Samsung deliberately kept secret the harmful chemicals its South Korean workers were exposed to, fearing its competitors would learn trade secrets. 76 workers are now dead. Most of the dead were in their 20s or 30s. One former worker—a breast cancer survivor—reported that Samsung brought in “uninformed kids” and treated them like they were “disposable cups.” Samsung … [Read more...]
Apple commits to zero environmental waste in China
Apple announced on Wednesday that all 14 of its final assembly sites in China are now compliant with UL (Underwriters Laboratories) zero waste standards. “It means that all the manufacturing waste from the 14 facilities is either reused, recycled, or composted,” said Lisa Jackson, vice president of environment, policy and social initiatives at Apple. The tech giant now … [Read more...]
Two monks, Wood and Wasi help assess King IV
Two companion monks came across a swollen, raging river on their travels. A pretty, young woman who had reached the same bank, asked them to help her cross the river. Without hesitation the older and senior of the two picked up the woman and helped her across. The younger monk was aghast because his companion had broken a vow that they had both taken – never to touch a … [Read more...]
The time has come to un-muzzle the SABC
The SABC is under attack - corrupted into a pro-government megaphone that deafens democracy and drowns out dissent. Six journalists have now been suspended for criticising the propaganda policies of SABC chief, Hlaudi Motsoeneng. Policies that silence reports on public protests and require 80% of SABC news to be good news - news the government likes. As elections … [Read more...]
Comment sought on draft carbon-offset rules
National Treasury on Monday published the draft regulations on carbon offset in terms of the Draft Carbon Tax Bill for public comment and further consultation. The Carbon Offset Regulations were developed jointly by National Treasury, the Department of Energy and the Department of Environmental Affairs in terms of Sections 13 and 20 (b) of the Draft Carbon Tax Bill and sets … [Read more...]
Company environmental disclosures often hide bad things
The Centre for Environmental Rights has submitted comments on the Draft King IV Report on Corporate Governance for South Africa 2016 (King IV). As with all other comments submitted to the Institute of Directors of Southern Africa (IODSA) as part of the King IV Public Commentary process, our comments were submitted using the IODSA online commenting platform, and are available … [Read more...]
Nigeria leads the way promoting ridesharing in Africa
At the start of the last century, just one in seven people worldwide lived in cities. Today it’s half, and by 2050), the UN predicts another 2.5 billion people will be living in urban areas. This has brought huge benefits, with the growth of cities linked directly to economic growth, as well as improved health and education. Nowhere is this more apparent than across Africa, but … [Read more...]
The future belongs to sustainable brands
The need for innovation in the responsible design of plastic packaging and the essential focus on the post-consumer life of this material was discussed during a workshop at the Sustainable Brands HOW NOW conference in Cape Town. The conference created an opportunity for professionals from various industries to network and learn from their peers and a collection of thought … [Read more...]
What are the next steps to domesticate the Paris Agreement?
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...]
Investor interest in sustainability performance on the rise
Long relegated as a fringe issue on the corporate agenda, sustainability is fast becoming a rising concern among investors and shareholders, said business heads from leading Singapore companies on Wednesday. Speaking at a panel discussion on sustainability and climate change hosted by the Singapore Exchange, representatives from Singapore-listed companies DBS Bank, City … [Read more...]
Cape Town pushing ‘ambitious’ climate agenda
Cape Town's green projects have to deliver benefits to the poor and create jobs, said the City’s Executive Mayor, Patricia de Lille, at the Cape Town Climate Change Coalition last week. The forum includes role players from the City of Cape Town, the Western Cape Government, civil society and business to discuss collective actions needed to address climate change … [Read more...]
WESSA graduates say “YES” to greener futures
Over 100 enthusiastic young participants on the Department of Environmental Affairs’ Youth Environmental Services (YES) Programme are equipped to pursue careers in the green economy after having received their graduation certificates at a ceremony held in Caledon today. This group is the latest intake of youths from disadvantaged backgrounds that have completed the year-long … [Read more...]
Ordinary people mobilising to disrupt the fossil fuel industry
The business of unearthing coal, oil, and gas reserves to power the world is a multi trillion-dollar industry. But scientists say that in order to avoid catastrophic consequences, at least two-thirds of these reserves need to remain underground to limit global warming to two degrees Celsius. Ordinary people are joining forces to create a global grass-roots movement, geared … [Read more...]
