In a ceremony presided over by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Malawi, Dr Lazarus McCarthy Chakwera, the Chairperson and Deputy Chairperson of the African Risk Capacity Group, in the presence of Representatives of Partners organisations (Ambassador of Germany to Malawi), and of the UN system (WFP and UNDP country directors), delivered a symbolic US$14.2 million … [Read more...]
Underground reservoir harvests and stores rainwater
According to the United Nations, with the world’s population expected to top nine billion people by 2050, the world is going to need at least 55% more water. And not just water; clean water. In most people’s minds that would mean building more dams, such as on the Umkomazi River in KZN which at this time is largely untapped. However, worldwide there are very few new large … [Read more...]
Protection urgently needed for SA’s water sources
When blood stops flowing, the body dies. Similarly, when water stops flowing, a country “dies”. Everybody knows that water is essential to all forms of life, but not everybody shows respect or pays enough attention to this precious commodity. It is terrible to see the impact a lack of water has on animals, plants and our environment - not to mention on humans. It should be … [Read more...]
Growing in the now
When the news broke it hit me in the chest. I have a high-risk child on immune suppressant drugs. Have fought so hard for him. My own lungs are damaged from embolisms. My other 2 smoke. Brutal. Yet all of life is at any given moment perched on the tip of a pin. Life had taught me that many times. The news unfolded in waves of shock… then the conflicting stories… matched by … [Read more...]
WEERHAAN voorspel reen oor die Overberg
Dit reën steeds dat die byle huil sowat 45 grade suidwes van ons, net-net buite bereik van die Atlantiese hoogdruk, wat vir bietjie klammigheid wag om na ons dorstige Swartland en die Wes-Kaap te versprei. Ons kan vorentoe baie wolke verwag en as die Indiese hoogdruk dit regkry om van die vog wat in sy rigting beweeg, vir die Atlantiese hoogdruk terug te druk , kan ons … [Read more...]
Huge turnout for International Coastal Cleanup Day
South Africans once again showed their commitment to the environment this past weekend by participating in the 28th International Coastal Clean Up that took place at beaches around the country this past Saturday. Clean-ups took place on most of South Africa’s beaches where gloves, refuse bags and data sheets were handed out to volunteers upon their arrival. “From Kosi Bay … [Read more...]
Wild about Weeds part 1: Veldkool
Want to learn more about the medicinal and nutritional value of the common weeds in your garden? Today Tracy Armbruster - our weed enthusiast – kicks off her series for all of us to learn together: W.E.E.D’s (Wild, Enriching, Edible, Delight’s) are simply amazing! What I love most about them is their pioneering spirit. Their “survival of the fittest” attitude. They have … [Read more...]
Foxglove organic stories Part 8: Spring bugs and new plans
Spring is here and the trees are in full bud. It seems a bit early since we haven't really had that much of a winter. And there are big changes afoot here to boot. Firstly, we are moving to a farm of our own near Baardskeerdersbos at the end of September. It's a huge step and we are very excited about the change. I won't talk about how sad we are to leave this lovely place, … [Read more...]
Heavy rain expected in Western and Eastern Cape
A warning of heavy rain has been issued by the Climate Change & Disaster Management (Early Warning Unit) of SA's Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fishereies. The areas hardest hit will be the southern parts of the Cape Winelands, Overberg and Eden Districts of the Western Cape, as well as the extreme south-western parts of the Eastern Cape. People are advised … [Read more...]
400 parts per million – now what?
On 26 June 2013 CO2 in the atmosphere rocketed to 400 parts per million, partly due to emissions caused by human actions. This carbon concentration was recorded in the Southern Hemisphere in the region of Australia, New Zealand and Antarctica. According to the Mauna Loa Observatory, Hawaii already had carbon recorded at this staggering amount in May. This last happened 3 to … [Read more...]
Bangkok braces for more floods
Thirty-nine provinces across the country have been placed on alert for possible natural disasters resulting from torrential rains forecast over the next 24 hours. Chatchai Promlert, director-general of the Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, said the rain threat comes from a strong monsoon now covering the lower Central, the upper South, the East and the lower … [Read more...]
Climate change set to exacerbate child vulnerability in SA
A new study is calling for policy makers to focus on children in addressing climate change. Climate change will exacerbate the existing vulnerabilities of kids in South Africa, unless mitigation and adaptation strategies are child-sensitive and timeously implemented. Exploring the Impact of Climate Change on Children in South Africa, a study recently made public, highlights … [Read more...]
Thinking ahead for a future worth living
“Ask yourself: Are you thinking of now, or are you thinking of your grandchild’s future?” This was the question posed by climate scientist Inez Fung, a professor of Atmospheric Science at the University of California and co-director of the Berkeley Institute of the Environment. Prof Fung was giving a lecture entitled ‘Climate Math,’ which was hosted by the African Institute … [Read more...]
