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From 6 July 2006, a graphic version of the current edition is available at the Daily News Online web site.

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Speaking at the launch of Zero Carbon City exhibition in Gaborone, Mr Martin said the earths climate was in transition and it was evident in Botswana as it was elsewhere Mr Martin told the audience that the exhibition concentrates on the relationship between climate change and urban environments.

He said if causes of climate change were not addressed, the achievements of many things, including Millennium Development Goals to reduce global poverty, would be under threat.

He said developing countries were likely to suffer most from the negative impacts of climate change because they were less able to cope with its effect and that they were heavily reliant on climate sensitive sectors such as agriculture and fisheries.

We know that Sub-Sahara will suffer most if commitments are not made by developed countries, he said. As a result the world will not get richer but poorer.

Mr Martin told the audience that an increasing majority of the worlds population were living in cities, even in a relatively small city like Gaborone.

He said a significant part of climate change was affected by actions of people in cities, saying as major consumers of energy, cities occupied an important position in the climate change debate. He said they were centres, innovation, where action was most likely to happen, adding that cities had great potential to make a difference and have a significant positive effect on the global situation.

He called on individuals to heavily play part towards mitigating the worst effects of climate change in many but simple ways.

It is upon us to contribute and make a difference because the climate change issue will profoundly affect many things, including water availability and health.

Mr Martin said young people were particularly important in building public understanding, saying it was with young people that the hope of developing new and innovative approaches could be realised.

As British council we have recruited a network of 16-18 years olds from 13 countries who are serving as International Climate Champions.

He said the council supported these young people to be champions for change in their schools and communities and then link them through networks including in Botswana.

He promised more climate change events activities and opportunities for exchange in the near future.

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