By 2050, most people on Earth will live downstream of tens of thousands of large dams built in the 20th century, many of them already operating at or beyond their design life, according to a UN University analysis. The report, Ageing water infrastructure: An emerging global risk, by UNU's Canadian-based Institute for Water, Environment and Health, says most of the 58,700 … [Read more...]
Monoculture tree plantations are a false climate solution
Yesterday was the 16th International Day of Struggle against Monoculture Tree Plantations. In 2004, rural communities in Brazil declared the day to commemorate the resistance against the expansion of monoculture tree plantations in Brazil. Through solidarity statements and actions around the world the day has evolved to become an International Day of Struggle. This year, a … [Read more...]
Help protect our game rangers and their families
Protecting our wildlife across Africa is no longer what it used to be. Dedicated individuals across the marine and terrestrial sectors work tirelessly to keep our heritage safe. During this global pandemic, let us not forget about our rangers. As lockdowns are implemented across the world, rangers are being classified as essential services in South Africa to ensure our … [Read more...]
Adventurer returns after African anti-poaching mission
50 days, four countries and 11 235km later, South Africa humanitarian and eco-warrior, Carla Geyser, has returned home having led a successful international all-women conservation mission into Southern Africa. Geyser’s Journeys with Purpose: The Rise of the Matriarch expedition spanned South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia, and attracted 12 women from around the … [Read more...]
African farmers sold out by secret deal on plant variety protection
"Harmonisation' is the new term used for the removal of African farmers' rights to survive by saving their own seeds as has been done over millenia. This is also the term used for removing our rights to natural and traditional medicines. On 06 July 2015, in Arusha, Tanzania, a Diplomatic Conference held under the auspices of the African Regional Intellectual Property … [Read more...]
Journalists set off in search of African sustainability stories
On April 9th 2016, a 3-person team of mobile journalists will begin an epic 14,000 km trans-African cycling expedition from Cape Town, South Africa to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Travelling unsupported for up to 10 months, carrying all their equipment, the team will produce documentary shorts that showcase ordinary people doing extraordinary things for their community and planet. … [Read more...]
New plan to secure future for grey crowned cranes
Grey Crowned Cranes have undergone a long-term large scale population decline of up to 80% over the past 45 years. They are econic, charismatic flagships for Southern and East Africa's grasslands and wetlands. Now the fastest declining crane species in the world, South Africa has the only sustainable and increasing population in Africa. To elevate the conservation status … [Read more...]
Women Stand their Ground against Big Coal
Despite threats to the planet and to humanity, coal expansion continues to escalate rapidly as energy demands increase globally, and supplies contract. In Southern Africa coal represents the energy and export choice of the future, with South Africa leading the way. South Africa’s reliance on coal is entrenched in its economy, with 95% of its domestic electricity supplied by … [Read more...]
3683 trees planted in Livingstone!
"At first I didn't really understand the full benefits of planting more trees, but Greenpop explained it to me & it is really going to help. Speaking for the whole community, we have cut down many trees for fuel. We are grateful to Greenpop for bringing us so many trees. & we hope to spread the message to our friends & neighbours. It was a very exciting day!" … [Read more...]
Zimbabwe flood victims receive donations
Zimbabwe's largest diversified media group, Zimpapers, through its Zimpapers Digital-caring for communities initiative, handed over goods donated by readers which included food, blankets and clothes to victims of the Tsholotsho floods to the district's Civil Protection Unit. The truckload of goods were collected from readers all over Zimbabwe and Zimpapers staffers who were … [Read more...]
UNESCO publishes climate change guidebook for journalists
African media can and should do more to tell the story of climate change, observes a new UNESCO publication, titled Climate Change in Africa: A Guidebook for Journalists. “This guidebook is part of UNESCO’s overall effort to raise awareness of the interdisciplinary core of climate change, and how journalists can reflect that in their practices”, says Fackson Banda, UNESCO … [Read more...]
Solar panels power world’s first off-grid toll plaza
Zimbabwe has kicked off a major road upgrade project with the opening of a toll plaza that is believed to be the world’s first to meet all its electricity needs without a grid connection. The plaza, about 20km from Bulawayo, derives the bulk of its electricity from arrays of solar panels on the roof over the lanes and collection booths, which charge two battery banks for … [Read more...]
One year’s PET recycling saves 75,000 tons of carbon emissions
PETCO’s Annual General Meeting took place on Wednesday, 28 August at the SAB World of Beer in Newtown, Johannesburg. The event was well attended by close on 100 stakeholders, shareholders and friends and was an opportunity for the PETCO Board and Management team to report back on the PETCO model and activities that contributed to the increased recovery and recycling of PET … [Read more...]
