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In September, Morocco experienced one of its most devastating earthquakes in centuries. In the same month, Storm Daniel led to ferocious floods in Libya. Many parts of Africa, and very recently South Africa's Western Cape, have also seen extreme weather conditions followed by destructive floods.

Natural disasters are in the headlines globally, from wildfires in Greece, Chile, and Canada to heatwaves across Europe, America, and Asia. Closer to home, the fire season has started in earnest in Botswana. Bush fires are raging in many parts of the country, driven by dry atmospheric and windy conditions.

A greater shift towards proactive risk mitigation is necessary to minimise your organisation’s exposure to natural disasters.

The benefits of proactive disaster risk mitigation

Reacting to natural disasters as they happen is not good enough anymore. Businesses must be prepared to lighten the blow. Doing so can be advantageous in more ways than one:

• Proactive measures are more cost-effective in the long run, as they reduce the financial impact of disasters.
• Demonstrating a commitment to risk mitigation and community well-being enhances a company's reputation and builds brand loyalty.
• A proactive stance on disaster risk mitigation is integral to long-term sustainability, ensuring business continuity and growth.

Creating a proactive plan of action

Step 1: Conduct a comprehensive risk assessment to identify vulnerabilities and potential impacts of natural disasters on your business.

Climate change is a global challenge that demands the attention and action of individuals, communities, and businesses. Botswana is known for its unique ecosystems and diverse economy, which makes the impacts of climate change increasingly evident in the country.

As extreme weather events become more frequent and unpredictable, businesses must go beyond mere preparedness and proactively adapt their operations to thrive in a changing climate. Businesses in all sectors need to prioritise climate risk and adapt accordingly.

Here are three steps that can help your business do this:

Step 1: Understand the climate risks for your business

Botswana faces various climate risks, including increased temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and more frequent droughts. These factors can have significant implications for multiple sectors of the economy. With El Niño nearing, even more, erratic weather patterns could be expected throughout the country, bringing about increased rainfall, severe winds, thunderstorms, dry spells, and elevated temperatures. While drier and more windy conditions are a considerable fire risk, they could also have an immense impact on the wildlife and ecosystems of the country.

Step 2: Build your business' resilience

Businesses must build resilience by implementing strategies that mitigate risks and enhance their capacity to withstand and recover from climate-related impacts. Examples include diversifying products and services, investing in climate-resilient infrastructure, and taking out business insurance.

Business insurance is essential to "preparedness" because it will cover property loss or damage resulting from events such as fires and natural disasters.

Additionally, business insurance provides peace of mind for business owners and stakeholders. Knowing that the business is protected against potential risks and liabilities allows owners to focus on their core operations.

Step 3: Investigate opportunities

While climate change presents challenges, it creates new opportunities for innovative businesses. Adapting to a changing climate can position companies as leaders in sustainability, open new markets, and attract environmentally conscious customers.  One example of this is eco-tourism. Botswana's unique ecosystems and wildlife allow businesses to capitalise on this growing trend. Another great example is to embrace renewable energy. Your business can reduce its carbon emissions and enjoy long-term cost savings by doing so.

Climate change poses significant challenges to Botswana businesses but also presents opportunities for innovation, growth, and sustainability. By embracing climate adaptation strategies, companies can build resilience, minimise risks, and seize new opportunities.

Financing a construction project can be a complex process, but with the right approach, it can be a success. Here are our top 10 tips for securing funding for your next construction project:

1. Develop a detailed budget

It is essential to create a detailed budget that outlines all the costs associated with the construction project. This should include everything from materials and labour to permits and fees.

2. Secure adequate funding

Once the budget is created, it is important to secure adequate funding to cover all project costs. This may involve obtaining loans or finding investors.

3. Explore financing options

There are many financing options available for construction projects, such as traditional bank loans, government grants and loans, private equity and venture capital, crowdfunding, and many more. Research and evaluate which option would best fit your specific project.

4. Have a solid business plan

A solid business plan is critical when seeking financing for a construction project. This should include a detailed project plan, market analysis, and financial projections.

5. Manage cash flow

Effective cash flow management determines a construction project's success. This involves monitoring income and expenses carefully and adjusting as necessary to ensure adequate funding is always available.

6. Monitor and control costs

Construction projects often involve unexpected costs and changes. It is important to monitor and control costs throughout the project to stay within budget and avoid overruns.

7. Insurance

Construction projects can be risky, so it is vital to have insurance to protect you against unexpected events such as accidents, weather damage, or theft via Contractors All Risks, Performance, Advance Payment Guarantee and Retention Guarantee.

8. Build strong relationships

Strong relationships with lenders, investors, and key stakeholders can help you secure financing and manage risks more effectively.

9. Leverage technology

Many tools are available to help with project management, budgeting, and monitoring. Leveraging these tools can help improve efficiency and reduce costs.

10. Stay up to date with regulations

Construction projects are subject to various regulations and compliance requirements. It is essential to stay updated with these regulations to avoid fines or delays in the project.

Climate change is real. As we near the peak of an El Niño cycle, Botswana businesses must be ready for what’s to come. This article answers the top questions surrounding El Niño and why it should matter to your business.

What is El Niño?

El Niño is not caused by climate change and cannot be prevented. It is a natural climate pattern that occurs in the Pacific Ocean every three to seven years.  During this phenomenon, trade winds weaken, pushing warm water back east and increasing the ocean’s surface temperature. As a result, the global atmospheric circulation patterns are impacted, leading to extreme weather patterns in numerous areas worldwide.

How long does El Niño last?

El Niño typically lasts between nine to 12 months. However, since 1970, the cycles have become more frequent, potentially lasting up to four to seven years. The cycle normally starts developing in June, peaking between December and April.

What kind of extreme weather can be expected?