Traces of antiretrovirals, anti-epileptic drugs, antibiotics and antidepressants are allegedly lingering in South African tap water. Compounds of these drugs have been found in several studies on water sources around South Africa between 2013 and June 2015. Professor Hugh Patterton, chief researcher at Stellenbosch University, said the compounds and concentration levels … [Read more...]
Even after dark, vast Spanish solar plant harnesses sun’s power
In December this year the UN Climate Conference takes place in Paris. Ahead of the summit, we will release a series of stories, titled "Earthprints," that show the ability of humans to impact change on the landscape of the planet. From sprawling urban growth to the construction of new islands, each site has profoundly changed in the last 30 years. Each story has accompanying … [Read more...]
Big trees first to die in severe droughts
National forests whose names come from their large, majestic trees—such as Redwood National Park and Sequoia National Park in California—may need to rethink their brands as droughts increase in frequency and severity in many regions around the world due to climate change. New research published this week in the journal Nature Plants finds it’s the large trees that suffer most … [Read more...]
Renewables to meet energy needs in Africa and beyond
Attracting 3 600 delegates from 82 countries, the South African International Renewable Energy Conference was officially opened by the South African Minister of Energy, Ms Tina Joemat-Pettersson, in Cape Town today. The sixth in a series of International Renewable Energy Conferences (IRECs), first held in Bonn, Germany in 2004, SAIREC is the first such conference to take … [Read more...]
The time is now for SA’s energy revolution
It's time to look up, not down, for South Africa's energy solution, says The African Climate Reality Project. In an apparent state of conflict over its energy policies, South Africa flounders as a victim of load shedding in the grip of Eskom’s continued reliance upon coal and now also must seriously review its ‘intended nationally determined contribution’ (INDC) and declare … [Read more...]
Climate hearings heat up with an eye on Paris
Many moving events are happening in the build up to the most important conference ever on the future of this planet. Last week parliament's Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs devoted one and a half days to holding Climate Hearings. Here was a bumper full hall of colourful people from our rainbow nation – from all sectors and walks of life – pleading with the … [Read more...]
Faith communities appeal minister’s refusal to reveal nuclear secrets
Faith communities, supported by the Right2Know (R2K) Campaign and others gathered outside the Cape Town Parliament to demonstrate against the government’s continued secrecy around the nuke deals. On 1 September, Minister Joemat-Pettersson, Minister of Energy, told members of Parliament that she was committed to a transparent process around the nuclear deals. That same … [Read more...]
Producers to take responsibility for waste created
Who is responsible for packaging materials lying around in the environment? How can we best curb this dilemma, which seems to be growing by the day? One solution is the principle of EPR, or Extended Producer Responsibility. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) defines extended producer responsibility (EPR ) as ‘an environmental policy approach in … [Read more...]
SA coastline gets thousands of loving hands-on cleaners
SA joined the biggest volunteer effort for ocean health in 1996. This year's International Coastal Clean-Up Day was the best ever, said coordinators, sponsors and volunteers who participated in this important work this month. This annual event was initiated by the Ocean Conservancy in 1986 and has grown with more than 100 countries participating in cleaning up their coastal … [Read more...]
Creating awareness begins with you
It is that time of year again when Green Beings conducts an annual campaign called Ethoma ka wena (Sepedi for: begins with you) in celebration of Arbour Week and National Clean up Week. The Campaign is hosted in eight Cosmo City schools, North of Johannesburg. The aim of the campaign is to create awareness of the importance of trees and a clean community. This year Green … [Read more...]
Environmental heroes recognised at sustainability-themed event
There are remarkable individuals and groups in this country who treasure our environment through innovative service. The 2015 National WESSA Awards have been presented to recognise and honour the outstanding achievements of five individuals and groups. Dr John Hanks, Ntokozo Mbuli, Franz Fuls, the Paul Roux Residents’ Forum and the ROSE Foundation all received awards at a … [Read more...]
Recycled product awards ceremony rewards conscious creations
New products created from waste materials is one of the most exciting and creative aspects of our green industry. So it was fun to attend the awards ceremony of the Best Recycled Product of the Year. And who would think that the humble Wheelie bin, which we all take for granted, would land such a high accolade? Indeed, the City of Cape Town and Mpact Plastic Containers were … [Read more...]
Bangladeshi Prime Minister wins UN climate prize
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh has been announced as one of the winners of the United Nations Champions of the Earth award in recognition of her country’s initiatives to address climate change. “Serving as Prime Minister of Bangladesh – one of the world’s least-developed countries – Sheikh Hasina has proven that investing in climate change is conducive to … [Read more...]
