Fracking is the process of drilling down into the earth before a high-pressure water mixture is directed at the rock to release the gas inside. Water, sand and chemicals are injected into the rock at high pressure, which allows the gas to flow out to the head of the well. This is the basis for fracking, and also the root of the problem in the Karoo. As you may or may not … [Read more...]
Cape Town adopts “precautionary approach” to underground water tunnels
The City of Cape Town has responded to a video filmed by vlogger Adam Spires in which he explored the city’s underground tunnels and claimed to have discovered that almost 7 billion litres of water appears to run through the tunnels and out into the sea where it goes to waste. The City said it has been aware of these springs off the Table Mountain range and has been … [Read more...]
Help Project Sunshine bring light to the children of Diepsloot
Diepsloot is a densely populated neighbourhood situated in the north of Johannesburg, South Africa. Over 200 000 inhabitants live in self made shacks, with living conditions worsened by a lack of access to basic facilities, like water, proper sanitation, education and public lighting. The Philile Foundation is a non-profit organisation that aims to transform the lives of … [Read more...]
What does Greenpeace’s tuna triumph mean for our oceans?
It took two years of relentless campaigning and nearly 700,000 concerned people from around the world, but Greenpeace have finally convinced the world’s largest tuna company to clean up its act! Tuna giant Thai Union, which owns brands such as John West, Chicken of the Sea, Petit Navire, Mareblu, and Sealect, has committed to a series of changes to its business that will … [Read more...]
Ireland set to ban onshore fracking after Bill passes in Seanad
The passing of a Bill to ban onshore fracking means the State joins just a handful of countries globally which prohibit extraction of natural gas from areas rich in shale gas. The Petroleum and Other Minerals Development (Prohibition of Onshore Hydraulic Fracturing) Bill 2016, which will become law after passing Committee Stage in the Seanad on Wednesday, is the first … [Read more...]
Awarding SA’s PET recycling champions
The extraordinary contributions to PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) recycling in South Africa during the course of 2016 by 10 individuals and companies were celebrated at an awards ceremony as part of the PETCO Annual General Meeting, held today at the Radisson Blu Sandton Hotel in Johannesburg. The PETCO awards are designed to recognise individuals, organisations and … [Read more...]
Clean-up and Recycle SA celebrates 21 years of beach guardianship
Clean-up and Recycle SA Week will take place this year from 11 – 17 September 2017, with various clean-ups being planned for neighbourhoods, water sources and beaches around the country. One of the highlights of this annual environmental awareness event, will be the 21st International Coastal Clean-Up Day (ICC) that will be taking place on Saturday, 16 September … [Read more...]
Time is running out for the world’s coral reefs after extensive bleaching
There was good news and bad news for the world's coral reefs last week. The good news, announced 19 June, is that the global coral bleaching event that started in 2015 appears to be over, according to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Silver Spring, Maryland. The bad news, released 23 June, is that the 3 successive years of bleaching conditions … [Read more...]
Stricter control of invasive species essential in Africa
Invasive alien species harm ecosystems, economies and human health across the globe. In Africa, alien trees reduce water yield in regions that are severely water stressed. Fishes introduced for aquaculture reduce native biodiversity and alien whiteflies spread diseases in cassava that can lead to famine. Many of these species were introduced intentionally for use as pets, … [Read more...]
Planned Mpumalanga coal mine will devastate water hotspot
Yesterday, a coalition of eight civil society and community organisations launched proceedings in the Pretoria High Court against Indian owned mining company Atha-Africa Ventures Pty Ltd. The coalition is asking the High Court to stop the mining company from commencing with any mining or related activities inside the Mabola Protected Environment outside Wakkerstroom in … [Read more...]
Zambia bets on solar power plant for plentiful electricity
Earlier this year, Cleantech Invest portfolio company Nocart announced the signing of a $200 million contract to develop a solar hybrid power plant in the Shangombo District of Western Province, Zambia. According to the company’s Managing Director Vesa Korhonen the project is on course. “The project is well on schedule. Production began in May, with the first local employees … [Read more...]
Fishing Line Recovery Programme aims to spread responsible fishing
The Fishing Line Recovery Programme, aimed at preserving South Africa’s marine heritage, has extended to now boast 360 bins along the coast. DPI Plastics has been involved with the initiative for the past four years, supplying the pipes and fittings for the manufacture of the specially-designed fishing line repositories, explains Marketing Manager Martine Goodchild. The … [Read more...]
Bringing food security to low income housing in Joburg
Green Acre Living has identified 700 low income households and works to enable these homes to achieve sustainable food security. Methods taught through training sessions, weekly workshops and a mentoring process are based on agroecology principles. Urban food security is an ongoing challenge against the backdrop of high unemployment rates of 25%, a faltering economy, ongoing … [Read more...]
