By Green Loop Communications Climate Change • Environmental Protection 0 Comments

Cyclone Dikeledi: A Wake-Up Call for Climate Action

Cyclone Dikeledi served as a stark reminder of Botswana's vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. The devastating floods caused widespread damage to infrastructure, disrupted agricultural livelihoods, and compromised food security.

This event underscores the urgent need for Botswana to strengthen its resilience to extreme weather events. Key measures include:

  • Enhanced disaster management: Strengthening early warning systems and improving the implementation of the National Disaster Management Plan.
  • Promoting climate-resilient infrastructure: Encouraging the private sector to invest in green buildings and other climate-resilient infrastructure.
  • Supporting climate-smart agriculture: Promoting sustainable agricultural practices that can adapt to changing climatic conditions.
  • Community preparedness: Improving community awareness and preparedness through stakeholder engagement and effective communication.
  • Integrating climate action into policy: Incorporating climate considerations into all development policies.
  • Modernising environmental legislation: Finalising and enforcing the Botswana Draft Climate Change Policy and updating the National Environmental Act to a more comprehensive Botswana Sustainability Act.

Cyclone Dikeledi served as a harsh wake-up call, highlighting the urgent need for Botswana to adapt to the realities of climate change. By implementing these measures, Botswana can build a more resilient future and safeguard its citizens and ecosystems from the impacts of extreme weather events.

By Green Loop Communications Climate Change • Environmental Protection 0 Comments

The Los Angeles Wildfires: A Cautionary Tale

The recent Los Angeles wildfires serve as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of the complex interplay between human activity and climate change. While immediate causes such as arson and power line failures play a role, the prolonged drought and rising temperatures exacerbated by climate change have created a perfect storm for these destructive events.

Beyond the immediate loss of life and property, these wildfires have had a significant impact on the environment. The destruction of vegetation has led to soil erosion, increased flood risks, and disrupted the delicate balance of the ecosystem.

Botswana, with its vast savannas and grasslands, faces similar wildfire risks. While agricultural practices and land clearing contribute, climate change is increasing the frequency and intensity of these events.

To mitigate these risks, Botswana can learn from international best practices, such as:

  • Aerial fire suppression: Utilising aircraft for water drops and surveillance during wildfires.
  • Prescribed burns: Conducting controlled burns under careful supervision to reduce fuel loads and improve ecosystem health.
  • Firebreaks: Establishing firebreaks to contain and control the spread of wildfires.
  • Community engagement: Involving local communities in fire prevention and response efforts.

As climate change accelerates, proactive measures are essential to reduce wildfire risks and protect lives and the environment. By adopting a multi-faceted approach and learning from global examples, Botswana can strengthen its resilience and safeguard its natural heritage.

By Green Loop Communications ESG • Governance • Sustainability 0 Comments

Understanding ESG Governance: The ‘G’ in ESG

ESG Governance is at the heart of a company’s sustainability efforts, ensuring accountability, transparency, and ethical decision-making. According to BSE ESG guidance and global standards, robust governance structures are essential for long-term success.

At Green Loop, we assist clients design and implement strong governance frameworks that align with global best practices, ensuring that your organization not only meets compliance requirements but additionally thrives in a sustainable future. We can assist your organisation to develop a robust ESG governance structures such as sustainability sub-committees and ESG external engagement committees.

Get in touch, and discover how Green Loop can strengthen your ESG governance.

By Green Loop Communications ESG • Governance 0 Comments

Elevating ESG: The Board’s Strategic Role

As per the Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) ESG guidelines, effective governance is key to sustainable success. The board’s active oversight in identifying and managing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) risks and opportunities is not only a regulatory expectation but a strategic imperative.

At Green Loop, we believe that integrating ESG into board-level discussions enhances transparency, aligns corporate strategy with stakeholder expectations, and drives long-term value creation. Boards that prioritize ESG are better positioned to navigate the complexities of today’s market and ensure sustainable growth.

We offer specialized board training to help you integrate ESG into your governance framework. Get in touch with us to learn more!

