combat Climate Change - Motsumi

FREDERICK KEBADIRETSE
Staff Writer | Monday October 26, 2009 00:00

 

Addressing delegates commemorating the UN Day at the National Assembly grounds on Saturday, Minister for Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Lesego Motsumi said it was everyone's responsibility to fight the challenge of climate change the world is experiencing now. The day, held under the theme ' Addressing climate change through environment-friendly economic activities, also marked the 64th anniversary of the UN.

Minister Motsumi commended the UN for the job it has done and continues to do in promoting global peace and security, development and a more equitable society. She said the theme for this year's event could not have come at a better time because the global environment is currently experiencing many challenges, and the economic crisis is a major challenge to global governance which threatens the attainment of the noble Millennium Development Goals (MGDs) including Botswana's Vision 2016 goals. 'I am saying this theme is apt, because it underscores the urgency and magnitude of our climate change problem, which in turn spurs all of us on towards the common goal of saving our common home -planet earth,' Motsumi said. She warned that even though Botswana is still a low emitter of greenhouse gases, that does not make it immune from the devastating effects of global warming, such as declining potable water, famine, disappearing coastlines, droughts and conflicts resulting from scarcity of resources. The minister added that Botswana has got her own environmental problems from the past, which if left unattended would have detrimental effects. 'Notwithstanding our low net pollution status, we are still bearing the brunt of desertification and soil erosion due to indiscriminate cutting of trees, unscrupulous practices by construction companies through illegal gathering of sand for use in construction,' Motsumi said. She also urged the public, especially the youth, to consider environmental friendly methods of commuting, like walking short distances or cycling instead of driving all the time. She said Botswana was looking forward to the new global Climate change deal slated for conclusion in December, in Copenhagen, where for the first time more than 200 countries will be bonded to specific cuts in greenhouse gas emissions. Motsumi said there are expectations that after the deal is concluded, there will be reduced greenhouse emissions globally.

For her part, the UN Resident Coordinator Khin-Sandi Lwin said even though the primary mandate of the UN is to promote world peace and security, this 'cannot be achieved if we do not overcome other challenges the world faces including Climate change'. She said that is why the UN General Assembly created other bodies to deal with such challenges as they arise. She read UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon's message that, 'Climate change looms larger every day,' and therefore Batswana will not be spared from its multiple effects, as it is already evidenced by droughts and water shortages.

She concluded by emphasising that every nation and every citizen has a stake in the aims and work of the UN, and urged everyone to join in the global efforts to save planet earth for future generations. The day was characterised by activities promoting friendly use of the environment, such as cycling tours around the city as well as walking. Gaborone Secondary School (GSS) students provided entertainment.