The president of Kiribati, one of the world’s most climate vulnerable countries, has written to fellow world leaders asking them to support a global moratorium on new coal mines. Anote Tong said the future safety of his people depended on collective and aggressive action to stem the use of coal, the largest source of the greenhouse gas emissions driving climate … [Read more...]
State intends to go ahead with fracking
In a General Notice, published by the Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, Bomo Edna Molewa, dated 23 August 2013, there is a clear indication that the state intends to allow exploration for the purposes of shale gas production. The process used to obtain shale gas is colloquially referred to as "fracking". The Minister has also reiterated in a press briefing in … [Read more...]
Fracking activist wins international environmental prize
South African environmental campaigner Jonathan Deal was today awarded the Goldman Environmental Prize for his work in the fight against hydraulic fracturing in the Karoo. Each year, the Goldman Environmental Foundation selects grassroots activists from around the world to honour them for their work. With an individual cash prize of $150 000 (close on R1.5m), it is the … [Read more...]
Global shale gas moratoriums increase
“While our government is scrambling to produce a secret document on which this country may make a potentially irreversible decision on shale gas mining ‘fracking’, international sentiment is increasing against the technology. Fracking is banned, or under some form of moratorium or restriction in more than 140 places around the world.” These were the words of TKAG (Treasure … [Read more...]
Capetonians protest the oil
A group of concerned Capetonians, in partnership with the NPO Climate Justice Campaign, gathered for a protest at the 18th Africa Oil Week At the Africa Oil Week, various heads of state, multinational oil and gas companies and other interested parties will discuss such topics as 'The Scramble for Africa' and 'Africa's Oil and Gas Future', including shale gas … [Read more...]
Moratorium call over shale gas
Plaid Cymru delegates have backed a motion calling for a moratorium on exploitation of shale gas reserves in Wales until such time as the technology used can be proved to be thoroughly safe. Delegates at the annual conference in Llandudno also agreed that any financial benefits of extraction of shale gas should be seen by the people of Wales through a Welsh energy fund which … [Read more...]
Shabangu extends fracking moratorium
Mining Minister Susan Shabangu has extended a moratorium on prospecting for shale gas for a further six months, to allow time for public consultation on the matter. The extension would be published in the Government Gazette, she told journalists at the end of a Cape Town Press Club breakfast function. Shabangu said her department had to "engage with the public" on the … [Read more...]
Calls to halt Karoo fracking
In its written objection to Shell Exploration Company's application to use hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in its search for shale gas in the Karoo, Treasure the Karoo Action Group (TKAG) has called on the authorities for an immediate ha lt to any such plans, not only by Shell but by any other organisation seeking similar authorisation. In a critical review report … [Read more...]
