The Covid pandemic has made clear that there is no economic success without social wellbeing, which is founded on the health of people and ecosystems. When we imperil wellbeing, we demolish economic activity, resulting in more poverty and destitution. For over a decade, Prof. Fioramonti has been advocating a new theory and practice called “wellbeing economy” to demonstrate … [Read more...]
EU Commission includes fossil fuels in green taxonomy proposal
For the last year, Central and Eastern European governments have been pressuring the EU to include less restrictive criteria for biomass energy production and to recognise natural gas as a transition fuel towards climate neutrality. They may have realised their ambitions with the current draft of the EU Sustainable Taxonomy proposal. Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) will be … [Read more...]
Forging a path to forest restoration and well-being
The theme for this year’s International Day of Forests (IDF) is “Forest restoration: a path to recovery and well-being” and it’s one that resonates with the local forest industry. “Many people don’t know that timber plantations in South Africa were originally established to provide an alternative timber supply, in order to protect our few natural forests from further … [Read more...]
Mauritius’ plastic regulations could have unintended results
The government of Mauritius have proposed bold new measures to curb plastic waste. While the intentions behind the mooted regulations are commendable, We-Recycle Mauritius are firmly of the view that the proposed new policies for the management of PET Plastic Waste, if implemented as per the timelines, logistics and technicalities, could have a negative impact on the various … [Read more...]
Mozambican litchi programme brings the sweet taste of success
In a victory for more than 200 smallholder growers, Westfalia Fruit is celebrating a bountiful 2020 litchi season in Mozambique. The returns from the 2020 bumper crop are uplifting a community of small-scale farmers in Manica Province, who, with the help of Westfalia over the past five years, have secured market access to Europe, GlobalGAP status, and a World Bank grant to … [Read more...]
Educational video series presents climate solutions
Climate Solutions 101 is a free video series filled with the latest need-to-know science and fascinating insights from global leaders in climate policy, research, investment and beyond. Rather than rehashing well-known climate challenges, Project Drawdown highlights game-changing climate action based on its own rigorous scientific review and assessment. This course, … [Read more...]
Is sustainability finally becoming more mainstream?
As the world grapples with the uncertainty surrounding the long-term implications of Covid-19, there is a measure of agreement on one thing - the global pandemic has fast-tracked numerous trends which were already emerging prior to the crisis. Says Anthony Stroebel, head of New Business Development for Pam Golding Properties and a director of the Green Building Council South … [Read more...]
Energy performance certificate boosts energy efficiency
SANEDI believes that the issuing of the first-ever Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) for a building in South Africa recently is a landmark achievement that will encourage energy efficiency across the board. According to the International Energy Agency buildings account for approximately 30% of global energy consumption and 40% of total direct and indirect CO2 emissions. … [Read more...]
Kenya emerges as leader in fighting plastic pollution
Kenya is emerging as a leader in the fight against plastic pollution and is among the first countries in East Africa to limit single-use plastics and sign the Clean Seas initiative to rid waterways of plastic waste. Juliette Biao, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Regional Director for Africa lauded the country for banning plastic bottles, cups and cutlery in … [Read more...]
Protest aims to educate about the perils of 5G
While enticing ads for 5G are increasingly ruling the airwaves, scientists, communities and organizations around the world are rising up to oppose 5G technology proposed on every street corner and in space. An international effort has been launched to offer a reality check on 5G and educate others that this untested technology threatens our health, safety, property values, … [Read more...]
Presidential Climate Change Coordinating Commission appointed
President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed members of the inaugural Presidential Climate Change Coordinating Commission (P4C) with effect from 17 December 2020. The establishment of the Commission emanates from the Presidential Jobs Summit held in October 2018 when social partners agreed that a statutory body be formed to coordinate and oversee the just transition towards a … [Read more...]
EU Sustainable Taxonomy must be rooted in climate science
The global climate strikes have consistently made a simple demand: listen to the science. We agree. Just as experts and evidence have been key assets in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, so too must they, and not sectoral interests, determine our policies to fight the climate crisis. WWF Central and Eastern Europe, along with a coalition of NGOs, think-tanks, experts and … [Read more...]
National award for Mpumalanga recycling initiative
A Mpumalanga recycling project has received acclaim for improving the lives and livelihoods of Ermelo community members while making a positive difference to the environment. When Johanna Leshabane launched Bophelo Recycling in 2007 after being retrenched, little did she know that her dream of fighting unemployment in her community would evolve into an award-winning … [Read more...]
