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...]
Does 5G mean the final knockout for the bees?
The great success in Bavaria, Germany, of the referendum "Save the bees!" shows that the saving of the bees and nature is a big concern for many citizens. Populations of flying insects have declined shockingly by 75 to 80 percent since 1989. The goal of the bill is to counter the loss of species, especially the decline of bees, bumblebees and butterflies, by adjusting … [Read more...]
Inspiring women who bring environmental stories to their crafts
To celebrate International Women’s Day, Greenpeace puts the spotlight on female visual storytellers from around the world and their work on nature and the environment. From documenting rivers to climate change and ruminations about sustainable landscapes, these women all share a common passion in bringing their voice to environmental stories that they care about. Ore Huiying, … [Read more...]
Civil society opposed to Eskom’s requested tariff increases
On Monday (14 January), the Southern African Faith Communities’ Environment Institute (SAFCEI) – along with faith and community leaders, and other partners – will present its arguments to the National Energy Regulator (NERSA), opposing Eskom’s proposed tariff increases. Eskom is requesting an electricity price hike of 15% for 2019, with a projected overall increase of 45% to … [Read more...]
World’s largest air pollution hotspot is Mpumalanga
A groundbreaking analysis of satellite data from 1 June to 31 August this year reveals the world’s largest NO2 air pollution hotspots across six continents in the most detail to date. Greenpeace analysis of the data points to coal and transport as the two principle sources of air pollution, with Mpumalanga in South Africa topping the chart as the world’s largest NO2 hotspot … [Read more...]
Japanese government stops testing pesticides on dogs
The Japanese government has announced that it will no longer conduct year-long poisoning tests for pesticides on dogs. The one-year program was developed in order to test the toxicity of agrochemicals. According to Humane Society International (HSI), the tests subjugate groups of beagles to daily doses of pesticides in order to gauge the toxicity to humans. Dogs involved are … [Read more...]
India’s top beach destination commits to #BeatPlasticPollution
Goa, a small state on the west coast of India, is known for its pristine beaches, forests, adventure sports and rich marine life. The picturesque region attracts 5 million tourists every year from all parts of the world. This influx is key to the local economy, but it also generates 600 tonnes of waste on a daily basis. Tourists enjoying the beautiful land of “sun, sea and … [Read more...]
Let’s lock in climate progress
In 67 days, President Trump could go to war with climate action. But governments are at their annual climate summit right now. If we act fast, we could get them to lock in progress before he can destroy everything we worked for. Germany, China, India, Brazil, the climate vulnerable countries, and others are reasserting their commitment to the Paris climate deal. But if … [Read more...]
India floods: Over 300 dead, millions affected and villagers in relief camps
At least 300 people have died in eastern and central India and more than 6 million others have been affected by floods that have submerged villages, washed away crops, destroyed roads and disrupted power and phone lines, officials say. Heavy monsoon rains have caused rivers, including the mighty Ganges and its tributaries, to burst their banks forcing people into relief … [Read more...]
Award-winning soil documentary to have gala screening at Labia
An exclusive gala screening of award-winning documentary Symphony of the Soil is being hosted by the Labia Theatre, Cape Town at 6.30 pm on Sunday 14 August to raise funds for Soil for Life. Join dedicated eco-warrior and MC Nik Rabinowitz for an entertaining ‘green’ evening and help change the world one garden at a time. US based film-maker Deborah Koons Garcia has … [Read more...]
India to Britain in a solar Tuk Tuk
In an effort to spread awareness of alternative and clean energy sources, an adventurous young man is driving a solar and electric-powered Tuk Tuk (rickshaw) on an epic 10,000km road trip through 10 countries from India to the UK. Project Tejas - a Sanskrit word for brilliance - is the brainchild of Indian engineer Naveen Rabelli, who, along with documentary filmmaker and … [Read more...]
SA only country allowing GM staple food
South Africa is the only country in the world that has allowed its staple foods to be genetically modified (GM). Forty-four percent of the country’s maize is grown in the Free State. The mielie plants that cover the fields with a golden and green blanket may look the same as it always has but now it is very different. Since 1998, it has been tampered with by a process called … [Read more...]
A global tour of seven recent droughts
Every inhabited continent, to varying degrees, faces extremely high water stress. That means that in certain areas more than 80 percent of the local water supply is withdrawn by businesses, farmers, residents and other consumers every year. Not all of that water is consumed - it may flow back into a river after it’s used and be available again downstream - but the demand … [Read more...]