Climate change is a serious risk to vulnerable communities. Six of the eight threats recently highlighted by a team of scientists that gathered in Japan are being addressed by South Africa’s EduPlant programme. Severe weather events, such as those experienced in late summer this year, can destroy crops and lead to hunger and famine. Schools that apply Permaculture … [Read more...]
Tree marathon captures hearts in Klapmuts
A renewed energy and excitement filled the air in Klapmuts when crowds of people, including the honourable Mayor Conrad Sidego and over 140 volunteers from five corporate entities, gathered to take part in one of many Tree-a-thon’s (mass planting events) set to take place this year, as part of the “Million Trees” project. The crowd were addressed by the Mayor Conrad Sidego, … [Read more...]
Activists demand fundamental change in energy systems
Activists around the world welcomed the latest UN climate science panel's report by highlighting its passages on the need for fundamental change of energy systems. The report was greeted by a group of German climate justice activists holding banners and photos of protests and campaigns from the across the world. The campaigns are united by the Reclaim Power initiative, a … [Read more...]
Happy Earth Day All!
I fight not for the saving of the planet, for She did not elect me, I fight not to save Humankind, for they chose me not; I fight, in the process of self-induced human global suicide, On behalf of those innocents who suffer in the process... While one child goes hungry, while one sister cannot walk safely, while one person is homeless, while a single animal dies in the … [Read more...]
Greyton aims to phase out plastic bags
From the 3rd of July 2014 (International plastic bag free day), Greyton aims to become South Africa’s first town to phase out single use plastic shopping bags. This is a drive initiated by Greyton Transition Town (GTT) and supported and assisted by Hayley McLellan from Rethink the Bag. This is just one of the many creative waste reduction programmes run in Greyton. Green … [Read more...]
No whale meat shipment allowed in Durban port
This week the cargo ship Alma, carrying 2,000 tons of endangered fin whale meat from Iceland, has decided not to enter the South African port of Durban. The ship was en route to Japan to deliver its condemnable cargo in Tokyo and wanted to resupply halfway. It would have met public outrage. In three days over 21,000 South Africans joined Greenpeace in its request to the port … [Read more...]
Time for transition in South Africa
“In Transition 2.0” is a film that offers hope and resilience in challenging times. It was a pleasure to be part of the audience at the Eco Film Festival this month at the Labia in Gardens. For me the film presents a tried and tested opportunity for change. Very real change from a grassroots movement that is starting to gain ground in a time when we are looking for answers to … [Read more...]
Calling peacemakers for restorative justice
“The planet does not need more successful people. The planet desperately needs more peacemakers, healers, restorers, storytellers and lovers of all kinds.” The Dalai Lama One of our beautiful recent trainees posted this on my Facebook wall last week and it got a lot of likes, which to me speaks of humanity’s yearning for healing and restoration. It was also such an honour … [Read more...]
Hang up your heels for gumboots
The Miss Earth South Africa Women Empowerment and Leadership Programme once again promises to be one jam-packed with environmental milestones, sustainable achievements and green dreams as the organisation embarks on their annual search for South Africa’s next green beauty. Young women between the ages of 18 and 26 are invited to submit their applications for the 2014 … [Read more...]
Tassie Arctic hero finally back home
Russian authorities arrested and detained the 30 crew members of Greenpeace vessel the Arctic Sunrise for 100 days for participating in a peaceful protest. On 10 September 2013 armed commandos boarded and seized the Arctic Sunrise in international waters for attempting to attach a banner to an Arctic oil platform operated by Gazprom. The Arctic 30 have finally returned home … [Read more...]
Ecuador Shuts Down Environmental NGO
Ecuador has closed a non-governmental environmental organization who were protesting against an Oil License Round after accusing it of interfering in political events. Ecuador's Interior Ministry said the NGO, known as Fundación Pachamama, was "affecting the public peace." The government alleged that Fundacion Pachamama was involved in a disturbance last week against members … [Read more...]
Nelson Mandela’s legacy to climate change activists
We are sad and relieved that Tata Madiba has finally been released to fly free again. And we recommit ourselves to the struggle for climate justice as THE unifying factor which could link all of us passionately devoted to manifesting a fair and healthy world. Here is a moving piece by Alex Lanferna, green brother with great courage... “Sometimes it falls upon a generation … [Read more...]
