WWF South Africa is concerned by the vague and defensive position taken by the SA government in its latest climate change statement of intent (its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution – INDC to the 21st United Nations climate change negotiations conference). There is much room for improvement, and there is still time to do this before the INDC goes to the … [Read more...]
Carbon nanofibres made from CO2 in the air
Scientists in the US have found a way to take carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air and make carbon nanofibres, a valuable manufacturing material. Their solar-powered system runs just a few volts of electricity through a vat full of a hot, molten salt; CO2 is absorbed and the nanofibres gradually assemble at one of the electrodes. It currently produces 10g in an hour. The … [Read more...]
US companies pledge $140 billion to slash carbon emissions
The Obama Administration has rallied some of the largest companies in the nation to commit billions of dollars to slash their environmental footprints to help combat climate change, in an effort to gain momentum before the Paris climate talks in December. Today, the White House launched the “American Business Act on Climate Pledge,” with 13 U.S. businesses—Alcoa, Apple, Bank … [Read more...]
Experts flay Nigeria’s dalliance with coal
Nigeria’s decision to adopt coal as alternative source of generating electricity has attracted several reactions among industry players over the long term health and environmental effects on host communities. The stakeholders who gathered on Tuesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, to brainstorm the preferred energy mix for the country raised worrisome questions, particularly … [Read more...]
CO2 emissions stalled in 2014 despite economic growth
In what has been described as a real surprise by the International Energy Agency (IEA), annual global emissions of carbon dioxide experienced zero growth in 2014, even as the globe’s economy continued to grow. According to IEA data CO2 emissions for 2014 were 32.3 billion tonnes, the same as 2013, meanwhile the global economy grew by 3 per cent. While this is not the … [Read more...]
Changing lives one planet friendly bag at a time
Can you imagine a bag created from recycled seatbelts, reused car/homestead upholstery and rejected fabric sample books? This is exactly what planet friendly bag company I Scream & Red has done. They also bind all their products with natural or organic cotton and materials to ensure that it is green endorsed. Not only the earth benefits here. People from previously … [Read more...]
UN Climate Talks kick off in Bonn
The UN Climate Talks got underway in Bonn Wednesday with negotiations re-opening on the design of the 2015 agreement and finding ways to raise the current level of global ambition to address climate change in the near-term. Meetings and negotiations around the UNFCCC’s ongoing work in its subsidiary, and a series of workshops, high-level meetings and special events also kicked … [Read more...]
An avo tree a day keeps the carbon at bay
In a partnership to promote a greener Gauteng, Andiccio24 has joined forces with Food & Trees for Africa (FTFA) to plant trees. Lots of them. In fact, one a day for a whole year. Andiccio24’s Jerome Kourie, “Our involvement in this initiative will result in many community centres and schools in underdeveloped areas acquiring fruit trees and being taught the skills to … [Read more...]
Fracking: a dead end for Britain
Large-scale fracking is a must for the UK economy, says a new report from the House of Lords. But it confuses opinion with fact, cherry-picks data, and six of its authors have a stake in the industry. The real solutions, writes Tony Bosworth, lie in energy efficiency and renewables. Thursday's report from the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee on shale gas was a … [Read more...]
Renewable energy from rivers and lakes could replace gas in homes
Heat Reservoir Bewl Water at Lamberhurst, Kent, could provide a site for heat pumpsA revolutionary system using water-sourced heat pumps is being tested on a new development. Millions of homes across the UK could be heated using a carbon-free technology that draws energy from rivers and lakes in a revolutionary system that could reduce household bills by 20 per cent. The … [Read more...]
What is the Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve?
Did you know that you might live in a Biosphere Reserve? If you are from Stellenbosch, Pniel, Franschhoek, Paarl, Wellington, Rawsonville or Villiersdorp you live inside the beautiful Cape Winelands Biosphere Reserve (CWBR) while people from Ceres, and the Strand live just outside it. The CWBR was designated in 2007 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural … [Read more...]
Riding for clean energy
The World Naked Bike Ride is a global event. Cape Town joined the ranks of participating cities in 2011 with a smashing debut of a ride. Approximately 150 riders joined us on a beautiful day and the vibe was carnivalesque. 2012 and 2013 were also huge successes with about 250-300 riders and again a fantastic atmosphere. The date for 2014 has been set by the global committee: … [Read more...]
Carbon tax delayed, acid mine water levies planned
South Africa’s government delayed the implementation of a planned carbon tax to 2016, while saying it may impose new levies on mining companies to help fund the treatment of acid water seeping from disused gold mines. The National Treasury two years ago said it planned to charge 120 rand ($11) on every metric ton of carbon emitted above a 60 percent threshold from 2014 and … [Read more...]
