In the past when people thought of a sustainable living environment, many imagined a farmhouse lacking modern plumbing and basic comforts. This is no longer the case and modern sustainable designers are proof of that! We all want to live a greener, more eco-friendly life. But let’s face it, it can be pricey. So to make this easier, Green Times tracked down some local … [Read more...]
New climate dialogue needed
“Are the right people in the climate change debating room? Evidence shows climate change hugely impacts on the health and the welfare of children, but conversations in the negotiation process seem removed from this reality and finding solutions for this suffering.” This was one of the questions raised at the jam packed COP17: What Happened and What Does it Mean discussions … [Read more...]
Extreme heat and fires to increase
“South Africa is likely to see drastic rises in surface temperatures over the coming century as well as an increase in the occurrence of very hot days. Heat waves are expected to occur more frequently,” said Francois Engelbrecht, Principal Researcher on Climate Studies – Modeling and Environmental Health at the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR.) He was … [Read more...]
150 game rangers to stop rhino poaching in Kruger
Last year 448 rhino deaths were recorded in South Africa – it was the highest number ever. With rhino poaching figures on the rise, will 2012 prove to deliver even higher digits? Judging from January’s figures alone, if drastic measures to help curb rhino poaching are not put into place, this could very well be possible. The year 2012 is definitely not off to a good start … [Read more...]
Suspected rhino poachers killed and 3 more carcasses found
Two weeks into the New Year and already 11 rhinos have been found dead and dehorned in the Kruger National Park (KNP). Just hours after 2 suspected poachers were killed in the KNP, 3 more rhino carcasses were found on Thursday 12 January bringing the total rhino killings for 2012 so far, to 11. Following the gruesome discovery of the 8 adult rhino carcasses found in the … [Read more...]
Lessons from the journey
An amazing journey? Yes. In four weeks I saw 17 cities and witnessed some of the most interesting people tell stories of their struggles with climate change. I visited some really remote villages like Vatsonhga, gasped at some of the most beautiful sunsets and engaged with the country’s most courageous citizens. How I have changed since the Climate Train left Cape Town … [Read more...]
Water is sacrificed for gold
When the Climate Train arrived in Johannesburg, Nasrec station earlier this month we all knew we were in for an eventful three days. However, unless you’re a football fan, you probably have very little reason to visit Nasrec Station. Since the Soccer World Cup was hosted in South Africa last year, this pristine station has for the most part been quiet. But when the train … [Read more...]
Seeing the world through different eyes
Ask the Kliptown youth which million words their pictures tell about and you will see the effects of climate change in their community. The German developing agency, GIZ has committed itself to supporting IdaloYethu and the South African Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA) in preparing for the climate summit COP 17, which starts in Durban on 28 November 2011. Part … [Read more...]
Youth debate Mother Earth’s rights
"The Earth Forum and exploration of the Charter enabled me to gain a deeper appreciation for nature, making me realise the desperate need for environmental education in vulnerable and poor communities,' said Youth Forum leader, Sofuthi Balungile (22) about his experience on the Climate Train at its first stop in Worcester. Sofuthi described the afternoon in a round table … [Read more...]
