Billions of bees, butterflies, and beetles... are dying off, threatening ecological collapse. Toxic agricultural pesticides are among the key culprits, but we now have a unique chance to phase them out in Europe. If we help win there, the rest of the world could follow. But to make it happen we have to drown out the voices of the industry lobby. Silently, the insect … [Read more...]
Rights of Rivers rapidly gains steam
A new report by the Cyrus R. Vance Center for International Justice, Earth Law Center, and International Rivers finds that a movement to grant legal rights to rivers and nature is rapidly gaining momentum globally. The report, Rights of Rivers, examines how the ancient notion that nature possesses basic rights is being adopted in laws from New Zealand to Colombia. Just … [Read more...]
Ecocide may become a crime
The Belgian Ecolo-Groen (Eco-Green) parties have been quick to seize the moment to propose establishing the crime of ‘Ecocide” in Belgium and in the wider international community, following French president Emmanuel Macron’s recent statement in support of a crime of ecocide. Proposals are being forwarded to the International Criminal Court, and the Pope and a number of world … [Read more...]
Belgian green parties introduce bill to make ecocide a crime
The Belgian Ecolo-Groen (Eco-Green) parties have been quick to seize the moment to propose establishing the crime of ‘Ecocide” in Belgium and in the wider international community, following French president Emmanuel Macron’s recent statement in support of making ecocide a crime. Belgian eco-green parties, in consultation with French legal expert and Stop Ecocide associate … [Read more...]
Residents encouraged to comment on nature reserve by-law
Cape Town residents have until Monday 16 March to comment on a draft Nature Reserves Bylaw devised and published by council. The proposed document intends to protect and preserve nature reserves in the municipal boundaries and ensure the safety and enjoyment of visitors to these areas. Cape Town is an integral part of the Cape Floristic Region, with much of its unique … [Read more...]
Let’s help make ecocide a crime
A growing number of people believe ecocide should be recognised as an atrocity crime at the International Criminal Court - alongside Genocide, War Crimes and Crimes Against Humanity. Ecocide is serious loss, damage or destruction of ecosystems, and includes climate and cultural damage. Any member state, however small, can propose an amendment to the International Criminal … [Read more...]
SA’s Green Party: educating to empower
The Green Party of South Africa's manifesto is inspired by the fundamental right of justice to all, as manifested in the values that are shared by Green Movements around the Globe. In particular, the Ten Key Values of the Green Committees of Correspondence, as applied to the unique South African political, social and economic environment. 1. A System that Works It is a … [Read more...]
Why Eskom should cancel its 60% tariff increase application
As Nersa prepares for public hearings on Eskom’s 45% Multi-Year tariff increase request (on top of an already approved 12% increase), Energy Expert Ted Blom has called on Eskom to scrap its application as the still captured and corrupt utility should not be granted any increases until a full forensic audit has been completed. “As we now enter 2019, Eskom is rudderless,” says … [Read more...]
Calls for long-term protection of Cape Town’s breadbasket
The Philippi Horticulture Area (PHA), the unique 3,000ha farmlands located within the city of Cape Town and in the heart of the Cape Flats has been the city’s breadbasket since 1885. The City of Cape Town is processing developments of 50,000 houses, 2 shopping centres, a private prison, private school. This will delete the farmlands and destroy the Cape Flats … [Read more...]
Zuma signs away our access to natural health
It has happened. President Jacob Zuma has signed the Medicines and Related Substances Amendment Bill 6 of 2014 into law in terms of section 84(2) of the Constitution. This new Act creates a new legal framework for the Medicines Control Council (MCC) to be scrapped, and for the establishment of a new South African Health Products [sic] Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA), similar … [Read more...]
Natural healers speak out against proposed new restrictions
More than 300 traditional healers and many other guests crowded into the Old Assembly Hall of Parliament last week to listen as the Traditional and Natural Health Alliance (TNHA) presented its views on an amendment to the Medicines Act Bill 6 (also known as the SAPHRA Bill) to the Portfolio Committee of Health. It has been almost 50 years since the Medicines Act of 1965 was … [Read more...]
Let’s take away Eskom’s license to pollute
Right now Eskom is seeking long-term postponements from complying with pollution standards designed to protect our health. They say complying with the standards would cost them too much, and that its coal plants don't affect human health – a claim that has been completely rubbished by recent research. Eskom is applying for long-term postponements for two-thirds of its … [Read more...]
Disciplines work together to tackle major challenges
“Disciplines have to work together in future to inform lawmakers and policymakers to craft laws that will lead to more safety, security and peace and more co-operation around the world.” These were the words of Prof Oliver Ruppel, Professor of Law at the Faculty of Law at SU and co-editor of the two-volume publication Climate Change: International Law and Global Governance – … [Read more...]
