Australia’s top climate scientist says “we are already deep into the trajectory towards collapse” of civilisation, which may now be inevitable because 9 of the 15 known global climate tipping points that regulate the state of the planet have been activated. Australian National University emeritus professor Will Steffen (pictured) told Voice of Action that there was already a … [Read more...]
African science for African sustainability
Africa’s story has for many years been recorded by those who did not speak her languages, know her legends or count their families among her people. Inasmuch as our past influences our future direction, the African story can too be easily delineated by experts who cannot fully understand the needs and peculiarities of communities on the continent. Africa requires … [Read more...]
World’s largest plant survey reveals alarming extinction rate
The world’s seed-bearing plants have been disappearing at a rate of nearly 3 species a year since 1900 ― which is up to 500 times higher than would be expected as a result of natural forces alone, according to the largest survey yet of plant extinctions. The project looked at more than 330,000 species and found that plants on islands and in the tropics were the most likely … [Read more...]
SA student wins Green Talents award in Germany
For the tenth time the “Green Talents – International Forum for High Potentials in Sustainable Development” culminated in a festive award ceremony at which the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research honoured the newest 25 awardees for their innovative green ideas from various fields of research and promoted an international exchange. This year, a high-ranking jury … [Read more...]
Shining a light on South Africa’s Marine Protected Areas
The youth shone a light on the importance of Marine Protected Areas with an evening of original poetry, inspiration and a spotlight performance at the WILDOCEANS Ocean Stewards’ Dinner on the Dock event held at Trawlers Wharf, Durban earlier this week, launching a week of mentorship and career guidance. With the launch of the annual four-day WILDOCEANS Ocean Stewards’ … [Read more...]
Why are our sea turtles getting smaller?
Sea turtles in South Africa are getting smaller – and scientists are trying to find out why, and how this will affect future populations. “What we are finding is that the size at reproduction of individual loggerhead and leatherback turtles is getting smaller over time, and we are gearing our research to find out what could be the cause,” said NMMU’s Head of Zoology, … [Read more...]
Antarctic Expedition to show how we’re destroying the planet
The Antarctic circumnavigation expedition (ACE) ended when the Russian research vessel Akademik Treshnikov sailed into Cape Town last week. But the real work has only just begun. That was the consensus as some of the scientists involved gathered at the first workshop on results on a quayside at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town on the afternoon of Monday March 20. David … [Read more...]
UCT Convocation wants fossil fuels divestment
On Tuesday 28 February, the Convocation of the University of Cape Town overwhelmingly passed a non-binding motion for the university to rid itself of all investments in fossil fuels within five years. Should the university Council agree to this motion, it would make UCT the first African University to formally commit to divesting from fossil fuels. Convocation is a statutory … [Read more...]
What are the ACTUAL impacts of climate change on SA’s environment?
A group of South African scientists have presented radical evidence of fundamental changes in African ecosystems, which threaten the future of our savannas and their wildlife. Unlike in the northern hemisphere, the global driver that has the largest impact is not only global warming, but increasing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Increasing CO2, the scientists argue, is … [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...]
Risk being seen in all your glory
"The effect you have on others is the most valuable currency there is." "Hope walks through the fire, faith leaps over it." So much wisdom emanated from one of this world's kings of comedy - Jim Carrey during his commencement address to the class of 2014 at the Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, IA recently. Watch this most inspiring address and "risk … [Read more...]
Waste management bringing sustainability into the mainstream
The PET Recycling Company (Pty) Ltd (PETCO) was proud to play a part in the Better Together Games hosted by Western Cape Government (WCG) on Friday 25 October 2013. The event, hosted at the University of the Western Cape campus, attracted close on 10 000 officials and is one of the most popular and well attended events on the Western Cape Government calendar. This event … [Read more...]
Wits to build new car for solar race
The University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) will enter the 2014 Sasol Solar Challenge with a brand-new vehicle, the Parhelion, currently under construction. Built largely by the School of Mechanical, Industrial and Aeronautical Engineering, the new, modern vehicle will replace the solar car which clinched the Wits team, as a first-time entrant, the fourth place in the 2012 … [Read more...]
