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Some of us are fascinated by science, some find it boring. It is obvious that simply publishing unfolding science is not going to break through to those who veer away from such information immediately. This is the dilemma of climate communicators.

This month more people of influence used their platforms to alert their followers to their responsibility towards the environment.

Faith leaders are addressing the moral dilemma that climate change presents.

“As citizens motivated by faith and other moral traditions, we recognize that there is a grave obligation to act on climate change.” So said Bishop Tutu, to  whom we send our best healing wishes, this month.

Islamic leaders have also spoken up and issued a clarion call to 1.6bn Muslims around the world to work towards phasing out greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and a 100% renewable energy strategy.

“By recognising the interconnectedness of all life, we can move beyond the idea that we are separate selves and expand our compassion and love in such a way that we take action to protect the Earth.” This from Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh.

Now is indeed a time when we need all sectors to speak in unison. Some prefer to listen to celebrities. Arnold Schwarzenegger was chosen by the French government to join Nobel prize winners, philosophers, UN secretary generals, spiritual leaders and theologians to make the moral case for the world to act urgently on climate change.

“I’ve starred in a lot of science fiction movies and, let me tell you something, climate change is not science fiction, this is a battle in the real world, it is impacting us right now,” he said.

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.

“Humanity could confront a sea level rise of several meters before the end of the century, unless greenhouse gas emissions are slashed much faster than currently contemplated,” said James Hansen, the former NASA scientist whose congressional testimony put global warming on the world’s agenda a quarter-century ago. To date the “climate seer’s” predictions have all come true.


Meanwhile four continents around the world are experiencing historic droughts affecting millions of people. In southern Africa a toxic mix of erratic rains, abnormally high temperatures and floods have wreaked havoc on farming, writing off the bulk of this year’s crop. An estimated 27.4-million people out of the region’s combined population of 292-million — or nearly one in 10 people — will be depending on food hand-outs by the end of the year.

And a devastating drought in key agricultural provinces of South Africa has left farms in ruin and affected crop production, leading to fears of an imminent hike in food prices and inflation.

This whilst we’re gearing up to make a strong case for change at the COP 21 meeting in Paris in December. WWF South Africa is concerned by the vague and defensive position taken by the SA government in its latest climate change statement of intent (its Intended Nationally Determined Contribution – INDC) to the 21st United Nations climate change negotiations conference. But workshops are underway to refine our country’s position and we will be keeping you up to date.

There is good news too, always. Enjoy the read and please BE the change yourself.




With love

Elma and the team

PS. Remember to check out the green events on our calendar and lots more news on our Facebook timeline.

Opposition grows to South Africa’s $100 billion nuclear plan

 

South Africa’s plans to build new nuclear plants costing as much as $100 billion are encountering mounting opposition from within the government and ruling party over the project’s affordability.

Is South Africa fudging its INDC figures?

 

WWF South Africa is concerned by the vague and defensive position taken by the SA government in its latest climate change statement of intent.

Southern African leaders meet as region faces food crisis

 

The leaders of 15 southern African countries gathered last week for an annual summit as the region grapples with serious food shortages that have left a record number of people needing aid.

Stellenbosch team may have solved crucial solar puzzle

 

It is a problem that has so far stumped even Google’s brainy engineers – how to generate cheap solar electricity using a small-scale array of mirrors to concentrate the sun’s energy.

The story of Grizz on happy food

 

When your best friend goes down you can end up with your hands in your hair for natural solutions, or any solutions which actually work.

These are the countries most at risk from climate change

 

“While most sovereigns will feel the negative effects of climate change to some degree, we expect the poorest and lowest-rated sovereigns will bear the brunt of the impact."

Food prices to rise amid SA’s worst drought in 20 years

 

A devastating drought in key agricultural provinces of South Africa has left farms in ruin and affected crop production leading to fears of an imminent hike in food prices and inflation.

Ocean warming and acidification needs more attention

 

The international community must focus more on the impact of climate change on the oceans, amid growing concern over changes affecting corals, shellfish and other marine life, said the US government.

Scientists alarmed about ‘seismic blasting’ in the Arctic Ocean

 

Firing seismic airguns to find new oil reserves in the Arctic Ocean is ‘alarming’ and could seriously injure whales and other marine life, according to a new scientific review.

Islamic leaders call for rapid phase out of fossil fuels

 

Islamic leaders have issued a clarion call to 1.6bn Muslims around the world to work towards phasing out greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and a 100% renewable energy strategy.

Brazil cancer researchers worried about high pesticide use

 

The release of GM crops in Brazil has helped make it the largest consumer of agrochemicals in the world, according to a hard-hitting new report from Brazil’s National Cancer Institute.

