Arctic sea ice is melting at a record pace - and every summer looks grimmer. This past summer saw the ice pack at its fourth-lowest level on record, and the overall trend in recent decades suggests this will only continue. "Using satellites, scientists have found that the area of sea ice coverage each September has declined by more than 40 percent since the late 1970s, a … [Read more...]
South Africa maize prices scale new peaks as drought bites
South African maize prices maintained their record run into 2016, scaling historic highs on Monday amid growing drought concerns and rand weakness. The March contract for white maize added almost 2.6 percent to a new record of 4,781 rand ($307) a tonne while the same contract for the yellow variety climbed 1.8 percent to 3,677 rand a tonne. Prices for white maize, the … [Read more...]
Unfolding the gift of tomorrow: leaving a legacy
A daily diet of environmental news from across the planet might sound like quite a radical regime. Yet I firmly believe in the right to know how my species is changing the world into which I have delivered three children. It matters to me that they, and all vulnerable species, are comfortable and protected. Breaking down this home, our planet, is as good as a gang of people … [Read more...]
Paris climate agreement the world’s greatest diplomatic success
In the final meeting of the Paris talks on climate change on Saturday night, the debating chamber was full and the atmosphere tense. Ministers from 196 countries sat behind their country nameplates, aides flocking them, with observers packed into the overflowing hall. John Kerry, the US secretary of state, talked animatedly with his officials, while China’s foreign minister … [Read more...]
Paris talks a fraud, says climate change founder James Hansen
Mere mention of the Paris climate talks is enough to make James Hansen grumpy. The former Nasa scientist, considered the father of global awareness of climate change, is a soft-spoken, almost diffident Iowan. But when he talks about the gathering of nearly 200 nations, his demeanour changes. All words, no action “It’s a fraud really, a fake,” he says, rubbing his head. “It’s … [Read more...]
More immediate steps needed for effective climate action
World governments finalized a global agreement today in Paris that lays a foundation for long-term efforts to fight climate change. More effort is needed to secure a path that would limit warming to 1.5C. This new agreement should be continuously strengthened and governments will need to go back home and deliver actions at all levels to close the emissions gap, resource the … [Read more...]
Adaptation is key if Africa is to tackle climate change
The current and projected severe impacts of climate change in Africa make adaptation an urgent priority. While reducing greenhouse gas emissions is a vital task, the benefits will only emerge over time. Adaptation to the impacts of climate change is needed now as well as the next few decades. But adaptation faces many challenges. These are mainly institutional, technical, … [Read more...]
First ever security resolution to recognise important role of youth
The United Nations Security Council adopted an historic resolution on youth, peace and security, which for the first time in its history focuses entirely on the role of young men and women in peacebuilding and countering violent extremism. The resolution, sponsored by Jordan, represents an unprecedented acknowledgement of the urgent need to engage young peacebuilders in … [Read more...]
Paris climate deal: nearly 200 nations sign in end of fossil fuel era
Governments have signalled an end to the fossil fuel era, committing for the first time to a universal agreement to cut greenhouse gas emissions and to avoid the most dangerous effects of climate change at crunch UN talks in Paris. After 20 years of fraught meetings, including the past two weeks spent in an exhibition hall on the outskirts of Paris, negotiators from nearly … [Read more...]
Making peace with the earth
The tragedy of 13th November 2015 in Paris calls on all of humanity to respond to the escalating and vicious cycles of violence by creating virtuous circles of peace. The recent horrific attacks in Paris, Beirut and Egypt's Sinai peninsular make it all the more imperative that we came together in solidarity for the future of humanity and Mother Earth. Governments under … [Read more...]
Climate smart agriculture remains key to Africa’s Development
How will African farmers cope with climate change and become more resilient? How will they ensure food security? Collaboration by various stakeholders including governments, NGOs and research bodies is needed now to rapidly scale-up the African agricultural sector to improve food security and resilience to climate change,” says Estherine Fotabong, NEPAD Programmes Director, … [Read more...]
What are the ACTUAL impacts of climate change on SA’s environment?
A group of South African scientists have presented radical evidence of fundamental changes in African ecosystems, which threaten the future of our savannas and their wildlife. Unlike in the northern hemisphere, the global driver that has the largest impact is not only global warming, but increasing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Increasing CO2, the scientists argue, is … [Read more...]
Climate coalition pushes for binding and ambitious deal in Paris
A coalition representing more than 100 countries, formed in secrecy six months ago, has emerged at key UN talks in Paris to push for a legally binding global and ambitious deal on climate change. The “high ambition coalition” speaks for the majority of the 195 countries at the crunch conference and consists of 79 African, Caribbean and Pacific countries, the US and all of EU … [Read more...]
