Environmental Studies

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Environmental Studies News

Cumulative effort to transform grids a hot topic

By: Halima Frost 10th May 2024 Of the 103 countries that in 2020 pledged to reduce global carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane emissions by at least 30%, 54 are African, says global technology giant Siemens South Africa CEO sub-Saharan Africa Sabine Dall’Omo. These countries have agreed to implement Nationally Determined... →

Opinion: Pollution in the Vaal Triangle – progress, but more must be done

2nd May 2024 In this article, ArcelorMittal South Africa (AMSA) CEO Kobus Verster writes that industry across the Vaal Triangle, together with responsible corporate citizens in the steel industry, must constantly improve their overall environmental performance above and beyond air quality indicators. →

Photo by Creamer Media's Donna Slater
AMSA CEO Kobus Verster

CSIR joins international science community to improve understanding of ocean metabolism

By: Sabrina Jardim 17th April 2024 The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has recently joined a new global research programme focused on improving understanding of the future state of the oceans under various climate change scenarios. Led by CSIR principal researcher Dr Tommy Ryan-Keogh, the programme, titled... →

IWMSA stresses importance of combatting plastic pollution

By: Sabrina Jardim 17th April 2024 Amid an increasing need to combat plastic pollution, the Institute of Waste Management of Southern Africa (IWMSA) highlights the need for concerted efforts to combat plastic pollution in South Africa. IWMSA president Mpendulo Ginindza notes that the plastic economy in South Africa is based on a... →

South Africa seeks to secure global plastics pollution treaty by balancing competing interests – Creecy

By: Schalk Burger 12th April 2024 South Africa will seek to secure a legally binding global plastics pollution and marine litter treaty in negotiations at upcoming global meetings by balancing competing demands, Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Barbara Creecy told the media on April 12. The Department of Forestry,... →

Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Minister Barbara Creecy

People at the heart of South Africa’s water sector recovery

By: Natasha Odendaal 12th April 2024 The complexity of the water sector in South Africa, along with the numerous and seemingly insurmountable challenges faced, demands a series of integrated interventions – and people are at the centre of these solutions. South Africa’s long-known water woes are the result of several factors,... →

Wind energy poses increased fall risks

By: Halima Frost 12th April 2024 As the demand for greener energy helps drive the increased uptake of wind energy, the dangers that face workers in the sector are becoming even more evident. As reported by the US Occupational Safety and Health Administration in a report named ‘Green Job Hazards’, workers in the wind energy... →

Two men wearing PPE and safety harnesses working on teh turbines of a wind turbine stack

TALL ORDER Maintaining safety standards especially in the wind turbine installation and maintenance sector has come to the fore as the development of green energy gains impetus

Woolworths pilots the removal of plastic barrier bags at 12 stores

By: Sabrina Jardim 9th April 2024 Food and clothing retailer Woolworths has launched a 12-store trial to remove plastic barrier bags from its stores. Starting on April 8 in four Western Cape-based stores, namely Table Bay Mall, Waterstone Village, Plattekloof Village and Palmyra Junction, the eight-week trial will extend on April... →

Eskom defends pollution record, saying it’s spending billions

By: Bloomberg 8th April 2024 South Africa’s State power utility, stung by reports about the health impacts of emissions from burning coal, said it’s spending billions of dollars to reduce them and has an ambitious target to reduce output of one of its most dangerous pollutants. Eskom Holdings said it’s committed to a... →

88% of global fossil fuel, cement CO2 emissions linked to 117 producers

By: Darren Parker 4th April 2024 A new report, released on April 4 by InfluenceMap using the Carbon Majors database, shows that 88% of global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuels and cement from 2016 through 2022 can be linked to 117 producers. In addition, most fossil fuel companies produced more fossil fuels in the... →

Agriculture, fossil fuel burning the main reasons why Africa is emitting more carbon

By: Marleny Arnoldi 3rd April 2024 Research by University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) academics finds that Africa has moved from being a net carbon sink to a net carbon source in nine years, meaning the rate at which carbon is being released from the continent has increased. Wits explains that Africa went from absorbing more... →

South Africa coal-plant closure delays risk thousands of deaths

By: Bloomberg 3rd April 2024 Delays to the planned closures of coal-fired power plants proposed by South Africa’s energy department could result in thousands of deaths from air pollution and lead to billions of dollars of health-related costs, an air-quality research agency said. The projection about the health impacts of... →

Masslift Africa launches Mitsubishi Forklift’s new Grendia series in South Africa

3rd April 2024 Forklift products and services provider Masslift Africa, in partnership with Mitsubishi Forklift Trucks, in March launched Mitsubishi’s new-generation Grendia forklift series for the Southern African market. →

Masslift Africa launches Mitsubishi Forklift’s new Grendia series in South Africa

