For millennia, trees have provided mankind with fuel, food, fibre and medicine from their fruit, flowers, roots, wood, leaves and branches. In fact, many things we use daily are connected to wood. Printer paper, chewing gum, planks, viscose fabric, vitamins, pallets, toilet tissue, toothpaste, and detergents all have a link back to wood. Wood is made up of cellulose, … [Read more...]
Encouraging young women to make their mark in energy
It is crucial that young women be inspired to enter the energy and science sectors at an early age, while still in primary school, because often by the time they reach high school their attention is drawn to the commercial sector, says Dr Thembakazi Mali, Interim CEO for the SA National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI), who adds that while there is an increase in the … [Read more...]
Stellies farm workers turn carbon credits into cash
How do carbon credits benefit workers on an organic farm and the environment? Twenty-seven employees of the Spier wine estate, in Stellenbosch, have, through a climate change mitigation initiative, shared half the R204 000 paid out from carbon credits – derived from practicing regenerative farming on a section of the organically certified wine farm. An average of R4 000 … [Read more...]
Calderon dismisses ‘false’ choice between climate and economy
Economic growth is compatible with tackling climate change, says leader of ‘Stern Review 2′ report on climate economics. Calderon was Mexico's president for six years, during which he oversaw UN climate talks in Cancun. The choice between tackling climate change and growing the economy is a “false dilemma”, according to Felipe Calderon, former president of Mexico. Some … [Read more...]
Investing in biodiversity
Biodiversity is not about a few endangered species, but rather about the building blocks of life sustaining all earth's ecosystems. Over 600 scientists attending the 2nd major International Biodiversity Conference held in Cape Town recently said in their concluding statement that 'the fabric out of which the earth system is woven is unravelling at an accelerating rate.' 'We … [Read more...]
