Botswana signs Paris Agreement for Climate Change

Botswana has joined 174 countries to become a signatory to the Paris Agreement that aims to stop climate change in the future.

Permanent Representative of Botswana to the United Nations (UN) Charles Ntwaagae signed the Paris Agreement for Climate Change on behalf of Botswana at the UN Headquarters in New York recently during the High-Level Signing Ceremony convened by the UN Secretary-General.

The Agreement sets in place a process for countries to cut emissions, report on their progress and account to each other. According to Deputy Permanent Secretary, Jimmy Opelo in the ministry of environment, wildlife and tourism, “It is such a critical first step and a revolutionary turning point. But the big challenge is we have to turn these words that are on paper into actual action on the ground,' he said.

Although Botswana’s current estimate of its share of global greenhouse gas emissions is insignificant, the country faces a double jeopardy, of having to emit large volumes of carbon dioxide to achieve growth, while preparing to adapt to the destructive effects of intense weather events, such as droughts and floods, linked to climate change.

Opelo highlighted this vulnerability and stated that the Agreement provides the best hope to collectively meet the challenges of climate change. Following the signing of the agreement, Opelo said the challenge now is to implement its pledge, to sharply cut 15 percent emissions intensity of GDP by 2030. He said energy; transport, agriculture and infrastructure are key areas where sound national policies are needed. The agreement enters into force 30 days after 55 countries accounting for 55 percent of global emissions deposit their instruments of ratification.