21 Mar 2016

Residents of New Naledi and other parts of Gaborone last Saturday came in droves at Letlapa la Babereki to observe the commemoration of Earth Hour, which has now become synonymous with city dwellers. 

Speaking at the occasion, senior officer with meteorological services, Mr Radithupa Radithupa said the occasion was an event in which the world stops and shows commitment to the planet by switching off lights for one hour from 8.30 pm to 9:30 pm to signify concern on issues of climate change.

He explained that climate change was the change in weather patterns of a particular place; this change has been linked to the increase in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere resulting in an increase in global temperature.

Mr Radithupa however blamed the change in human activities such as burning of fossil fuels and cutting down of trees. He said the objective of the day was to bring people together through a symbolic hour-long event to inspire people to take action beyond the hour and create a global community committed to achieving a sustainable future for the planet.  

This year’s theme: Shine a light on climate action, he said, was designed to encourage action of you and me. He said Earth Hour supporters set themselves a challenge and in return, their family, friends, colleagues and even strangers must do something for the environment through pledges.

Meanwhile, he said turning off lights was symbolic, noting that the aspiration of Earth Hour however as individuals, businesses and governments would take actions that would provide sustainable solutions for environmental challenges.

Mr Radithupa paid tribute to Wena Environmental Education and News Trust for working tirelessly to organise the event. Strong collaboration with government mainly ministries of environment, wildlife and tourism as well as minerals, energy and water resources made the event possible. He said the government was committed to ensuring environmental protection hence so many laws have been enacted for the protection of the environment.

A press release from the Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources states that Earth Hour is the single largest climate change campaign across the world, and its main aim is to encourage nations to save the planet which is at present in serious peril due to emissions of Green House Gases (GHG).

The high levels of GHGs in the atmosphere and in the oceans have warmed the climate system resulting in chaotic weather patterns around the world such as heat waves, floods, drought and reduced rainfall; negative impacts that are already being experienced in Botswana. 

The release further states that according to the 5^th Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report, extreme temperatures will become a permanent feature around the world due to rise in surface temperatures over the 21^st century under all assessed emission scenarios if nothing is done about the current emission scenarios. 

Under the scenario according to the report, heat waves will occur more often and last longer, and extreme precipitation events will become more intense and frequent in many regions. Furthermore, there will be more frequent hot and fewer cold temperatures extremes over most land areas.

Meanwhile, count down to Earth Hour was performed by renowned Kast, who did not disappoint his growing league of fans as he sang his usually charged track Wena le wena tshikhinya tlhogo. Ends