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Former President of Botswana Festus Mogae was among members of the public who came in large numbers to plant trees in Gakuto to demonstrate one of the ways in which Botswana can go beyond the hour of switching electricity off on the March 26. Botswana is among countries of the world that will be commemorating Earth Hour with the theme ‘Go-Beyond the Hour’. 

Speaking at the tree planting occasion, Mr Mogae who is also the Patron of Wena Environmental Education and News Trust noted that trees are important as they absorb carbon dioxide emissions- the gas largely blamed for causing climate change. 

He called on members of the public to be careful not to cut down all the trees when they build houses. Mogae also made a plea with members of the public to desist from starting veldt fires as they also cause climate change. 

For her part, the Executive director of Wena Environmental Education and News Trust Florah Mmereki reiterated Former President’s sentiments also adding that trees prevent soil erosion as well as act as wind breakers hence the need to plant them and conserve them. 

Mmereki informed the gathering that Botswana has joined the rest of the world to commemorate Earth Hour a global climate change campaign which calls on members of the public to take action against climate change. 

She said on the 26th of March, Botswana will take part in the switching off of electricity for one hour. ‘’We are therefore asking every Motswana to switch off power for one hour on the 26 of March from 8:30-9:30 pm for earth hour,’’ she said. Mmereki added that the big earth hour celebrations will take place in Gaborone at Gaborone Senior Secondary School sports grounds. 

The event was also attended by Member of Parliament for Kweneng East Mr Moeng Pheto who is also the Parliament Natural Resources and Agriculture Committee chairperson as well as Gakuto councillors and Kgosi. Former President and members of the public planted 200 trees in total.