The South Durban Community Environmental Alliance (SDCEA), groundWork and Friends of the Earth South Africa, represented by the Centre for Environmental Rights (CER), have approached the Pretoria High Court to review and set aside an environmental authorisation granted for Phinda Power’s proposed 320MW gas-to-power plant, proposed for the Richards Bay Industrial Development … [Read more...]
Seismic protests erupt at petrol stations across SA
Following the widespread publication of plans by Royal Dutch Shell to conduct a non-stop, five-month-long seismic survey of South Africa’s pristine ‘Wild Coast,’ national outrage has erupted. The last two weeks have seen protest actions by communities and activist groups the length and breadth of our country, attempting to amplify the voices of our compatriots on the Wild … [Read more...]
British company still exporting dangerous lead in petrol
A British company made millions this year selling a dangerous chemical linked to brain damage and premature death to a developing country, despite repeatedly stating it would stop. Innospec claims to be the only company in the world that manufactures a fuel additive called tetraethyl lead (TEL) — which is the lead in leaded petrol. TEL can be added to fuel to improve … [Read more...]
BP oil spill killed several trillion larval fish
Louisiana's coastal marshes will be the key focus of $8.8 billion BP will pay to restore vast natural resource losses caused by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010, part of a $20.8 billion settlement with federal and Gulf state governments announced Monday (Oct. 5). The environmental portion also includes targeting significant money on Gulf of Mexico resources, federal … [Read more...]
Consider carpooling, for your wallet and the planet
With 22% more cars on the roads and a 80% higher petrol price than 5 years ago, the demands and stresses of private transport are growing fast, which has severe implications on individuals, business and the environment. The millions of empty seats on our roads provide a viable solution to congestion, affordable mobility and emissions reduction. SA’s 2nd Carpool Week, 6 – 10 … [Read more...]
Towards an organic life
It's preposterous to presume that anybody can talk with any professional credibility about how to lead an organic life. But right now we certainly have to try! I have chosen to expose myself, in the run of a normal working week, to facts and figures that move me deeply. Can anyone listen to our desperate biodiversity loss over the past 30 years and not go into mourning for … [Read more...]
