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...]
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...]
Fish oil tanker intercepted by Greenpeace activists
Activists from the Greenpeace ship Rainbow Warrior in the English Channel have intercepted a tanker transporting fish oil taken from West Africa, as an investigation by Greenpeace Africa reveals recent trade figures showing that the fishmeal and fish oil industry in the region has grown at an alarming rate during the COVID-19 pandemic. “This is big business stripping life … [Read more...]
SA’s no-show at global plastic treaty meeting deeply disappointing
Responding to its no-show at the ministerial meeting on a proposed global plastics treaty, Greenpeace Africa, groundWork and WWF have expressed deep concerns at the unwillingness of the South African government to showcase the country’s leadership and willingness to tackle plastic pollution on a global platform. As the world moves away from linear to circular economy models, … [Read more...]
Celebrating Kenya’s fourth plastic ban anniversary
As Kenya marks the fourth anniversary of the ambitious plastics ban much has been achieved including limiting the pollution by carrier bags and the president's directive in protected areas but, still more needs to be done. Greenpeace Africa applauds the gains that the country has made and urges the government to urgently ‘’pronounce its support for the global plastic … [Read more...]
Greenpeace Africa demands accountability after Durban fire
Greenpeace Africa volunteers have launched a petition demanding accountability from United Phosphorus Limited following the July explosion of their chemical warehouse in Cornubia in Durban. An investigation by amaBhungane has uncovered that the warehouse stored hundreds of chemicals with known adverse health effects, including Masta 900, methamidophos, and paraquat. It also … [Read more...]
Government wants to capitalise on the plastic waste trade
According to a leaked document, the South African government plans to reject a proposed new global treaty on plastics. The Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries is afraid that the plastic ban will make it harder for the country to, among other things, capitalise on the plastic waste trade. This is despite South Africa being the third worst offender on the … [Read more...]
President Ramaphosa eases restrictions on renewable energy
Yesterday's announcement by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa that the threshold for self-generation power project licences would be lifted for projects generating up to 100MW of power is positive news for South Africa. The draft amendment to Schedule 2 of the Electricity Regulation Act (ERA), was published for comment in April 2021. It contained a self-generation … [Read more...]
New illegal forest concessions in the DRC
Greenpeace Africa calls on the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Félix Tshisekedi, to order the immediate cancellation of four illegal forest concession contracts signed last June 11 by the Minister of Environment and Sustainable Development, Claude Nyamugabo. Greenpeace Africa calls on the public prosecutor to open proceedings. In an action brought by civil … [Read more...]
More decisive action needed on climate change
Responding to President Cyril Ramaphosa's recent comments at the World Economic Forum's Davos Agenda, Greenpeace Africa's Climate and Energy Campaign Manager Happy Khambule has said: "The President of South Africa and Chair of the African Union is peddling 20th century solutions to 21st century problems. The President missed an opportunity to rise to the challenges of … [Read more...]
Global SO2 emissions dropped last year according to new report
Anthropogenic sulfur dioxide (SO2) emissions fell globally in 2019, reveals a new analysis of NASA satellite data by Greenpeace India and the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA). In 2019 human-made SO2 emissions fell in all three of the world’s top SO2 emitter countries - India, Russia and China - the report shows. "While heartening at first glance, the drop … [Read more...]
