Climate Solutions 101 is a free video series filled with the latest need-to-know science and fascinating insights from global leaders in climate policy, research, investment and beyond. Rather than rehashing well-known climate challenges, Project Drawdown highlights game-changing climate action based on its own rigorous scientific review and assessment. This course, … [Read more...]
Exploring pan-African renewable energy projects
In the latest episode of Connecting Africa, CNN International’s Eleni Giokos explores why Africa's investment in renewable energy projects is so important for pan-African business growth. Electrification is seen as key in driving economic growth across Africa. But with only 43% of the continent connected to electricity, finding ways to secure and propel the continent towards … [Read more...]
Boosting wildlife security at Somkhanda
As game reserves continue to struggle in dealing with the impact of Covid-19 through the loss of income from the tourism model and the loss of manpower to combat wildlife crime, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Save our Species African Wildlife initiative, co-funded by the European Union (EU), recently approved an investment that will see a rapid … [Read more...]
SA launches first organic pollinator programme
The South African Organic Sector Organisation (SAOSO) in collaboration with Participatory Guarantee System South Africa (PGSSA) has launched SA’s first Ecological Organic Agriculture Pollinator programme. The programme is training 20 people to set up PGSs throughout South Africa that will help build more connected local food systems, provide organic assurance for consumers … [Read more...]
Developing new ideas for reducing plastic pollution
Municipality, business and community are collaborating to clean up the environment and get plastic waste out of the rivers and ocean and back into the value chain. Minster of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries, the Honourable Mrs Creecy, launched the use of a Beach Rake and the Inkwazi Isu on 19 September at Toti Main Beach in KwaZulu Natal. Inkwazi Isu (Fisheagle … [Read more...]
National award for Mpumalanga recycling initiative
A Mpumalanga recycling project has received acclaim for improving the lives and livelihoods of Ermelo community members while making a positive difference to the environment. When Johanna Leshabane launched Bophelo Recycling in 2007 after being retrenched, little did she know that her dream of fighting unemployment in her community would evolve into an award-winning … [Read more...]
Eco-friendly charcoal production to boost SA’s water security
The global outcry against the use of braai charcoal produced from rainforest trees, which leads to devastating forest degradation primarily in South American and African countries, is boosting the demand and production of eco-friendly charcoal certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). The eco-friendly charcoal is made from ideally suited hardwood invasive alien … [Read more...]
The future of water in SA’s agriculture sector
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...]
Township youths receive training to start recycling businesses
Around 300 youth aged 18-35 in the Gauteng townships of Eersterust and Mamelodi are undergoing waste management training in a move aimed at creating greater awareness and employment opportunities in the recycling sector. Apart from helping to create a more sustainable environment, the training from Green Deeds Recycling - which has been done in conjunction with the National … [Read more...]
Renewable energy provides a stable energy source for all
The Covid-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on most industries, many of which have shed an unprecedented number of jobs since the global outbreak. But the renewable energy sector appears resilient in the face of it all and industry stakeholders believe that it will continue to remain “crisis proof.” Vivian Bluemel, Director of the GREEN Solar Academy, explains: “Unlike other … [Read more...]
Blue Sky Awards launched in SA for young researchers
The local leg of the Blue Sky Young Researchers Innovation Award has been launched by the Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA). The 2020-2021 round is the third edition of this award, organised by the International Council of Forest and Paper Associations (ICFPA), to which PAMSA belongs. It invites young students and researchers in wood and fibre-based … [Read more...]
Pandemic accelerates solar training shift to digital
Shifting solar training to be facilitated digitally was always on the cards. The current pandemic has however made this a reality. The Solar Training Centre (STC) has partnered with the SA Photovoltaic Industry Association (SAPVIA) and South African Energy Efficiency Confederation (SAEEC) to offer the PV GreenCard course digitally. This is the first ever live digital PV … [Read more...]
Online training: Biodynamics and its role in agriculture
The Biodynamic Agricultural Association of Southern Africa will be hosting a monthly webinar via Zoom: 25 July - Session 1: Farm organism and the origin and role of biodynamics in agriculture. 29 August - Session 2: A phenomenological approach to soil, plants and animals. 26 September - Session 3: Farm fertility, biodynamic preparations and compost. 31 October - … [Read more...]