Oceans Not Oil (ONO) hails an advisory produced by the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf)’s Scientific Advisory Group on Emergencies (SAGE) on the use of deep-sea seismic surveys to explore for oil and gas deposits in South African waters. In the scope of SAGE’s mandate, an “emergency” is defined as "a serious, unexpected, and potentially dangerous situation that has … [Read more...]
Stop the imminent seismic survey off the Western Cape coast
Civil society movement We Are South Africans has begun the process to seek an interdict to stop Australian company Seismic Searcher from its 2D/3D seismic survey, planned to commence off the Western Cape coast on 15 January. A Reconnaissance Permit in terms of Section 74 of the Mineral and Petroleum Resources Development Act (No. 28 of 2002) was granted by the Petroleum … [Read more...]
Have your say on the South African Gas Master Plan
Please comment on the proposed Gas Master Plan by the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE). Here follows an excerpt from their basecase report regarding the importance of gas in the future energy mix - not words by The Green Times: "At just 2.6% of the country’s total energy mix, South Africa’s natural gas market is small, but with all its inherent benefits, … [Read more...]
California frogs proposed for species protection
In response to a Center for Biological Diversity petition and lawsuit, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed Endangered Species Act protection for four populations of foothill yellow-legged frogs in the Sierra Nevada and central and Southern California. This stream-dwelling frog species has disappeared from more than 50% of its historic habitat in the state. “At … [Read more...]
Wild Coast seismic operations interdicted
In a major victory for Wild Coast communities, the Grahamstown High Court in Makhanda has ordered Shell to immediately cease its seismic blasting along South Africa’s Wild Coast. They also ordered Shell and the Minister of Mineral Resources to pay the costs of the application for the interim interdict. In granting the interdict sought by communities affected by the blasting … [Read more...]
Lawsuit to protect polar bears from Arctic oil exploration
The Center For Biological Diversity has filed a formal notice of intent to sue the U.S. Department of the Interior and Bureau of Land Management for failing to protect imperilled polar bears from an oil exploration project in the Western Arctic. “Every new oil well in the Arctic is another step toward the polar bear’s extinction,” said Kristen Monsell, a senior attorney at … [Read more...]
Nuclear protest highlights safety concerns at Koeberg
An anti-nuclear demonstration held on Bloubergstrand Beach on 16 December highlighted concerns of Capetonians about the implications of Eskom extending Koeberg’s lifespan next year. The nuclear plant reaches the end of its 40-year lifespan in 2024 but Eskom is trying to extend its operating life by another 20 years before any public consultation. The event was organised … [Read more...]
Seismic protests erupt at petrol stations across SA
Following the widespread publication of plans by Royal Dutch Shell to conduct a non-stop, five-month-long seismic survey of South Africa’s pristine ‘Wild Coast,’ national outrage has erupted. The last two weeks have seen protest actions by communities and activist groups the length and breadth of our country, attempting to amplify the voices of our compatriots on the Wild … [Read more...]
Ignore the climate crises at the cost of human rights
As one of the world’s biggest carbon-emitters dependent on coal for 80% of its electricity, South Africa’s pivot to renewable energy, as part of a just transition, is imperative. Through its event for International Human Rights Day 'Accelerating a Just Transition through Human rights,' Earthlife Africa Johannesburg highlights the urgent need to recognise the intersection … [Read more...]
Greenpeace demands more climate action from SA government
Last week, Greenpeace Africa demanded more climate action from the South African government. Activists gathered in Gandhi Square to display a banner that read: "Government, All Eyes On You!" The organisation is calling for the South African government to use the recently approved just transition partnership, valued at R131 billion, to fast track the implementation of a just … [Read more...]
Countdown to disaster for the Wild Coast
As the countdown begins to Shell’s seismic survey off the east coast of South Africa, conservationists are up in arms and are trying to beat the clock in efforts to stop Shell from following through with this operation. Shell announced their plans to commence seismic surveys along the Eastern Cape's Wild Coast, an area renowned for its high marine biodiversity, in just less … [Read more...]
SA unites against Wild Coast seismic blasting
As papers are being served on the Minister of Mineral Resources and the Director General of Petroleum Agency SA, and the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment by Interested and Affected Parties to suspend Shell’s seismic survey, nationwide protests along the coastline continue. There is also a boycott of Shell in progress, the tally of over 300 000 signatures … [Read more...]
Plans for 1500 MW of new coal-fired power unacceptable
Three civil society organisations this week launched landmark constitutional litigation in the North Gauteng High Court against the South African government, demanding that it abandon plans to build 1 500 MW of new coal-fired power on grounds that new coal-fired power poses significant unjustifiable threats to constitutional rights. The burning of coal is the biggest … [Read more...]
