The world is currently grappling with the worst public health emergency in recent memory. The recent outbreak of COVID-19 has brought the link between zoonotic diseases - those transmitted from animals to humans - and wildlife trade into sharp focus. The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the current COVID-19 pandemic, along with at least 61% of all human … [Read more...]
Vietnam on red alert in anticipation of worst storm in years
Doksuri is forecast to hit Vietnam on Friday night with wind speeds of at least 118kph. Vietnam has been put on red alert as it braces for a giant tropical storm that is forecast to hit the country this week with wind speeds of at least 118 kilometers per hour. Officials said at a meeting on Wednesday that Doksuri, the 10th storm to form in the South China Sea (which … [Read more...]
Fears of another Fukushima linger as tropical storm pummels Texas
In the midst of Tropical Storm Harvey's drenching onslaught, energy watchdogs are sounding the alarm over the continued operation of two nuclear reactors in East Texas that are running at full capacity despite what they claim is the clear potential for a major disaster. Located near Bay City, Texas, the reactors belong to the South Texas Project, a 12,200-acre nuclear power … [Read more...]
Lack of invasive plant management compounds Somerset West fires
“Landowners who have not managed invasive alien plants on their properties must be held accountable for that impact on the fires that have ravaged areas around Somerset West.” That is the view of Dr Guy Preston, Deputy Director-General in the Department of Environmental Affairs, responsible for the Working on Fire and Working for Water programmes. “We know that invasive … [Read more...]
Understanding global change
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) and the National Research Foundation (NRF), in collaboration with the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA), recently hosted a three-day national conference on global change in Gauteng. Following the finalisation of the Global Change Implementation Framework, one of the decisions by the global change research and policy … [Read more...]
Civil society marches against nuclear energy
Thousands of people from civil society groups across Gauteng took part in a march to protest against South Africa’s nuclear expansion plans. The activists marched from Pieter Roos Park to Beyers Naude Square, where they handed over a memorandum to the Presidency. Smaller protests and placard demonstrations happened simultaneously in Durban, Cape Town and … [Read more...]
Africa’s sacred natural sites under threat
Kenya and Africa are home to many Sacred Natural Sites, including forests, mountains and rivers. Local and indigenous communities have upheld their role and responsibilities, passed down over centuries by their grandparents and ancestors, as the Guardians or Custodians of these places. It is because of the communities’ deep respect towards their Sacred Natural Sites, and … [Read more...]
