Although South Africa has announced its intention to sign the Paris Agreement, there is still a long road ahead before it can be translated into constructive action domestically. The Paris climate change conference (UNFCCC COP21) stood out as not only a symbol of global solidarity, but also a beacon of hope for the then flailing international climate change negotiations. It … [Read more...]
Constitutional right to natural health products under jeopardy
Does your health depend on natural supplements, remedies or traditional products? Do you know that a proposed new bill is threatening the availability of the products you rely on? Some are already impossible to get hold of. Then sign a petition by the Traditional and Natural Health Alliance to the National Council of Provinces to stop Bill 6, which may destoy your choice to … [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...]
Africa Progress Panel supports G7 fossil fuel & renewable energy targets
The Africa Progress Panel welcomes the commitment made by the G7 to make deep cuts in emissions and to phase out of fossil fuels by the end of the century. In this year’s Africa Progress Report, “Power, People, Planet: Seizing Africa’s Energy and Climate Opportunities”, the Panel calls on the countries that emit the most to raise their level of ambition and implement their … [Read more...]
Achieving practical sustainable goals for South Africa
We have constantly been made aware of the dangers of climate change in recent years, as global temperatures continue to rise and natural disasters affect human settlement more frequently. The dialogue of world leaders repeatedly emphasises the need to focus on the development of a green economy to ensure the wellbeing of our planet. In working towards achieving the county’s … [Read more...]
New eco Rainbow Warrior in Cape Town for renewable power
Greenpeace’s iconic ship - the Rainbow Warrior – has arrived in Cape Town for a month long tour of the South African coastline, as part of a Greenpeace campaign to highlight the fact that renewable energy investments are the solution to the current electricity crisis. The environmentally friendly ship will dock at Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront in South Africa from the 9th – … [Read more...]
Bigsis Dr. Auma Obama joins World Future Council
The older sister of US President Barack Obama, Dr. Auma Obama, was appointed Councillor of the World Future Council. This Hamburg-based organisation works with decision-makers worldwide to implement policy solutions that secure the rights of future generations. At an official meeting with WFC board members Alexandra Wandel and Stefan Keinert, she signed the acceptance … [Read more...]
Polluters and law avoiders risk Green Scorpion’s sting
There is a common misconception that environmental law enforcement in South Africa is a low risk to parties evading environmental legislation requirements or causing pollution. However, from recent statistics released, it is clear that those polluters and companies avoiding their environmental law obligations will increasingly have to face the "Green Scorpion’s Sting". This … [Read more...]
US and China Shake Hands on Carbon Deal
The United States and China are the world’s two biggest economies, the largest emitters of greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), and the largest historical emitters of GHGs. China’s population is well over 1 billion people, with a rapidly expanding middle class and an economy that has been accelerating at breakneck speed for the past two decades. If the climate crisis is to be … [Read more...]
Proposed new rules slash timeframes for EIA
There is grave concern about the threat to our environment posed due to the proposed shortening of the period for the completion of Environmental Impact Assessments, (EIAs) before a new development can go ahead. Environmental impact assessment (EIA) is one of the cornerstones of responsible stewardship of our planet and its increasingly limited resources. Before you do … [Read more...]
Kogelberg coast – a blueprint for sustainable fisheries
South Africa’s oceans made headlines this month for their potential to contribute up to R177 billion to the national GDP and create over one million jobs by 2033. This, however, can only be realised if the oceans are managed correctly to ensure sustainable use with lasting benefits to the industries that support community livelihoods such as the fishing … [Read more...]
Candidate for top EU climate job defends oil links
The man chosen to head up the European Commission’s climate and energy department faced tough questions over his links to oil companies at a hearing on Wednesday. Miguel Arias Canete, a former Spanish environment minister, insisted there was no conflict of interest. He gave up shares in Petrolifera Ducar and Petrologis Canaris on being offered the climate commissioner job. … [Read more...]
