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...]
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...]
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...]
COP21: Pacific Islanders on the front line of climate change
Up to 70% of Pacific Island dwellers would have to migrate due to climate change. This was said at COP21 today. The United Nations University Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS) the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) presented the first nationally representative household survey conducted on climate change and … [Read more...]
Top speakers inspire at the 2015 Green Building Convention
“If everyone got free WiFi with every tree they planted, we wouldn’t have the problem of climate change.” This was the sentiment shared by renowned businessman, activist and sustainability advocate, Jochen Zeitz, at the 8th Annual Green Building Convention in Cape Town recently. The event, hosted by the Green Building Council SA, is a signature gathering on the greening and … [Read more...]
Interfaith lovefest ‘brings hearts and minds together’
Nobody does pageantry like people of faith — and that was decidedly on display Thursday night as the 2015 Parliament of the World's Religions opened with a lengthy processional at the Salt Palace in downtown Salt Lake City. Chiefs from seven American Indian tribes, wearing traditional feathered headdresses and fur cloaks, led the way to the podium as a drum circle … [Read more...]
Climate hearings heat up with an eye on Paris
Many moving events are happening in the build up to the most important conference ever on the future of this planet. Last week parliament's Portfolio Committee on Environmental Affairs devoted one and a half days to holding Climate Hearings. Here was a bumper full hall of colourful people from our rainbow nation – from all sectors and walks of life – pleading with the … [Read more...]
Rich-poor climate reconciliation in sight at UN talks
The UN climate process is a complex beast, but at its heart lies a debate over the balance of responsibilities between rich and poor. It’s a pointed subject right now as the global climate change architecture is being reconfigured, with December’s Paris summit the endgame venue. In previous deals, the 42 countries deemed industrialised in 1992, plus post-Soviet states, … [Read more...]
One last chance to thwart the great African seed grab
Nineteen African nations met this week in Arusha, Tanzania, to finalise a 'plant protection' protocol that would open up the continent's seeds to corporate interests, taking away farmers' rights to grow, improve, sell and exchange their traditional seeds, while allowing commercial breeders to make free use of the biodiversity they embody, to sell them back to farmers in … [Read more...]
SA to host the next International Renewable Energy Conference
The Government of South Africa announced that it has teamed up with REN21 – the Renewable Energy Policy Network for the 21st Century - to organise the next International Renewable Energy Conference (IREC) in South Africa in autumn 2015. Dedicated exclusively to the renewable energy sector, IREC is a high-level political conference series hosted by a national government … [Read more...]
Don’t let load shedding spoil your holiday
Load shedding is a fact of life for the foreseeable future in South Africa and a little planning and creativity can alleviate a lot of the unpleasantness during the holidays. This is according to Evan Schiff, event director of the annual African Utility Week and Clean Power Africa conference and expo in Cape Town. Higher electricity prices in South Africa have become an … [Read more...]
Register now for marine & coastal educators conference
All those promoting awareness and education of the marine environment are gathering in Gauteng from 11-16 January 2015 to share research, classroom and field activities and be energized with new ideas. Now is the time to book for the 15th Marine and Coastal Educators Network (MCEN) Conference, which brings together formal and informal educators from schools, public … [Read more...]
