Water, as we know, is a limited resource that is essential for all life on this planet. This makes it all the more astounding that so many of us simply take it for granted, especially in a semi-arid country like South Africa. This should clearly demonstrate that it is vital that the nation as a whole changes the value it places on this life-giving resource. World Water Day … [Read more...]
Happy days when your rainwater tanks are full
During last summer's drought, the price of rainwater tanks shot up. Business was booming. You could see trucks full of tanks all over the place. Good for a green heart who’s been promoting rainwater harvesting forever. We reached for second hand tanks, reconditioned oil drums – looking for the best value for money. Then a newby arrived on the market. A portable tank, … [Read more...]
Calling on government to conserve our groundwater and springs
Kildare Spring, which is part of the Newlands system (and Newlands Aquifer), is situated in the Cul de Sac, Spring Way - off Kildare Road in Newlands Village. For years people have collected Water here, with only one outlet. It took one Water activist with foresight and initiative, to set up the pipes, so that multiple people could collect at any one time. Active citizenry … [Read more...]
South Africa: Stop this criminal devastation of the Transkei ecology
Now you can voice your concern about the toxic spraying in the Transkei. In 1995, the South African Police Service (SAPS) began the aerial spraying of cannabis in the rural former Transkei. Every year since 2000, three SAPS Air Wing squirrel helicopters (donated by the American DEA) arrive at a luxury resort in Port St Johns on the Eastern Cape’s Wild Coast. For 3 - 4 weeks, … [Read more...]
Minister Molewa urged to address fracking implications
The Wildlife and Environment Society of South Africa (WESSA) considers the Minister’s decision to gazette the intention to declare fracking a controlled activity a portent of the risk fracking poses to our water resources in the greater Karoo. WESSA continues to urge the Government to exercise the precautionary principle enshrined in the National Environmental Management Act … [Read more...]
Coal expansion in China means water scarcity for many
'China’s huge thirst for energy is going to increase the scarcity of water already threatening people in western China and Inner Mongolia,' says Brian Blomme. A planned major expansion of coal mines, coal-fired electricity plants and coal-based chemical plants in northwest China will drain almost 10 billion cubic metres of water a year from water resources. This new … [Read more...]
Destroying the Cradle of Humankind
The historical town of Magaliesburg with it's tranquil surrounds, unspoiled scenic vista's and high quality landscapes stands on the brink of destruction by the mining industry. This highly popular eco-tourist destination, on the doorstep of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site will be destroyed forever if the miners and the Department of Minerals have their way. The … [Read more...]
28 new coal ash water pollution sites revealed
A new report by the Environmental Integrity Project documents that 49 coal-fired power plants have contaminated groundwater at 116 coal ash disposal sites in the United States. The data, which was released by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in response to a Freedom of Information Act request, revealed 28 previously unknown contamination sites in Iowa, … [Read more...]
Of chickens and horses
Dating back to the 1970’s and the emergence of the environmental movement in the US, multi-national corporations were schooled to trivialize environmental viewpoints. A simple, ‘You’re being emotional, we’re scientific’, was often sufficient to render the argument of environmentalists powerless in the face of economic forecasts and industry spin. The advent of the … [Read more...]
Canadian fracking blowout sends dire warning to SA
A fracking well blow-up in Canada ought to be seen as a warning shot fired across the bows of fracking in South Africa. This is the opinion of Treasure Karoo Action Group (TKAG) group Chairman, Jonathan Deal who said; “This incident demonstrates precisely why we have raised serious concerns about fracking in South Africa. We simply cannot allow any threat to South Africa’s … [Read more...]
Oils and solvents are groundwater contaminants
Around two thirds of South Africa's surface area is heavily dependent upon its groundwater. Pulled underground by gravity and stored in mainly non-porous rock cavities, groundwater is a valuable resource, especially in times of drought. The Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA)'s Western Cape branch hosted a workshop last week to address the issue of Oils … [Read more...]
Fracking should be banned everywhere
Hydraulic Fracturing, commonly known as Fracking, is a highly controversial method of extracting oil and gas from existing, redundant and new wells. Drilling has begun in an unregulated frenzy from USA, China and now heading for gas-rich Europe and other countries around the world. The environment and human health is at very serious and potential risk if this method of … [Read more...]
Water gives and takes life
It came as a surprise to me that only 0.25% of the water on our planet is available to us. I do know that it is not evenly distributed and that water is the source of all of life. I've also heard a rumour about the shortage of this resource. It is therefore no surprise that an entire conference was recently dedicated to spreading awareness about the serious trouble our water … [Read more...]
