The City of Cape Town is encouraging residents to keep a special eye out for the Cape Dwarf Chameleon, which is classified as a vulnerable species. This will assist the City in tracing where these chameleons occur. With the onset of autumn, these chameleons, also known as Trapsuutjies in Afrikaans, should be delivering offspring ahead of the rains, which usually occur around … [Read more...]
Kiribati president calls for moratorium on coal mines
The president of Kiribati, one of the world’s most climate vulnerable countries, has written to fellow world leaders asking them to support a global moratorium on new coal mines. Anote Tong said the future safety of his people depended on collective and aggressive action to stem the use of coal, the largest source of the greenhouse gas emissions driving climate … [Read more...]
Energy tariff increases declare war on the poor
"Eskom's application to NERSA needs to be put on hold until a review of the Integrated Resource Plan," states Tristen Taylor, Project Coordinator of Earthlife Africa Johannesburg. "Only then we all will have more current information to base decisions on." This formed part of the comments by Earthlife Africa Johannesburg to Eskom's MYPD3, who said the hearings … [Read more...]
Energy saving technologies could save the day
Hunger and poverty go hand in hand. Every cent saved could mean a lot to a starving child; so reduction of fuel costs could mean the difference between going to bed without food or having a meal. Energy saving technologies abound…from old fashioned ideas such as a Haybox or Wonderbox to a myriad of designs for rocket stoves. However, this knowledge is not being passed on to … [Read more...]
Creative women find solution for paper waste
In September 2010, a warm-hearted, creative woman in Kleinmond, in the Western Cape, had the idea of teaching jobless women to make gift bags from waste paper. With the support of a friend, they set up a workshop and hired women to learn the skills. Of the original group, two showed their commitment and their willingness to work longer and harder than they were paid to do – … [Read more...]
Bird Island celebrates centenary of gannet population
It is with great excitement that CapeNature, together with residents from Lamberts Bay this month celebrate 100 years since the Cape gannets colonised Bird Island, making it one of only six breeding colonies of this vulnerable seabird, worldwide. Eighty two year old resident, John Phillips was already a registered fisherman at age sixteen and confirmed that “the gannets … [Read more...]
Grass Owls need protection from humans and other predators
Recent mortalities and nest failures have highlighted the plight of the African Grass Owl (tyto capensis) and other grassland species that are often encountered within the urban areas of Gauteng. The African Grass Owl is currently listed as Vulnerable in The Red Data Book of Birds of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland and has suffered considerable loss of habitat due to … [Read more...]
