Nature is declining globally at rates unprecedented in human history – and the rate of species extinctions is accelerating, with grave impacts on people around the world now likely, warns a landmark new report from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services. “The overwhelming evidence of the IPBES Global Assessment, from a wide range … [Read more...]
Humanity must save insects to save ourselves
Humanity must save insects, if not for their sake, then for ourselves, a leading entomologist has warned. “Insects are the glue in nature and there is no doubt that both the [numbers] and diversity of insects are declining,” said Prof Anne Sverdrup-Thygeson, at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. “At some stage the whole fabric unravels and then we will really see the … [Read more...]
Farmers fighting to save the Earth’s soil
A growing army of UK farmers are turning their back on the plough – and centuries of farming tradition – in an effort to tackle a little-noticed but potentially devastating environmental crisis: the degradation of the Earth’s soil. Read the full article at The Guardian. … [Read more...]
Which political parties care about the environment?
Are our political parties addressing the bedrock issues of survival, or are they only interested in the short-term goal of re-election? In this country, with water constraints and fragile soil, we need to be very diligent about protecting these precious things, and about fighting climate change to ensure our own and our children’s futures. You could do worse than choose … [Read more...]
Scientists call for a ‘global deal for nature’
Nations must commit to protect half of the Earth to avoid massive biodiversity loss and the worst effects of dangerous climate change, according to a new scientific paper entitled A Global Deal for Nature: Guiding Principles, Milestones, and Targets. Based on the paper, a major petition is being launched by One Earth, a new initiative of the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation and … [Read more...]
Help take care of nature’s gifts this Earth Day
Earth Day is a global event each year, and we believe that more than 1 billion people in 192 countries now take part in what is the largest civic-focused day of action in the world. Nature’s gifts to our planet are the millions of species that we know and love, and many more that remain to be discovered. Unfortunately, human beings have irrevocably upset the balance of … [Read more...]
Nominations for the 8th Rhino Conservation Awards are now open
Nominations for the 8th annual Rhino Conservation Awards have officially opened and are invited from the five rhino range states of Africa. The Rhino Conservation Awards will be presented at a Gala Dinner held at the Montecasino Ballroom in Johannesburg. Award finalists will be joined at the event by high-level dignitaries under the patronage of His Serene Highness Prince … [Read more...]
New conference seeks ways to make roads safer for wildlife
It is likely that many drivers have, at some point, accidentally hit an animal on the road. The consequences? Not only an injured or dead animal, but probably an insurance claim, or a visit to the emergency room for various injuries. At the inaugural African Conference for Linear Infrastructure and Ecology (ACLIE) 2019, which was held this past week in the iconic Kruger … [Read more...]
New handbook shows how children can shape a sustainable future
The World Future Council (WFC) has just released a pioneering new policy handbook, compiling the most exemplary policies and practices to advance Education for Sustainable Development (ESD). After working with 16 Environment and Education Ministries, the Rights of Children and Youth Commission of the WFC has gathered together evidence that shows ESD can play a central role in … [Read more...]
Let your passions run wild this Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is here and many of us already have plans in place to make our loved-ones feel special. But it’s also an opportunity to spread the love still further to causes close to your heart, with romantic accessories that endure long beyond the month of love. If you’re looking for a way to literally wear your heart on your sleeve and show how much you care about the … [Read more...]
Dealing with invasive beetles in Cape Town
The City of Cape Town is ready to deal with an invasive beetle that poses a serious threat to trees in the metropole and surrounding areas. The City’s Recreation and Parks Department, together with the Invasive Species Unit, have put operational plans in place to deal with the polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB) which has invaded and damaged thousands of trees in other parts of … [Read more...]
SA targeted for testing of risky new gene silencing technology
The African Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) has lodged an objection against Pioneer Hi-Bred’s application for field trials of RNAi /gene silencing (DP-566113-9) GM maize, since the risks to the health of the environment and humans is, as yet, unknown. Just as most people were going on holiday, on 21 December 2018, Pioneer Hi-Bred advertised in the Citizen newspaper its … [Read more...]
Putting the 5 Freedoms for Animals into basic education
The Five Freedoms for Animals is a set of basic principles of animal welfare that are endorsed by the World Organisation for Animal Health and form part of the United Nation’s One Health programme. Social scientists around the world suggest that loss of empathy is at the root of our troubled and violent world. Cambridge University’s Professor of Developmental … [Read more...]
