A Day of the year has been allocated to the power of the sun thanks to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). International Day of the Sun on 03 May is meant to recognise and promote the expansion of this abundant renewable energy resource. International Day of the Sun also coincides with a major research collaboration to identify the optimal thermal technologies that … [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...]
Reducing vertebrate mortality on electric fences
Pangolin.Africa, the Tikki Hywood Foundation and the Kalahari Wildlife Project, in collaboration with Stafix electric fence and security company, are currently working on a ground-breaking new project in an effort to drastically reduce the accidental electrocution of pangolins on electrified fences. These electrical installations - prevalent on game reserves, private game … [Read more...]
China cancels giant SA coal project
The Government of the People’s Republic of China has confirmed in correspondence with Fossil Free South Africa that China will no longer be funding a new 3GW coal-fired power plant in the planned Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MM-SEZ) in Limpopo Province. Chinese premier Xi Jinping announced China’s end to funding of overseas coal projects in an address at the United … [Read more...]
Concern grows over mega-polluting MMSEZ project
As the world prepares for COP26 (starting on 31 October 2021 in Glasgow Scotland), a small community in the far north of Limpopo province grow increasingly concerned about the potentially devastating impacts of the proposed Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone (MMSEZ) mega-project. The women of the Mulambwane Community – about one hundred of whom held a peaceful … [Read more...]
Limpopo communities demand action on air pollution
This morning, in a peaceful demonstration – that started at the crack of dawn at the Medupi, Matimba and Exxaro crossing – Earthlife Africa Johannesburg joined local community activists in Lephalale in Limpopo Province, to demand that the World Bank forfeits its loan to Eskom’s Medupi coal-fired power station for failing to install pollution-abatement technologies to help ease … [Read more...]
Getting the youth ready to face environmental challenges
Delta Environmental Centre (DEC) trained 37 trainers in April after it was appointed one of the training service providers for the Mass Training programme (DMT) of the department of environmental affairs which is part of the department’s Environmental Protection and Infrastructure Programmes (EPIP). DEC will be responsible for Project Management and Training implementation … [Read more...]
National Zoological Gardens launches recycling pilot project
South Africa’s largest zoo, the National Zoological Garden of South Africa (NZG), on Wednesday launched a recycling pilot project aimed at job creation and addressing the massive litter problem which its thousands of annual visitors leave in their wake. Should the programme prove successful, it could also be rolled out at the Mokopane Biodiversity Centre in Limpopo. The … [Read more...]
Spring heat wave hits South Africa
Southern hemisphere heat waves are back and the northeastern provinces are frying. The South African Weather Service has issued a heat wave warning for the northeastern provinces of Gauteng (which includes Johannesburg and Pretoria), Mpumalanga and Limpopo, which contains the Kruger National Park. Weather forecaster, Vanepia Phakula, said the warning continued through to … [Read more...]
E’s voice: Dare to win the climate struggle
“We are going to win this struggle. Whenever a struggle is involved in a choice between what is right and what is wrong, the outcome is inevitable.” With these words former vice-president Al Gore introduced day 2 of the Climate Leadership Corps training, which I was lucky enough to attend. “It’s all about resolving the clarity of the choice. A choice between life and … [Read more...]
SA water challenge Part 2: Conflicts over water interests
The challenges with water as our life giving and most threatened resource, especially in Africa, continues to be one of our core focus areas of this year. In our last issue Green Times student Allen Tshautshau examined the scope of this crucial issue. In this article he analyses the conflicts arising from competition for water. The current water scarcity has induced … [Read more...]
Aid underway for hailstorm victims
Humanitarian organisation Gift of the Givers has set aside R2 million for flood victims in Gauteng, Limpopo and Kimberley. The organisation, along with insurance companies, is responding to the havoc caused by the hail storm in the week. Hundreds of people were left stranded after their homes were destroyed by the storm. The South African Weather Bureau has also warned of … [Read more...]
Platinum mine planned near Nylsvlei floodplain
We recently learned of a planned Platinum mine downstream of the 16 000 ha Nylsvlei floodplain in the Limpopo Province. The following letter was sent out to members of a pressure group called AIKONA (Against Interference in Kruger & other National Assets). The Nylsvlei is a 4 000 ha nature reserve lying to the East of the Waterberg between Modimolle (Nylstroom) and … [Read more...]
