As early as 2012 the World Economic Forum (WEF) warned that water security was one of the most significant risks to the planet and its people. Water concerns in one form or another have ranked among the top five risks of the WEF Global Risks Report ever since. In South Africa, the national government's Water and Sanitation Master Plan has informed much-needed amendments … [Read more...]
Green bank safeguarding the future
What is our green bank and valued partner up to in their quest to "futureproof society?" Did you know the Nedbank Fair Share 2030 programme includes supporting farmers, housing, renewable energy, resilient communities, education, water infrastructure, food security, sustainable agriculture and much more. With an eagle eye on greenhouse gas emissions they have been carbon … [Read more...]
A call to consume consciously this World Food Day
Hunger is undeniably an intensely personal and political issue. Hunger has laid waste to human civilizations from the dawn of time. It has driven conquest and war. It has birthed revolutions. Therefore it is absolutely critical that food security be at the top of any nation’s agenda. A country is food secure when everyone has access to a sufficient quantity of affordable … [Read more...]
Rural Acornhoek kids taught to love their environment
Children who have never seen wildlife struggle to draw pictures of them. This is in a rural township wedged between the affluent tourist regions of the Greater Kruger and the Blyde River Canyon. Even though they live in a world-renowned area for game viewing, they don’t comprehend concepts like loving nature, caring for wildlife and conserving its habitat. Luckily change is … [Read more...]
Achieving practical sustainable goals for South Africa
We have constantly been made aware of the dangers of climate change in recent years, as global temperatures continue to rise and natural disasters affect human settlement more frequently. The dialogue of world leaders repeatedly emphasises the need to focus on the development of a green economy to ensure the wellbeing of our planet. In working towards achieving the county’s … [Read more...]
Green entrepreneurs make magic with trees and waste
Improving your life whilst greening your environment is a match made in heaven. The Acornhoek community in rural Mpumalanga show us how it's done. The northeast of South Africa is home to some of its best-visited tourist attractions. On the one side is Kruger National Park and the upmarket, private game lodges that surround it. On the other there’s God’s Window and the … [Read more...]
Helping underprivileged learners in SA find their way
“Real change only comes from being actively involved in communities and the environment.” This was proven by an inspiring story where a powerful corporate company reached out to a struggling school and more than transformed it into a shining example of success, but also spirited it into a leadership position inspiring other schools to follow. I am talking about Nedbank’s … [Read more...]
Save food – follow consumption best practice this season
More than 9 million tonnes of food is wasted in our country every year, whilst 12 million South Africans are food insecure, says the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR). Food wastage happens all the way along the value chain – from production and transport to storage and retail. Food is one of the 3 core building blocks of sustainability, hence this wastage … [Read more...]
Campaign demands banks stop financing fossil fuel projects
Climate change movement 350Afrca.org recently launched its Fossil Free Africa campaign, with a call on ‘dirty banks’ to fully disclose their fossil fuel investments and commit to stop financing future mining, refinery and power station projects in South Africa and across Africa. Activists protested outside the headquarters of Nedbank in Sandton, Johannesburg citing the … [Read more...]
Activists kick off Fossil Free campaign outside prominent bank
Activists in Sandton this week kicked off the campaign for a Fossil Free Africa. "This is a fight for our future, and that of our children -- a future where we have clean energy and water to survive, and where our energy supply doesn’t cost the earth," they said. The activists were outside Nedbank’s headquarters to expose the bank’s greenwashing and their role in South … [Read more...]
Natural system investments crucial for food and water security
Healthy, well-functioning natural systems play a vital role in supporting the country’s food and water security, whilst also maintaining healthy communities and sustained livelihoods. This was highlighted during a two-day field trip through the Umgeni catchment in the KwaZulu Natal Midlands, co-hosted by WWF South Africa and Nedbank. “Food and water security are deeply … [Read more...]
Kogelberg coast – a blueprint for sustainable fisheries
South Africa’s oceans made headlines this month for their potential to contribute up to R177 billion to the national GDP and create over one million jobs by 2033. This, however, can only be realised if the oceans are managed correctly to ensure sustainable use with lasting benefits to the industries that support community livelihoods such as the fishing … [Read more...]
Carbon Footprinting Guide reaches over 53 000 downloads
Who would not like to read and consult a free Carbon Footprinting Guide to help tweak your life and business? Well, this is probably why this online guide has achieved more downloads than any other SA publication of its kind to date. Historically, such guides at best registered a few thousand downloads per annum, and the Guide is clocked over 53 000 six months after … [Read more...]