Climate change is turning male dragon lizards into females

 

A climate-induced change of male dragons into females occurring in the wild has been confirmed for the first time, according to University of Canberra research recently published on the cover of international journal Nature.

Help keep cancer at bay by avoiding these chemicals

 

Scientists are only beginning to investigate how certain chemicals may contribute to cancer development. But given that we live in a sea of chemicals, it makes sense to begin reducing exposure to those that have been found to disrupt cancer-related pathways — known as cancer hallmarks.

How will Africa adapt to green energy?

 

US President Barack Obama has unveiled a final set of rules to cut greenhouse gas emissions in a big initiative which would form a major plank of his legacy as he winds down his term in office.

‘Cecil who?’ Zimbabweans ask

 

Cecil the Zimbabwean lion has gained more worldwide prominence in death than it ever did during its lifetime. Not since Simba of “The Lion King” fame has another lion captured the world’s imagination in this way.

Ladies in conservation recognised this Women’s Month

 

This National Women’s Month, the EWT is celebrating its ladies for being conservation champions of distinction.

Autism study shows links to pesticides and other toxic chemicals

 

A new study has revealed that autism and intellectual disability rates are linked with exposure to harmful environmental factors during congenital development.

Volcano near nuclear plant raising concerns in Japan

 

Just under a week after the first nuclear power plant re-opened in Japan, critics are voicing concerns about safety. Oh, and there’s a volcano.
 

Fight against Limpopo coal power station raises water issues

 

Earthlife Africa Johannesburg is determined to stop yet another coal-fired power station from being built in water-stressed Limpopo.

The bio-fuel start-up that sells cooking gas by the rucksack

 

A single mother recently bought a franchise that aims to provide households across Ethiopia with cheap, portable biogas for cooking.

Carbon nanofibres made from CO2 in the air

 

Scientists in the US have found a way to take carbon dioxide (CO2) from the air and make carbon nanofibres, a valuable manufacturing material.

Recycling prize for textbooks and fixing classrooms


The launch of the 2015 Schools Recycling Competition was greeted with excitement by all concerned. The competition forms part of a project that focuses on raising awareness and encouraging learners to collect recyclable waste in the Middelburg, Mpumalanga area.

Rocking the Daisies keeps its green promise

 

Rocking green is the intention once again at the Daisies held this year in October, where the motto is  ‘play hard, tread lightly.’

Only love can save us from climate change

 

Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh, one of the world’s leading spiritual teachers, is a man at great peace even as he predicts the possible collapse of civilisation within 100 years as a result of runaway climate change.

Earth’s 6th mass extinction rears its head in Hawaii

 

Hawaii has been labeled the “extinction capital of the world.” New research indicates that the rate of extinction could be equal to 14% of the fauna per decade.
 

Climate seer James Hansen issues his direst forecast yet


“Humanity could confront a sea level rise of several meters before the end of the century, unless greenhouse gas emissions are slashed much faster than currently contemplated.”

Arnold Schwarzenegger: climate change is not science fiction

 

“The science debate is over. Planetary action could only be avoided with ethical action."

Let’s clean up and recycle!

 

September is Clean-Up SA month, and everyone should recycle where they work, live or play.

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.

Toxic EPA spill turns Colorado river orange

 

The mustard hue of the Animas River in Colorado – the most visible effect of a mistake by the Environmental Protection Agency that dumped millions of gallons of pollutants into the water – is striking.

Can we soften the environmental impact of the Olympics?

 

Beijing will host the 2022 Winter Olympics, at considerable environmental cost. There will no doubt be many surprises during the Games, but we already know there will be a substantial environmental toll to relocating in Beijing.

Africa advised to take DIY approach to climate resilience

 

African countries would do well to take their own lead in finding ways to better adapt to and mitigate the changes that climate may impose on future  generations instead of relying only on foreign aid.
 

Archbishop Tutu wants renewable energy target of 100% by 2050

 

Climate change is one of the greatest moral challenges of our time. It threatens the health of our planet and people; especially the poorest and most vulnerable.
 

Man-made climate change: 4 continents hit by historic droughts

 

Four continents around the world are currently experiencing historic droughts affecting millions of people, and experts warn that this is the effect of man-made climate change.

Norway aims to become Europe’s ‘green battery pack’

 

Norway’s 937 hydroelectric-generating plants provide the country with 96 percent of its electricity—making it the world’s sixth-largest hydropower producer.

India making waves in offshore wind energy

 

There is a movement afoot in India to speed up the development of wind energy projects and open up the offshore wind sector.
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