In recognition of World Toilet Day, Save Our Schools Non Profit Organisation (SOS NPO) announced the launch of a ground-breaking ablution project that aims to address critical water, sanitation, and hygiene barriers in the community of Bloekombos, Kraaifontein. This transformative initiative was made possible through the collaborative efforts of SOS NPO, Esor Construction, … [Read more...]
Civil society remains resolved to oppose offshore oil and gas
In response to the Draft Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (DESIA) for TEEPSA’s proposed offshore production right and environmental authorisation applications for Block 11B/12B (22 September 2023), the organisations point out that, since certain aspects of the project has been excluded, not all the potential negative impacts have been accounted for or considered in … [Read more...]
Guterres appeals for ‘sustained’ humanitarian access to Gaza
With essential supplies running out in Gaza, UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday appealed for humanitarian access to the besieged enclave. “For nearly two weeks the people of Gaza have gone without any shipments of fuel, food, water, medicine, and other essentials. Disease is spreading. Supplies are dwindling. People are dying,” he said at a press conference in … [Read more...]
Water crisis threatens food security and sustainability
Water, the world's most precious yet undervalued resource, lies at the heart of a mounting global crisis that threatens not only food security, but also human and planetary health, warns a new report by WWF. Released on World Food Day, The High Cost of Cheap Water uncovers a stark reality: the annual economic value of water and freshwater ecosystems is estimated to be US$58 … [Read more...]
Rewiring food systems to soften climate impacts
To make more progress in the fight against hunger, the world needs to make at-risk communities less vulnerable to climate shocks and other emergencies, according to the UN World Food Programme. “If we want to break out of the never-ending cycle of crisis and response, we need to address the root causes of hunger by multi-year, long-term projects that shield communities from … [Read more...]
Funds needed for quake-hit families in Afghanistan
UN agencies are appealing for urgent funds to assist the hundreds of thousands affected by deadly earthquakes in western Afghanistan. The region was struck by two massive earthquakes on Saturday, followed a series of aftershocks, including a major one on Wednesday that flattened several homes spared by the original quake. Women and children make up over 90 per cent of the … [Read more...]
Civil society urges phase-out of dangerous pesticides
373 civil society and Indigenous Peoples organizations from 74 countries urged leaders at a historic global conference to act with urgency to phase out Highly Hazardous Pesticides (HHPs). This particular group of pesticides cause the most severe harm to human health and the environment and are considered too dangerous for use. The petition letter to governments and other … [Read more...]
Eastern Cape communities demand people-centred solutions
About 250 people from Uitenhage, Jeffreys Bay, Humansdorp, Oyster Bay and beyond – a collaboration between Earthlife Africa Johannesburg and the Eastern Cape Combined Environmental Forum – marched to Gqeberha City Hall on Tuesday to bring attention to their deteriorating quality of life because of severe water-access issues, in addition to persistent load shedding. Affected … [Read more...]
Believe in better for a more sustainable future
WWF South Africa is proud to announce its Believe in Better campaign, an inspiring call to action designed to ignite hope for a brighter, more sustainable future in our cherished nation. As South Africa approaches the 2024 elections, this campaign serves as a powerful reminder of our shared national vision—to heal the wounds of the past and pave the way for a brighter, more … [Read more...]
Choose organic to protect soil, water and wildlife
With the arrival of spring, September presents an ideal opportunity to embark on a journey towards a healthier lifestyle, both for ourselves and the planet. Embracing organic food and products in our routine shopping can be a transformative practice that offers improved wellness for you and your family, while supporting the sustainability of our local environment. By … [Read more...]
Protecting children’s right to a healthy environment
The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child issued new guidance on Monday that calls for governments to take action to protect boys and girls in the face of the deepening climate crisis. The so-called General Comment No. 26 marks the first time the Committee has affirmed children’s right to live in a clean, healthy and sustainable environment. It provides a comprehensive … [Read more...]
Preventing droughts, floods and soil erosion in Somalia
Somalia is threatened by its worst drought in 40 years. In 2022 alone, there were 42,000 excess deaths and since 2021, at least 3.5 million livestock have been killed and an estimated 1.4 million people have been displaced. Climate change means the situation is unlikely to improve, with extreme weather events becoming more likely. Against this backdrop, recurring … [Read more...]
Stop Indian mine from harming our environment
The community of Makhasaneni has been fighting Indian giant mining company, Jindal Mine, who for years have been intruding with their plans to dig up iron ore in the lush hills that they have called home for generations. As a result, they formed the Entembeni Crisis Forum, made up of residents, traditional leaders and commercial farmers opposing Jindal’s project. As a … [Read more...]