Indigenous resources must benefit South African communities, says Ramaphosa

By: Sabrina Jardim 26th March 2024 With a global emphasis on sustainability and the effects of climate change becoming more apparent, President Cyril Ramaphosa described the sustainable use of biodiversity as the “pillar of rural economies” across South Africa. In a keynote address at the inaugural Biodiversity Economy and... →

President Cyril Ramaphosa discusses climate change and how indigenous resources can benefit local communities

Companies unveil Kelvin power station carbon capture pilot project

By: Schalk Burger 22nd March 2024 The 600 MW coal-fired Kelvin power station, in Isando, Ekurhuleni, has installed a 300 m3/h flue gas emissions capturing pilot project, which removes carbon dioxide (CO₂), nitrogen oxides and sulphur oxides to make sulphuric acid, ammonium sulphate and ammonium bicarbonate (ABC) crystals. These... →

The carbon capture pilot plant at the Kelvin power station

Sustainable energy transition on track for mining industry

22nd March 2024 The energy transition and the global move towards net zero by 2050 require coordinated action by mining companies, governments, unions and communities to ensure just transitions for coal mines and communities, according to a recent press release authored by Webber Wentzel partners Bruce Dickinson... →

BRUCE DICKINSON The energy transition will entail a shift from fossil fuels to clean energy sources

Unprecedented crime levels threaten mining’s sustainability

By: Marleny Arnoldi 22nd March 2024 Amid South Africa’s ticking of all the boxes for a fertile environment for organised crime – economic inequality, rampant crime, widespread government corruption and poorly performing State organs – addressing security is a key part of ensuring the sustainability of the mining industry. During... →

Forestry value chain innovations can help mitigate effects of climate change

By: Lumkile Nkomfe 22nd March 2024 Given the climate crisis in South Africa and around the world, tertiary education institution University of Pretoria’s (UP’s) Technology and Innovation senior lecturer Dr Schalk Grobbelaar argues that innovations in the forestry value chain will be key in safeguarding the environment. “When a... →

SCHALK GROBBELAAR When a tree grows, it takes in carbon dioxide, produces oxygen and uses the carbon as a building block for its growth

Technological solutions key to creating climate-resilient future

By: Lumkile Nkomfe 22nd March 2024 Leading subsurface software technology company Seequent highlights that technology solutions will assist in mitigating the global threat of climate change. Seequent, The Bentley Subsurface Company, builds “world-leading technology that is at the forefront of Earth Sciences”. →

A generic split image of a drought-affected tree and grass contrasted with lush grass and a leafy tree

MITIGATING THREATS Climate change poses significant threats to long-term food and water security

Zambezi river flow recedes amid reduced rainfall, El Niño

By: Sabrina Jardim 20th March 2024 The river flows at Chavuma gauging station, the first gauging station located in the North-Western province of Zambia and which measures river flows as the Zambezi river enters Zambia from Angola, have been increasing slowly this month, says the Zambezi River Authority. The slow increase has been... →

Thungela launches fish breeding facility in Mpumalanga

20th March 2024 Coal producer and exporter Thungela in February launched a fish breeding facility at the Loskop Dam Nature Reserve, in Mpumalanga, to mitigate some of the impacts of an uncontrolled release of mine-affected water in the area. Tasneem Bulbulia tells us more. →

Thungela launches fish breeding facility in Mpumalanga

Campaigns can help maximise water recovery – firm

By: Lumkile Nkomfe 15th March 2024 In light of the recent surge of waterborne disease outbreaks, water shedding, supply disruptions and emerging water scarcity, water-solutions company Talbot positively embraces this year’s Water Week theme of Water For All. This year’s National Water Week is scheduled to take place from March 20... →

An image of a Talbot water treatment plant in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal

Talbot CEO Carl Haycock discussing the water crisis ahead of this year’s National Water Week. Recording: Lumkile Nkomfe. Editing: Shadwyn Dickinson. Recorded 16-02-2024

Company aims to accelerate provision of basic human right

By: Lumkile Nkomfe 15th March 2024 Amid South Africa’s water infrastructure crisis, global water solutions company Xylem says improving public awareness on water scarcity, quality and sustainability remain crucial in fast-tracking collective efforts to safeguard the provisioning of potable water. The company commends the Water for... →

HOLISTIC APPROACH REQUIRED Water connect organisations and the communities they serve. It's not effective to focus only on narrow areas

Firm offers expertise on water use applications

15th March 2024 Global mining consultancy SRK Consulting hails the introduction of the Department of Water and Sanitation’s (DWS’s) Electronic Water Use Licence Application and Authorisation System (E-WULAAS). The company regards this as an important aspect of the water application process. This electronic... →

An image of SRK principal environmental scientist Avril Owens

AVRIL OWENS Structured and agreed upon communication protocols with DWS officials are vital

