While the Rooibos industry has always had environmental preservation at heart, an increased global demand for the tea has compelled the industry to more proactively review its impact across its value chain. Nicie Vorster, a director of the SA Rooibos Council (SARC) says the industry is renewing its focus on sustainability. “Ecosystems all over the world are being … [Read more...]
Recent energy sector developments welcomed by local NPO
The Green Connection’s Liziwe McDaid welcomes two recent developments in the energy sector that are seen as a massive boost to pro-climate activists. On 26 May 2021, it was reported that a Dutch court had ordered Royal Dutch Shell to dramatically slash its CO2 emissions in a landmark climate ruling, which stipulates that the oil company must slash its emissions by 45% by 2030 … [Read more...]
Water decisions that build climate resilience in Africa
A climate resilient project in Zambia supported by the African Development Bank and Climate Investment Funds (CIF) has won the Water ChangeMaker People’s Choice Award-Africa. The Strengthening Climate Resilience in the Kafue Sub-basin Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (SCRiKA) beat two other finalists identified by an expert jury to win first prize with roughly 7,000 … [Read more...]
A new generation picks up the struggle against coal in the Czech Republic
Libkovice could have been a very pleasant place to live. Lying along a stream on the foothills of the majestic ore mountains that separate Czech Bohemia from German Saxony, the village used to be home to several hundreds of people. It had its own bakery, a typical countryside inn, and reportedly quite a strong communal spirit. Regrettably, Libkovice is no more. It has … [Read more...]
Today all Dutch trains are powered 100% by wind energy
As from 1 January 2017 100% of Dutch electric trains are powered by wind energy. The Dutch railways company NS is the world’s first railway company that gets 100% of its energy from wind energy. Travelling by train has been the most environmentally friendly way of transportation for a long time already. In the Netherlands they have now taken it to the next level using wind … [Read more...]
Humble spud poised to launch world food revolution
In a small army field-hut Dr Arjen de Vos shows off his irrigation machine with pride. Pipes lead out to several acres of muddy field, where only a few stragglers from the autumn harvest of potatoes, salads, carrots and onions are left. The tubes are lined with copper to stop corrosion because – in a move that defies everything we think we know about farming – de Vos is … [Read more...]
Pedal power returns to Eikestad
As a child growing up in Stellenbosch we had complete freedom of movement. How independent we were, as we cycled ourselves to all activities by means of our own legs – on bicycles. Student numbers were probably less than half of what they are now and only senior students were allowed cars. Even as a student I of course cycled until my final year. Later I was involved in … [Read more...]
Philips sets joburg fashion week alight
On Saturday, February 19, 2011, the fashion contingent turned its focus to Joburg Fashion Week, which took place on one of South Africa's newest and most iconic landmarks, the Nelson Mandela Bridge. Through its lighting solutions, Philips helped accessorise David Thlale's Autumn collection with a lighting display that framed the show and accentuated the theme. In 2010, … [Read more...]
