19 Mar 2018

 Earth hour is set yet again to unite millions of people around the world to show their commitment to the planet.

A press release from Wena Environmental Education & News Trust says this year’s National Earth hour will be held in Kumakwane on March 24 where activities are expected to take place under the theme: Interconnection between Climate Change and Biodiversity. However it has been noted that Kasane will also host some activities.

The Trust tasked with the responsibility of coordinating the Global Climate Change campaign dubbed Earth Hour in Botswana explains that a march has been organised on the day of the celebrations from Kumakwane Puma filling station at 6am to the main Kgotla as well as a green technology exhibition from 4pm. It also says as part of the activities, Earth Hour 2018 switch-off will take place on March 24 at 8:30pm to 9:30pm and everyone is encouraged to participate by switching off their lights.

 The Trust through the release emphasizes that Earth Hour is vital in helping build a healthy, sustainable future.

“Earth Hour calls on countries of the world to take action against the dangerous climate change. It inspires and empowers individuals, organisations, cities and countries to use their collective power to drive climate change and environmental action throughout the year,” it states.
Botswana is among countries of the world that have been drastically affected by the phenomena. Effects of climate change in Botswana include among others; reduced rainfall, increased temperatures, hurricanes, as well as crop failure.

In the build up to the celebrations Wena Environmental Education & News Trust hosted a debate at the UB Library Auditorium on March 14 where UB, Limkokwing University and BUAN took part. The debate was to bring about conversations on Biodiversity in Botswana and the position Botswana and its youth take on climate change and Biodiversity.

Students from the universities brought about many solutions on Biodiversity such as adopting green technology.

Limkokwing University emerged victorious in the debates with BUAN in second place while UB occupied the third spot. The Earth movement this year, is geared towards bringing together millions of people to connect to Earth and spark never-before conversations on climate change and the loss of nature around them. ENDS