Green house gasses attack Botswana weather

THATO CHWAANE
Staff Writer | Friday August 3, 2007 00:00

Phage was discussing the theme: 'Implications of climate change on biodiversity and wetlands and adaptation strategies' at the Botswana Television auditorium.

Phage said that higher temperatures than normal are evidence of climate change.
He noted that recent winters are warmer than in previous years.

He recalled one of the coldest winters of -15.3 degrees Celsius recorded in 1977 in Botswana.

Phage also said globally there were extreme weather disruptions such as droughts and floods.

He said there is evidence of shrinking glaciers that are not being replenished.
There is an increase in green house emissions which have compelled governments to agree on the Kyoto Protocol in order to stabilise a balance in the atmosphere.

He said that climate change would affect wildlife, resulting in the loss of some animal species, changing habitat and extinction of other forms of wildlife.

He advised greater use of solar power and energy saving bulbs. Phage also suggested a reduction of the number of cars on the roads and a plan for non-motorised transportation where people could walk, cycle or jog.

Phage said effective urban planning would help to reduce long distance travel for cars so that they use less fuel and reduce emissions.

He suggested the use of alternative fuels. Hybrid vehicles would also help. He said there should be policies governing acceptable levels of emissions for cars.

The director of the department of environment, Steve Monna, said that there is a need for multifaceted adaptation and pursuit of policy options to minimise the impact.

He said there has been a shift even in cases of malaria, which did not occur in the north, but now there are reported cases even in places like Gantsi.

He said that wetlands ecosystems are disappearing globally at an alarming rate.
He admitted that developed countries were bigger emitters and the big players have not ratified environmentally friendly conventions.

He said the amount that Botswana emits is a drop in the ocean compared to the state of Texas.

Monna cautioned Batswana to be aware and make sure that dumping is not disguised as trading, giving the example of computers that are donated to Botswana and a year later they do not function.

The Minister of Environment, Wildlife and Tourism, Kitso Mokaila said that the challenge is for everyone to be responsible and that action should be taken against polluters.