Having been awarded a $100 000 grant by the international Million Cool Roofs Challenge last year to deploy solar-reflective roof coatings, the South African National Energy Development Institute (SANEDI) is now underway rolling out this low-tech cooling solution to communities across the country. This initiative is driven by the Kigali Cooling Efficiency Program (K-CEP) with … [Read more...]
Dealing with invasive beetles in Cape Town
The City of Cape Town is ready to deal with an invasive beetle that poses a serious threat to trees in the metropole and surrounding areas. The City’s Recreation and Parks Department, together with the Invasive Species Unit, have put operational plans in place to deal with the polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB) which has invaded and damaged thousands of trees in other parts of … [Read more...]
Can Cape Town turn water crisis into leading by example?
As Cape Town continues to experience the worst drought on record in South Africa, the city has the opportunity to implement solutions that will not only address this acute environmental shock, but also strengthen the fabric of the city overall. The city has less than 10% of its useable water remaining for all of its nearly 4 million residents, representing one of the lowest … [Read more...]
Health impacts of climate change: waterborne diseases
Waterborne diseases are caused by a variety of microorganisms, biotoxins, and toxic contaminants, which lead to devastating illnesses such as cholera, schistosomiasis and other gastrointestinal problems. Outbreaks of waterborne diseases often occur after a severe precipitation event (rainfall, snowfall). Because climate change increases the severity and frequency of some … [Read more...]
Beyond the rubble, through the cracks
For years I have been passing by an old, roofless house on my route to work. Despite my hurried scramble to the office, I would always look out for her. Sad, abandoned and enigmatic, she has intrigued me. The romantic in me has, for years, been drawn to the poignant, abandoned beauty of this stoic, red brick structure with pink tibouchina bursting through the front veranda. … [Read more...]
Local Climate Solutions for Africa Congress 2013
The Pan-African Local Climate Solutions for Africa Congress 2013 was opened today by Vice President of Tanzania, Dr Mohamed Ghalib Bilal, in Dar es Salaam. Hosted by the City of Dar es Salaam and ‘ICLEI - Local Governments for Sustainability – Africa’, the Vice President proudly welcomed over 400 delegates from across the African continent, local government and city Mayors, … [Read more...]
Local governments working towards sustainability
Do you know how local governments are greening up and developing their sustainability endeavours? Most people are unaware of this, so we will be telling you more about the work they do and the important progress made. ICLEI is a world-wide association of Local Governments working towards urban sustainability and more specifically with the Africa Secretariat situated in Cape … [Read more...]
Green guerrillas inspire Fish Hoek’s earth buddies
Akim Riemer wears doc martins, a ragged vest, a green bandana and dark glasses. There is a raw energy here that wants to spread like wildfire. I don’t need to see his eyes to know that they flash with insight and delight with his every new idea. Riemer believes that the core element to sustain a new earthy project at Fish Hoek Primary school is RAW ENERGY. It will come from … [Read more...]
Bee attacks raise concerns about city beekeeping
The recent dramatic bee attacks in the Western Cape have raised fresh concerns about the growing trend of urban beekeeping in South Africa. The recent incident saw more than thirty cyclists participating in a race being attacked by bees from a nearby hive – some riders had as many as 100 stings removed and others who were allergic had to be airlifted to hospital. Urban … [Read more...]
Water turns Table Mountain Blue
Southern Africa's best known landmark, Table Mountain, was lit in blue on Friday night by HRH the Prince of Orange (Netherlands) and Under Secretary General of the United Nations and the Executive Director of UN Habitat. The lighting was to commemorate the right to water and this years' UN World Water Day themed 'Water and Urbanization, Responding to the Urban Challenge' which … [Read more...]
Sustaining Cape Town – imagining a livable city
Sustainable development in a city where everything is moving and changing at a tremendous pace is not a challenge for the faint-hearted. The harsh reality is that Cape Town is going through an extraordinarily rapid urban growth and transformation process which will have far-reaching consequences if not managed properly. But are we even aware that the city is changing and, if … [Read more...]