By Green Loop Communications ESG • Sustainability • 0 Comments

Unpacking the Botswana Stock Exchange ESG Reporting Guidance

As sustainability takes center stage in global business practices, the Botswana Stock Exchange (BSE) has introduced an important guidance document for companies listed on the exchange. At Green Loop, we believe that this guidance represents a significant opportunity for businesses to enhance transparency, attract sustainable investment, and align with global best practices in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting.  / read more

By Green Loop Communications Environmental Protection • ESG 0 Comments

ESG Reporting – The Next Frontier in Accounting  

At Green Loop, we see the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting not just as a trend but the future of accounting.

The Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) has established the benchmark for sustainability reporting, offering a robust framework that empowers businesses to effectively measure, understand, and communicate their ESG impacts.

Embracing GRI standards allows companies to achieve unparalleled transparency, foster stakeholder trust, and drive sustainable value creation. This is more than just responsible business—it’s the pathway to long-term success.

Join us as we explore this exciting frontier and lead the charge in pioneering responsible business practices. Interested in learning more? Reach out to us today.

And don’t miss our LinkedIn post next week, where we’ll dive deeper into the GRI standards and what they mean for your business.

By Green Loop Communications Environmental Protection • Natural Resources • Tourism 0 Comments

Environmental protection and Botswana’s launch of the implementation of united nations minamata convention on mercury.

By Lindiwe Modise

Chief Environmentalist | Green Loop Environmental Consultants

The Minister of Environment, Natural Resources Conservation and Tourism, Honourable Philda Nani Kereng, officially launched the implementation of the United Nations (UN) Minamata Convention on Mercury on the 6th February 2020. The convention is a global treaty with the primary objectives of creating public awareness on protecting human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury. The launch was of interest because of mercury’s detrimental impacts on the environment and public health, dating back to 1956 when Japan was subjected to excessive mercury pollution which contaminated water bodies, atmospheric air, fish and ultimately causing Minamata disease on humans. Mercury is found in many appliances used in industrial, medical and domestic spheres. / read more

By Green Loop Communications Budget Speech • Governance • • • 0 Comments

The 2020/21 budget speech and its take on environmental challenges to support national development initiatives

By Lindiwe Jean Modise

Chief Environmentalist  |  Green Loop Environmental Consultants

In the 2020/21 Budget Speech delivered early this week by the Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Honourable Dr. Thapelo Matsheka, mentioned that “this Government is committed to transforming the economy through, refocusing existing policies, strategies and programmes, such as: service delivery through ICT; creating sustainable jobs; fighting corruption; improving education and training; providing quality health care; and attracting local and international investors, in order to create an inclusive economy with greater citizen participation.”  Unfortunately environmental and climate change issues were not prioritised as one would have expected given their adverse impact on growth of the national economy. / read more

By Green Loop Communications Industrial Waste • Waste Recycle • • 0 Comments

The economic value of waste and the establishment of a circular economy in Botswana

By Lindiwe Jean Modise

Chief Environmentalist   |  Green Loop Environmental Consultants

Waste comes in many forms and is a by-product of domestic, commercial and industrial activities.  Waste comprises of used glass, glass bottles, paper, plastic bottles, plastic bags, cans, food leftovers, industrial effluents and emissions. Currently most of the waste finds its way to landfills rendering their lifespan extremely short. The waste is managed through waste management systems to avoid its adverse effect on human health and the environment. Waste management is a system used for the collection, transportation, disposal, recycling and monitoring of waste. / read more

By Green Loop Communications Climate Change • • • 0 Comments

The global debate on climate change; our appreciation and mitigation plans as a nation.

By Lindiwe Jean Modise

Chief Environmentalist  | Green Loop Environmental Consultants

All countries, developing and developed are negatively contributing to climate change, no matter the distance, it affects the whole world including us here in Botswana. Some argue and say, ‘We are a small nation with a population of less than 2.5 million, therefore we contribute less to global warming as compared to developed countries that operate in mass production.’ This is true, Botswana contributes less as compared to other nations with high populations and a huge industrial base, but climate change has no borders nor barriers. What other nations globally emit at large also affects Botswana and we further add on to the uncontrolled on-going emissions that negatively contribute to climate change. / read more