Botswana tackles worst threat to humankind
As climate change threats increase
Botswana must acknowledge that climate change is the worst threat to humankind and the environment.
While most sectors have connected ecosystems, leading industries such as tourism are affected, and agriculture is also the worst affected which has raised fears of increasing poverty and food insecurity. Speaking during a webinar on opportunities in conservation entrepreneurship, hosted by ABSA, Balisi Gopolang, Chief Meteorologist and Acting Director at the Department of Meteorological Services noted that Botswana has felt the impacts of climate change. These manifest in increased temperatures and unreliable and variable rainfalls, both of which negatively affect the agriculture sector.
He pointed out that in the past years Botswana has seen the agriculture sector dwindling due to sporadic changes to climate and temperatures, which has not only negatively affected economic returns but also livelihoods. “Agriculture and tourism are huge drivers of tourism and the climate change impact have a negative impact on both industries. Furthermore, food systems are highly affected, especially for rural communities, who rely on agriculture for food and medicinal purposes, water to keep alive, and other commercial and domestic roles. Water especially is a source of biodiversity that sustains humans as well as flora and fauna.” He said in light of the negative impacts of climate change, it is commendable that Botswana has put measures in place steered towards adopting solar and water recycling. He said the agriculture sector would also benefit from a more green- friendly approach, which he noted requires greater investments in capacity building, technology, and access to financing. Gopolang, who is a member of the National Climate Change Metereological team in charge of change negotiation and also part of the Africa Group Climate Change negotiation team, is the founder of the National Focal point for green climate fund. He said Botswana has a tough task ahead to put mechanisms in place to protect natural ecosystems from the impacts of climate change and also resuscitate the agriculture sector. He said the efforts made so far count for something and what is needed is an active effort going forward. “Botswana has pledged to cut carbon emissions by 15 percent and Government continues to engage with different sectors to form trajectory.” Meanwhile, the latest IPCC climate change report indicates that countries should make a target to cut emissions in order to protect food systems, and adopt diverse farming systems that are resilient to climate shock, known as agro- ecology. The report shows that food productions contribute 37 percent of global greenhouse emissions, with over 51 percent related to the production of animal- based foods.
“Industrial agriculture is a key driver of biodiversity loss. If diverse farming methods are not adopted, nearly a third of the world’s crop fields will be unsuitable for food production in the coming years, unless carbon emissions are curbed.” The report findings, endorsed by 270 scientists from 67 countries, suggest a shift to diverse farming practices, and more support for adaptation from Governments, in order to reduce the risk to food systems. The report also suggests producing less meat and dairy if the world wants to see the protection of flora and fauna. Food and Agriculture Organisation ( FAO) indicates that reducing carbon emissions would cut up to 87 percent of the $ 540 billion that Governments around the world spend on food production. FAO has also noted that current food farming practices harm nature and exacerbate climate change by promoting the use of agrochemicals.