The Green Connection’s (GC) first ever Oceans Tribunal – which took place on 21-22 September 2021 – was marked by heart-wrenching stories and presentations from small-scale fishers and other communities whose livelihoods are being destroyed by extractive industries. Part of its ‘Who Stole Our Oceans’ campaign, the Tribunal – attended by more than 200 people – aims to … [Read more...]
Anthology paints provocative financial futures
As the world reassesses its future after a difficult 2020, a cast of unforgettable characters is ready to take society on a journey of enquiry into intriguing scenarios that will enable people to explore their future financial lives, vicariously, through story. The provocative Upshot anthology of thought-provoking fiction for financial reality, by a group of top fiction … [Read more...]
Joburg townships pay the price for SA’s gold mining legacy
This week, as South Africa adjusts to the eased of restrictions of lockdown Level 1, more people are likely to travel domestically again, many heading to SA’s economic hub for business. According to Earthlife Africa Johannesburg’s Makoma Lekalakala, “Many South Africans do not know that Johannesburg, the country’s largest city, is also the most radioactive city on the … [Read more...]
Experts flay Nigeria’s dalliance with coal
Nigeria’s decision to adopt coal as alternative source of generating electricity has attracted several reactions among industry players over the long term health and environmental effects on host communities. The stakeholders who gathered on Tuesday in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, to brainstorm the preferred energy mix for the country raised worrisome questions, particularly … [Read more...]
Nigeria joins the world climate march
Climate Change is a matter of justice. The world’s most vulnerable people have done the least to cause global warming and yet they are suffering most from its devastating efforts. Climate Change threatens to undermine progress on fighting poverty and hunger. It is still possible to make a difference but we have to act quickly. The momentum to galvanize positive actions to … [Read more...]
How to create a greener bathroom
How to select between the vast collection of water saving taps and other sanitary ware on the market today? As they say, the proof is in the pudding. In this case in the green business story of the 111 years old Hansgrohe company. And if you want to make the most earth-friendly choices as a consumer nowadays you simply have to check out how serious the manufacturer is in taking … [Read more...]
Let’s keep the farmers informed
Investing in agriculture over the past two decades has proven to be a sound strategy for some, but not all regions have flourished as a vicious cycle of extreme poverty and a poor understanding of market finance have stunted economic prospects in many low and middle-income countries. Africa may be on the verge of a major economic transformation but some of the greatest … [Read more...]
Zuma urges return to the land
South African president Jacob Zuma urged millions of South Africans to return to the land as a way to augment income and reduce food insecurity. Speaking in late October at a dinner hosted by the recently-launched African Farmers Association of South Africa, Zuma said his government would continue to promote food gardens and other types of subsistence agriculture for people to … [Read more...]
Women at the forefront of the energy revolution
Access to cleaner, more affordable energy for their people is a current priority for many African nations. 70 participants from 13 African Nations - policy makers as well as representatives from business and civil society - discussed the topic of renewable energy at an international conference from 30 June to 1 July in the Nigerian capital of Abuja. In sessions on policy, … [Read more...]
Power Kick for Africa
It feels as though the world closed ranks in June, united by the universal love for football. The World Future Council was in the middle of it, with the 'Power Kick for Africa' project keeping many of the staff on their toes. To promote the use of renewable energy in Africa, we organized a policy workshop in Ghana's capital Accra. Also, a World Cup public viewing powered by … [Read more...]
Turning plastic bottles into homes in Nigeria
A house constructed from recycled plastic bottles has been built in Kaduna State, Nigeria. The house has been built using earth-filled plastic bottle 'bricks' and mud. The three-room structure is so sturdy that it could stand for thousands of years. Plastic bottles take hundreds years to biodegrade in landfill. In Nigeria millions of plastic bottles are dumped into … [Read more...]
The Naked Option: a last resort
The Naked Option: A Last Resort celebrates the power of an organized group of women! Fueled by the determination for a better future, grassroots women in Nigeria's Niger Delta use the threat of stripping naked in public, a serious cultural taboo, in their deadly struggle to hold the oil companies accountable to the communities in which they work. Through the leadership … [Read more...]