Promoting access through collaboration

15th March 2024 Global water solutions and technology company Xylem is undertaking a strategic collaboration partnership with the African Water and Sanitation Association (AfWASA) to help increase access to safe drinking water and sanitation solutions. The two organisations have a memorandum of understanding... →

Energy industry’s methane emissions near record despite pledges

By: Bloomberg 13th March 2024 Global methane emissions from fossil fuels held near a record high last year, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said in its annual 'Methane Tracker' report, renewing concerns that governments and industry aren’t doing enough to stem releases of the devastating greenhouse gas. While the... →

Methane emissions in the oil and gas industry

Energy-related emissions increased in 2023, but grew by less than 2022, IEA reports

By: Schalk Burger 1st March 2024 Global energy-related carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions rose less strongly in 2023 than the year before, even as total energy demand growth accelerated, with continued expansion of solar photovoltaic (PV), wind, nuclear power and electric cars helping the world avoid greater use of fossil fuels.... →

South African researchers trawl through death records to assess coal impact

By: Bloomberg 29th February 2024 South African scientists plan to examine about 8.5-million death certificates to ascertain how many people the country’s dependence on coal for electricity is killing. The review is the first of its kind in Africa in that it will depend on actual data rather than modeling the effects of air... →

South Africa’s inaugural Grid Emission Measure highlights coal dependence

By: Bloomberg 14th February 2024 South Africa produced its inaugural official gauge of the carbon intensity of its electricity production, confirming its status as one of the world’s top producers per capita of greenhouse gases. The Department of Forestry, Fisheries and he Environment this month said that the country’s domestic... →

Old Mutual Insure, UK specialist partner to address flood risk in South Africa

By: Sabrina Jardim 26th January 2024 South African insurance provider Old Mutual Insure has entered into a strategic partnership with UK-based flood science specialist JBA Risk Management to address flood risk in South Africa. The collaboration will allow Old Mutual Insure to provide invaluable support in navigating the challenges... →

SA-made nature-mimicking shark-barrier tech scores first commercial installation

By: Irma Venter 19th January 2024 The ecofriendly SharkSafe Barrier technology, developed by marine biologists at Stellenbosch University (SU) and their collaborators, and manufactured in the Western Cape, has been installed at a private island in the Bahamas in its first commercial deployment. The SharkSafe Barrier combines the... →

Project achieves financial close

15th December 2023 Independent power producer EDF Renewables achieved commercial and financial close on its Umoyilanga project on November 28, 2023, reaching commercial close with the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), and then concluding financial close with financial institutions Nedbank, RMB and... →

A sunset picture of solar panels with wind turbines in the background ad reflecting off the panels

KILLER COMBO The combination of wind and solar energy as well as battery storage will be used at the Umoyilanga project

Energy company driving global move to renewables

15th December 2023 In South Africa, global renewable-power producer Scatec has initiated numerous projects under the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme contributing towards a more sustainable energy grid. The company says that as a major player in the renewables space, its role... →

A man in PPE under a Solar PV Panel installation conducting quality assurance checks

THE WHOLE SOLUTION Scatec has successfully contributed to many of South Africa's Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programmes

EnerGeo says seismic surveying does not irreparably damage marine life

By: Marleny Arnoldi 13th December 2023 Geoscience and energy exploration industry body EnerGeo Alliance has said there is no evidence to suggest that seismic surveys are irreparably damaging to marine life. Rather, it argued, seismic survey vessels often contribute to efforts to restore and recover marine life including by... →

Basic income grant can reduce poverty, boost economic growth – Study

By: Sane Dhlamini 12th December 2023 A new report titled 'Macroeconomic and Developmental Impacts of Selected Basic Income Grant (BIG) Pathways for South Africa' by Applied Development Research Solution (ADRS) and the Institute for Economic Justice (IEJ), says implementing a basic income grant can reduce poverty and inequality and... →

NRF launches youth-centred research programme in partnership with Swiss Fondation Botnar

By: Sane Dhlamini 8th December 2023 South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF) CEO Professor Fulufhelo Nelwamondo on Friday stressed the vulnerability of African youth in terms of their well-being, as he announced the launch of the u’GOOD programme, aimed at further developing a framework for research into young people and... →

Image of NRF CEO Professor Fulufhelo Nelwamondo at the u'GOOD launch

Photo by Supplied by NRF
National Research Foundation CEO Professor Fulufhelo Nelwamondo at the u'GOOD launch

Eskom, Sasol pollution harms children, government studies find

By: Bloomberg 6th December 2023 Two studies ordered by South Africa’s government into the impact of air pollution on community and child health showed emission limits it imposed on companies that emit the toxins are insufficient. The studies were undertaken in key industrial regions by academics at the University of... →

Eskom's Duvha power station in Mpumalanga

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