Against massive protest from activists, scientists, fisheries and the international community, the Norwegian government is moving forward with the planned opening of Arctic waters to deep sea mining. Frode Pleym, Head of Greenpeace Norway, said: “This is a disaster for the ocean, and shameful for Norway. The Norwegian government is not only ignoring hundreds of concerned … [Read more...]
What COP28 could mean for Africa
The 28th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, more commonly referred to as COP28, brings together global leaders, experts, impacted communities and decision-makers to continue efforts aimed at solving the world’s climate challenges. COP28 unites attendees and diverse stakeholders with the aim to devise specific solutions … [Read more...]
EU aims to restore 20% of land and sea by 2030
Negotiators from the Parliament and Council have reached a provisional political agreement on the EU nature restoration law. The new law, agreed with member states, sets a target for the EU to restore at least 20% of the EU’s land and sea areas by 2030 and all ecosystems in need of restoration by 2050. Nature restoration targets Co-legislators agreed on an EU target to … [Read more...]
More packaging return programmes needed
The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) enlisted South Africa as one of the 16 countries that participated in this year’s global ‘Trend Tracker Survey.’ The biennial consumer research study, driven by Two Sides, seeks to understand consumer perceptions towards print and paper products, looking specifically at environmental awareness, reading habits, and … [Read more...]
The changing role of women in the construction industry
The construction industry has long been characterized as a male-dominated field, with women historically under-represented in all aspects of this sector. However, in recent years, significant progress has been made in breaking down gender barriers and increasing the presence of women in construction. This shift has had a profound effect on the industry, leading to greater … [Read more...]
Powering up climate solutions with renewables
South African eco-justice activists joined the global movement Power Up for Climate Solutions to kick off a month (from 3 November to 9 December) of environmental and climate action in the lead up to COP28 outside Parliament on Friday. The Green Connection, African Climate Alliance, Extinction Rebellion, 350.org, and Project 90 by 2030 joined others around the world in a … [Read more...]
Civil society welcomes progress on the Climate Change Bill
The Life after Coal campaign welcomes the passing of the Climate Change Bill in the National Assembly, paving the way for it to go to the National Council of Provinces for concurrence. Once agreed to there, it can be signed into law by the President and become the country’s first Climate Change Act. This long-awaited legislation governs South Africa’s climate action and … [Read more...]
Fishers disappointed with DWOB oil and gas approval
The Green Connection and affected small-scale fishers say they are disappointed (but not surprised) with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy’s (DMRE) approval of TotalEnergies’ Deep Western Orange Basin (DWOB) Oil and Gas drilling application on the West Coast. The Green Connection says it will appeal the decision. The Green Connection’s Community Outreach … [Read more...]
Government secrecy over coal plant decommissioning report
Civil society is concerned about National Treasury’s delay in releasing crucial information relevant to the future of coal-fired power plants in South Africa. Treasury announced in February this year that it had commissioned an independent review of Eskom’s 14 coal-fired power plants and that the review would be concluded by mid-2023. However, it has still not released … [Read more...]
SA cruise ship company recognised for environmental excellence
MSC Cruises has become the first major line to be awarded the Green Marine Europe Certification, a voluntary environmental certification programme for the maritime industry. Green Marine Europe is a partnership between North American environmental certification programme Green Marine and the Surfrider Foundation, a leading European Union NGO in ocean and maritime … [Read more...]
Biden administration announces $82 million for right whale conservation
The administration of U.S. President Joe Biden has announced USD 82 million (EUR 77 million) for North Atlantic right whale conservation and recovery efforts. Of the total, USD 36 million (EUR 34 million) will be used for monitoring and modeling, roughly half of which will be dedicated to passive acoustic monitoring along the U.S.East Coast. An additional USD 20 million … [Read more...]
South Africans are concerned about climate change
Epson’s latest Climate Barometer survey – the third edition since the survey began in 2021 – has revealed new insights around South Africans’ attitudes and behaviours towards climate change, an imminent climate crisis, and taking action to make a difference for the betterment of the environment. After poverty (68.4%) and the rising prices of goods and services (64.2%), the … [Read more...]
Finalists announced for Mpumalanga green solutions pitch challenge
The Top 10 finalists for the first 2023 Mpumalanga green solutions pitch challenge have been selected, from a wide range of cross-cutting green economy entries. “The projects encompass renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, circular economy, water and sanitation solutions. 90% of the entries are from black-owned businesses, and 46% are female-owned” said Nathi Nkonyane, … [Read more...]
