10 Dec 2017

Botswana Power Corporation (BPC) has the responsibility to manage its operations in an environmentally sustainable manner, ensuring that it mitigates against effects of climate change.

Speaking at the Tree Planting Day commemoration in Lerala recently, BPC general manager (internal audit), Mr Emmanuel Bopadile said it was important to sensitise people about the reality and effects of climate change already being felt in the SADC region, Botswana included.

He said increased frequency and severity of droughts, floods, cyclones, sea level rise and other extreme weather events detrimental to the ecosystems, water resources, energy and food security and the economies of the countries were already felt in the region.

He noted Botswana’s ratification of the International Convention, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC) and subsequent membership to Southern African Power Pool (SAPP).

Mr Bopadile said SAPP member states have committed themselves to reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by defining their emission targets and adopting some initiatives such as raising climate change awareness as well as formation of productive collaboration and partnerships.

He said it was important to be aware of these initiatives, fully understand them to the point of taking the centre stage by the active participation for the realisation of the common goal.

He said planting trees was just one of the initiatives through, which the effects of climate change could be curbed.

He said forests played an important role in offsetting the effects of climate change.

He said the destruction and degradation of forests contributed to the problem through the release of carbon dioxide but the planting of new forests could help mitigate against climate change by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

He called upon everyone to take responsibility to protect trees, ensure their sustainability by harvesting sensibly and considering alternatives where possible as well as engage in continuous planting of new trees.

Mokala or Mogotlho has been declared tree of the year and Mr Bopadile said the tree had been used by Batswana for various purposes in the past and even today and it still remained one of the common yet important largest trees in the country.

He highlighted that owing to its long tap root, Mokala remained green for the best part of the year thus providing valuable fodder almost year round.

“Its seedpods are eaten by livestock and wild animals during dry season,” he said.

Furthermore, he said it provided habitat for birds and other small animals, firewood and great medical benefits. ENDS