Diamonds are supposed to be forever, however it’s the human love affair with gold that has been truly lasting. For thousands of years, since even before the time of King Tut, gold has been prized for its beauty and value. It’s no wonder, then, that so much gold is sitting in jewelry boxes and central bank vaults. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that 171,300 tons of gold … [Read more...]
Giant underground “ocean” discovered beneath us
A new study by American researchers concluded that in the mantle layer that lies between the crust and the core, there are vast reserves of water, probably three times the total volume of water of all oceans on the surface of our planet. This “reservoir” of water, which seems to be stable over time, lies at a depth of up to 700 kilometers beneath the planet’s surface, in the … [Read more...]
Natural Building part 1: What is it?
Natural Building means different things to different people. Personally, I can’t view natural building in isolation from sustainability and sustainable building, writes Peter McIntosh, natural builder, in the first article in his series about this topic. Sustainability requires that we view ourselves as part of an ecosystem. In a sustainable system the materials your house … [Read more...]
SA insurers polled over fracking risk
Treasure the Karoo Action Group (TKAG) and AfriForum have formally approached South African Insurers and the South African Insurance Association to clarify their policy on the unique risks presented by shale gas mining and ancillary activities. With the advent of new technology and shale gas mining spreading at a rapid pace in the United States, insurance providers are … [Read more...]
2014: Die opdroog van die Bloemfontein?
Bakkie stoei deur ‘n stroom swembad ‘backwash’-water in Dersleystraat. Bayswater. Bloemfontein. Draai in by De Witt’e Gastehuis. Duinkleurige cargo-broek, ligtepienk uithang-knoophemp, moue effens opgerol. Ronde kaal kop met swartraambril. Parkeer, eienaar wys waar die perskonferensie gehou gaan word. Sluit aan by ‘n groepie joernaliste en Afriforum verteenwoordigers. ‘Hallo, … [Read more...]
Khoryug takes on environmental protection of Himalayas
Following the conclusion of teachings on Nagarjuna’s Letter to a Friend, His Holiness the 17th Karmapa, Ogyen Trinley Dorje, presented Khoryug; a newly formed association of Kagyu Buddhist monasteries carrying out environmental projects under his leadership. Khoryug, Tibetan for Environment, and short form for Rangjung Khoryug Sungkyob Tsokpa, is an association of Tibetan … [Read more...]
Handwoven dew collecting tower aims to ease Africa’s water crisis
There are many places around the world where finding clean drinking water is a time-consuming and even dangerous daily task, with women and children walking for miles at a stretch to bring back what they can find - and often, it's water that's been contaminated by human and animal waste. Helping local people gain access to clean and abundant water Inspired by a native … [Read more...]
Fracking and water: what we can learn from the US experience
Many issues are poorly understood by those involved with and affected by fracking, the US shale gas industry can offer lessons Water is a critical but contentious resource for the fracking industry, which is booming in the US and poised to take off globally. Despite vast media coverage on the topic, many issues remain poorly understood by policymakers, the business community … [Read more...]
Skills drought taking its toll on SA water sector
The water sector is experiencing a critical scarce skills shortage, owing to an insufficient skills base and fierce competition in the labour market for skilled personnel, said the Department of Water Affairs (DWA) acting director- general Trevor Balzer. During his address earlier this month at the Civilution Congress, in Ekurhuleni, he stated that a high … [Read more...]
The cost of coal fired power stations to people and planet
When building new coal fired power stations, are those bent on this path for energy provision factoring in the cost to human health and the environment? In recent years, South Africa has experienced power deficits and load shedding. Subsequently, the SA government had started building new power stations in order to supplement the country’s socio-economic energy demands. This … [Read more...]
Bela-Bela residents urged to be waterwise
Bela-Bela residents should use water wisely, Deputy Water Affairs Minister Rejoice Mabudafhasi warned on Tuesday. "I appeal to all water users to use it wisely and sparingly." She was speaking in Rapotokwane, near Bela-Bela in Limpopo. Earlier this month, Bela-Bela and surrounding areas were flooded when a dam wall burst after days of heavy rain. Mabudafhasi told … [Read more...]
City cancels Princess Vlei shopping centre project
The City of Cape Town has listened to the community and decided that the proposal for a shopping centre on the Princess Vlei land is inappropriate and will cancel the project. As an inclusive city, we urge residents to work with us to develop an alternative vision for this land. The City of Cape Town has decided to cancel the proposed sale of a portion of the land at … [Read more...]
A change of heart for water & sanitation
What do we use drinking water for in this country? “To flush our toilets, to bath or shower, to wash our hands and cars and to irrigate our gardens. How much of this drinking water is actually used for drinking?” asked Councillor David Botha (pictured, right) from the Stellenbosch municipality during the university’s World Walk for Water and Sanitation this week. The event … [Read more...]
