The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (Outa) has released a graph showing all of the additional environmental taxes that South Africans are currently paying. The organisation said that these taxes have contributed a total of R103. 61 billion, but have not been clearly linked to real changes in behaviour. “It would be disastrous if an issue as critical as climate change was … [Read more...]
Elections 2014 – who gets your green vote?
This week we will vote for the future of this country. If you are aware of climate change and other threats to our environment and therefore to our civilisation, it helps to take note of how the different parties plan to respond to these threats. What are they saying in their manifestos about: Energy and Climate change Water (services and resources) Mining and … [Read more...]
French energy minister promises 100,000 green jobs
Segolene Royal, appointed French energy and environment minister this month, said she planned to create 100,000 jobs in the next three years with a drive for green growth. Royal told a news conference she wanted to accelerate investment in renewable energies like wind, solar, biomass and marine energy, as well as in insulation of buildings. In coming days, Royal will make … [Read more...]
Calderon dismisses ‘false’ choice between climate and economy
Economic growth is compatible with tackling climate change, says leader of ‘Stern Review 2′ report on climate economics. Calderon was Mexico's president for six years, during which he oversaw UN climate talks in Cancun. The choice between tackling climate change and growing the economy is a “false dilemma”, according to Felipe Calderon, former president of Mexico. Some … [Read more...]
Investors to move money from dirty energy?
Some of our world's largest global investment funds are seriously considering dropping dirty energy. Ernest Pillay speaks with Kevin James of GCX Africa. Ernest Pillay: Investors are increasingly considering the decision to withdraw their investment in fossil fuel oil and gas companies. The latest to announce that they are considering a fossil fuel divestment plan is … [Read more...]
How to save on tax through your energy efficiency
A special tax incentive to save energy was promulgated on 1 November, but how does that work? We are talking about the “Regulations in terms of Section 12L of the Income Tax Act, 1962, on the allowance for energy efficiency savings.” The allowance is for the purpose of determining the taxable income derived by any person from carrying on any trade in respect of any year of … [Read more...]
Cape Town crowned the world’s Earth Hour Capital for sustainability efforts
Cape Town is the World Wide Fund for Nature’s (WWF) Global Earth Hour’s City Capital for 2014. The announcement was made at a ceremony in Vancouver, Canada – which won the award in 2013. This accolade is a prestigious honour that recognises the city’s innovative actions on climate change and its dedication to pursuing the goal of a sustainable urban environment. Cape Town … [Read more...]
Africans seek clarity on climate finance
African negotiators and climate activists have called on wealthy nations at U.N. climate talks in Warsaw to say how they willl boost funding for African and other developing states to adapt to climate change and pursue green growth. “African governments need access to climate funds. These funds are needed for climate adaptation, mitigation and technology transfer, capacity … [Read more...]
