A European Commission report concludes that the burning of most forest biomass produces more greenhouse gas emissions than coal, oil and gas. In 23 out of the 24 scenarios the Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) examined, biomass had a negative impact on climate, biodiversity, or both. Indeed the report, published this Monday, finds that most of the forest biomass … [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...]
Family owned Bottelary wine farm puts conservation first
Mooiplaas Wines recently became the first World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Conservation Champion in the Bottelary ward of Stellenbosch. This outstanding achievement follows the submission of their latest IPW-audit (Integrated Production of Wine), which acknowledges the environmental responsibility of their production practices. The audit includes factors such as carbon … [Read more...]
True sustainability can only be achieved by design
COVID-19 has caused humanity’s ecological footprint to contract by three weeks. However, true sustainability that allows all to thrive on Earth can only be achieved by design, not disaster. Even though there has been an incredible cost to human life and the economy from the COVID-19 pandemic, our ecological footprint in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) has still more-or-less … [Read more...]
Western Cape to increase the Protected Area network
Innovative work is taking place across the Western Cape to increase the Protected Area network, and in turn help reach global Protected Area targets. And more importantly, they’re being driven through pioneering conservation models, funded by the Table Mountain Fund (an associated Trust of WWF-South Africa). According to Kevin McCann of conservation non-profit organisation, … [Read more...]
A global celebration as SA announces 5% ocean protection expansion
The approval yesterday of 20 new and expanded Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) by South Africa’s Cabinet, bringing the total protection of the oceans around South Africa up to 5% (from 0.4%), is a massive win for marine conservation in African waters. This bold action for our oceans has been spearheaded by the late Minister Edna Molewa of the Department of Environmental Affairs, … [Read more...]
It’s time for Eskom to lead the way in renewable energy
Eskom’s on-going scapegoating of renewable energy as the reason behind its financial woes shows a lack of vision, particularly in the light of the urgent need to develop new jobs beyond the coal industry. Instead, the utility should be leading the country into a greener, more equitable energy future which will help South Africa both create new, cleaner jobs and meet its … [Read more...]
SA farmers must embrace the new, water-constrained normal
As the impact of an extended period of drought across much of South Africa and the Southern African Region continues to be felt, the realisation is setting in amongst both commercial and small-scale farmers that a water-constrained environment is no longer a short-term challenge; but could in fact become their new normal. While this realisation is also dawning amongst … [Read more...]
World Water Day: Four fundamental changes needed
The United Nations recognises March 22nd as World Water Day, and this year the theme is Water and Jobs. WWF-SA calls on both the public and the private sector to more urgently address the bold changes needed to address climate change, in order to create a water-secure future with sustainable job growth. Four fundamental changes are needed within the next year if we are to … [Read more...]
Report highlights need to invest in marine protected areas
South Africa’s 24 marine protected areas (MPAs) are critical for the health of future fish stock. Yet their significance is not fully appreciated. From coastal residents and fishers through to government prosecutors and judges, a lack of understanding of the importance of these areas continues to hamper efforts to manage MPAs effectively. These are among the findings … [Read more...]
Parasite in fish’s mouth becomes his tongue
A parasite that lives in a fish's mouth and becomes its tongue? Sixty million viruses in a teaspoon of sea water? A shimmering sunset glistening through the curl of a golden barrel? Just a few snippets from the Wavescape Slide Night night in Cape Town. More than 200 people sat enthralled through 10 inspirational talks by 10 ocean thought leaders who shared their science, … [Read more...]
Kogelberg coast – a blueprint for sustainable fisheries
South Africa’s oceans made headlines this month for their potential to contribute up to R177 billion to the national GDP and create over one million jobs by 2033. This, however, can only be realised if the oceans are managed correctly to ensure sustainable use with lasting benefits to the industries that support community livelihoods such as the fishing … [Read more...]
SA Earth Hour challenge entries demonstrate green promise
South African cities that have entered the latest round of the global Earth Hour City Challenge 2014 - 15 are demonstrating significant progress in their efforts towards low-carbon development. The WWF challenge, which is being run for the second time in South Africa, has been taken up by four local metros; City of Johannesburg, City of Tshwane, Nelson Mandela Bay … [Read more...]
