The following speech was delivered by Minister Barbara Creecy during a Parliament debate on climate change, at the Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, Cape Town, Western Cape Province on 11 March 2020: Allow me at the outset, to once again welcome the President Cyril Ramaphosa’s commitment to establishing the Presidential Climate Change Commission to lead our just … [Read more...]
Top speakers inspire at the 2015 Green Building Convention
“If everyone got free WiFi with every tree they planted, we wouldn’t have the problem of climate change.” This was the sentiment shared by renowned businessman, activist and sustainability advocate, Jochen Zeitz, at the 8th Annual Green Building Convention in Cape Town recently. The event, hosted by the Green Building Council SA, is a signature gathering on the greening and … [Read more...]
736 down this year – the unforgettable cry of a wounded rhino
“They say that the cry of a wounded rhino never leaves you… It is the sound you hear when a rhino wakes with half its face and struggles to its feet, dazed and confused, into a fate it will never understand.” This is an extract from Courage in the Loss of Hope By Lauren Daisy Flynn referring to a poaching incident in Kariega Game Reserve near where I live in Mpuma Coloni. … [Read more...]
Youth take the floor to revolutionise climate debate
Young people are often the most passionate voices on climate change, and with reason – as the planet warms over the coming century, it is the future of the youngest at stake. As such, it is often youth that are the loudest and the most ambitious in calling for action, proving to be anything from serious combatants to potential allies to the politicians in charge. But do … [Read more...]
Ethical labelling proves a necessity
With the strongest economy and a growing middle-class in its urban centres, South Africa has the largest market for “ethical” products on the continent. Therefore, there is an urgent need for proper food labeling, to avoid 'greenwashing' and to benefit farmers that really do offer ethically produced food. The environmental and social impacts of modern society’s reckless … [Read more...]
Youth debate Mother Earth’s rights
"The Earth Forum and exploration of the Charter enabled me to gain a deeper appreciation for nature, making me realise the desperate need for environmental education in vulnerable and poor communities,' said Youth Forum leader, Sofuthi Balungile (22) about his experience on the Climate Train at its first stop in Worcester. Sofuthi described the afternoon in a round table … [Read more...]
The Waste Act – One Year On
A year and a half after the introduction of the Waste Act, the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) recently hosted a workshop to debate the issue of 'The Waste Act - One Year.' 'Waste generation continues to expand uninhibited in South Africa and the waste management facilities, both new and existing, are battling to keep up despite significant … [Read more...]
