On July 22, 2020 Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams gazetted a new policy on the development of communications networks in South Africa. The motivation for promoting 5G electronic communications networks ‘was for the creation of a digital economy and society’, she said at the time. Activists have criticized the draft policy, that will … [Read more...]
Condemning eco-fascism in the time of COVID-19
People have commented on the virus in many different ways. You may have seen posts connecting the impact of the coronavirus with positive changes in the environment. We are greatly concerned by these, and as climate justice activists, we wish to address this urgent issue. COVID-19 has definitely changed our lives; isolation, working from home and shocking news headlines have … [Read more...]
Celebrating the expansion of SA’s Marine Protected Areas
A Marine Protected Area (MPA) Celebratory Dinner was held at the dockside, next to the WILDOCEANS’ Research Vessel Angra Pequena in Durban on Tuesday evening 16 April, to celebrate the announcement of 20 new and expanded MPAs by South Africa’s Cabinet at the end of last year, and to honour all those who played a role in the expansion. The event, hosted by WILDOCEANS (a … [Read more...]
Socially conscious films recognised in annual SIMA awards
The 6th annual Social Impact Media Awards (SIMA) have announced their finalists. Known for bridging the global gap between filmmakers and their audiences and encouraging thoughtful action, the annual SIMA Awards honor the works of content creators who are pushing the boundaries of social and political storytelling. "In 2017 we marched in some of the largest protests in … [Read more...]
Why do we deny or ignore climate change?
Over 25 years ago James Hansen presented evidence about global warming to US congress in 1988. Discussions have gone on since then and most outcomes are about postponing decisions. The general public has not been activated except in small pockets around the world. Today in Southern Africa, climate change is already having a major impact on weather, food supply and water and … [Read more...]
Eco advocate and folk singer tells her coal story
The unmistakable voice of Grammy Award winner Kathy Mattea explores music’s most basic human essence through timeless melodies and uplifting narratives. Singer, musician, songwriter, public speaker, activist: Mattea’s music and message have taken her to venues across America from Maine to Alaska, and overseas from England to Morocco, from college campuses to capitol buildings, … [Read more...]
Happy Earth Day All!
I fight not for the saving of the planet, for She did not elect me, I fight not to save Humankind, for they chose me not; I fight, in the process of self-induced human global suicide, On behalf of those innocents who suffer in the process... While one child goes hungry, while one sister cannot walk safely, while one person is homeless, while a single animal dies in the … [Read more...]
No whale meat shipment allowed in Durban port
This week the cargo ship Alma, carrying 2,000 tons of endangered fin whale meat from Iceland, has decided not to enter the South African port of Durban. The ship was en route to Japan to deliver its condemnable cargo in Tokyo and wanted to resupply halfway. It would have met public outrage. In three days over 21,000 South Africans joined Greenpeace in its request to the port … [Read more...]
Time to move the planet before it’s too late
We knew Moving Planet would move - we just didn't know how fast. It feels like it's going 82.8 miles per hour (which happens to be the fastest speed ever recorded on a bicycle). In the week since we launched this global day of action, we've already heard from hundreds of organizers in every corner of the planet who are making plans for September 24. Wherever you happen to … [Read more...]
Act now to avoid catastrophe
'People still talk about environmental change as if it is going to affect us further along the way. In 2008, 300 000 lives were lost as a direct impact of climate change. The lives being lost in Darfur is partly thanks to desertification.' So said Dr Kumi Naidoo at the Local Climate Solutions for Africa 2011 congress. He refers to the consequences as 'catastrophic' if we … [Read more...]
