Africa is sometimes better known for its vulnerability to climate change than its action on the problem – but a set of African cities intend to change that. Eight cities – from Accra to Dar es Salaam – pledged this week to deliver their share of emissions cuts needed to meet Paris Agreement targets to limit climate change. That means achieving “zero carbon” city economies … [Read more...]
SA recommits to green power with 27 renewable energy projects
The South African government on Tuesday re-affirmed its commitment to renewable energy as part of the country’s energy mix whilst dodging any mention of its plans for nuclear energy. Energy minister Jeff Radebe delivered a keynote address at the African Utility Week conference that kicked off at the Cape Town International Convention Centre Tuesday. He also assured delegates … [Read more...]
Climate change reversal window closing as Bonn talks stall
As the second week of talks at the Bonn Climate Change Conference gets underway, some 200 country delegates remain far from agreeing on a rulebook to implement the Paris Agreement, the historic accord signed in 2015 to reduce emissions and keep the worst effects of climate change at bay. The rulebook is central to the discussions because it outlines how the targets agreed … [Read more...]
World water problems on tap at Brazil conference
Brazil — the country with the world’s greatest fresh water reserves — hosts an international conference next week on growing fears over the fragility of drinking water supplies in a heating planet. Under the slogan “sharing water,” the 8th World Water Forum will bring together 15 heads of state and government, 300 mayors and dozens of experts in the Brazilian capital … [Read more...]
Plans to save Africa’s polluted coastlines
The oceans have become the world’s biggest rubbish dump – and Africa’s coastlines are under siege. It is now the world’s second most polluted continent. Microplastics, chemical and agricultural runoff, oil, sewage and solid waste are contributing to the polluting of much of the continent’s natural resources warns the African Marine Waste Network (AMWN). But numerous … [Read more...]
Putting a new spin on waste: green is the new gold
South African non-profit association, the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA), aims to change perceptions and encourage more people to consider waste as a valuable resource. The institute’s Eastern Cape branch hosted its regional waste conference, titled ‘Green is the new Gold’ at the World of Windows in the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium last week. “Our … [Read more...]
Durban to host the 2017 World Whale Conference
Hosted by the Durban KwaZulu-Natal Convention Bureau and eThekwini Municipality, the 4th World Whale Conference will focus on responsible tourism for whales and dolphins, and will unite national, regional and global stakeholders from whale conservation and welfare backgrounds, the whale watching industry, travel and tourism representatives, and beyond, to share evidence and … [Read more...]
ZNFU: “Zero rate agriculture needed to make Zambia breadbasket”
“The only way we can achieve the status of being a breadbasket is to zero rate agriculture” says Mr Jervis Zimba, President of the Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU), the owners of the upcoming Agritech Expo Zambia, in Chisamba from 27-29 April. In the run-up to the fourth edition of the massive open air farming exhibition in the heart of Zambia’s farming hub, Mr Zimba … [Read more...]
Conference brings together Africa’s leading women in energy
The third annual Women in Energy conference, organised by the Africa Energy Indaba, will bring together Africa’s leading women in the energy sector on Monday 20th February at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. The Africa Energy Indaba was the first energy conference on the continent to launch a specialised event for the promotion and empowerment of women in the … [Read more...]
South Africa’s renewables industry growth is fastest in the world
In 2015 SA had the world’s fastest growing green economy! This news broke at the countdown to Windaba. Moody's Corporation’s report shows the highest growth year-on-year globally for asset finance at 300%, totalling $4.5 billion (ZAR 63 billion) in 2015. In another industry affirming move this week, President Jacob Zuma clarified the government's position on the Independent … [Read more...]
Our Ocean conference committed to protecting vast tracts
US Secretary of State John Kerry will host the third “Our Ocean” conference in Washington, DC, United States to tackle key issues like marine pollution, and climate-related impacts on the ocean. The Secretary of State is understood to have sought the participation of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. The event titled “Our Ocean, One Future” will build on … [Read more...]
Institutions of higher learning should churn out green activists
University campuses should address climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and integrate sustainability into their curricula to benefit students and help create a thriving, modern community. That was the message of the fifth annual African Green Campus Initiative Conference, which saw students, academics and environmentalists coming from universities all over South … [Read more...]
Changing business, changing the world: first Sustainable Brands Conference in Cape Town
From May 14-17, Cape Town will host the very first Sustainable Brands Conference on African soil. The Sustainable Brands events were founded on the belief that unleashing the best of our human ingenuity and innovation can change the shape of business, and with it, the world. The desire is to spark new ideas by connecting people from different perspectives and disciplines … [Read more...]
