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Environment & Sustainability Guide

Air quality, green spaces, and environmental policies in Botswana

Botswana faces environmental challenges from climate change, including more intense rainfall events made 60% more likely by 1.3°C global warming, leading to deadly floods as in February 2024. With stable air quality trends and an Environmental Performance Index score of 49.2, the country maintains moderate sustainability amid droughts, above-normal temperatures, and reliance on natural resources in its arid landscape.

Air Quality Index

Good

7.0/10

Stable trend

Botswana's air quality remains stable per database trends, with limited industrial pollution due to low manufacturing. CO2 emissions average 2.893 metric tons per capita, showing fluctuations but no severe AQI issues reported. Urban areas like Gaborone may face dust from arid conditions.

Water Quality

Moderate

6.5/10

Water quality in Botswana is adequate but challenged by arid conditions and pollution from mining. Access to clean water is limited in rural areas, with government monitoring through Statistics Botswana. Treatment standards exist, but scarcity increases contamination risks during floods.

Drinking water safety varies; urban supplies are treated, but rural reliance on groundwater poses risks from natural minerals and potential pollutants.

Recycling System

Recycling infrastructure in Botswana is developing, with limited national rates and types available per database (N/A%). Efforts focus on urban waste management, but challenges persist due to low population density and resource constraints.

Green Spaces

Botswana protects vast green spaces, including the Okavango Delta and Kalahari, covering significant land for conservation. National parks emphasize wildlife preservation amid desertification threats.

Forest Coverage: 19.8%

National Parks: 2

Key areas include Chobe National Park and Moremi Game Reserve, safeguarding biodiversity in a semi-arid environment.

Environmental Policies

Botswana implements environmental laws through the Department of Meteorological Services and statistics agencies, focusing on climate monitoring and resource management. EPI score of 49.2 reflects moderate protection efforts.

Key Policies:

•Environment Statistics Framework
•Climate Outlook Monitoring

Natural Disaster Risk

MODERATE

Botswana experiences moderate risks from floods, droughts, and heat waves, exacerbated by climate change.

floodsdroughtsheat waves

Climate Change Impacts: Heavy rainfall events like Feb 16-20, 2024, killing 31 and affecting 5,500, are 60% more intense due to 1.3°C warming; increasing trend in wet events over decades. Above-normal temperatures forecasted, with normal highs 30-33.5°C. Precipitation shows normal to above-normal patterns, but intensity rises, overwhelming urban drainage amid rapid urbanization.

Sustainability Initiatives

Climate Monitoring

Department of Meteorological Services issues seasonal outlooks using COAGCM models to manage climate risks in agriculture and water sectors.

Environmental Statistics

Statistics Botswana tracks environment data via portals for forestry, energy, and pollution to inform policy.

Flood Resilience

Nature-based solutions like greening urban areas proposed to absorb floodwater in Gaborone.

Wildlife & Nature

African ElephantVulnerable

African Wild DogEndangered

LionVulnerable

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