Eco Minute 13:30

BULLETIN 9 May 1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute:

# Tshwane mayor, Cilliers Brink, says the metro plans to pilot a solar streetlights programme in a bid to curb the increase of cable theft. Solar streetlights have emerged as a cost-effective and sustainable lighting solution for municipalities and businesses. Brink says by harnessing solar energy, these lights eliminate the need for grid electricity, reducing energy bills significantly:

# Volunteer nature lovers around the Groenkloof Nature Reserve in Pretoria have embarked on an initiative to regularly remove invasive plants, aiming to restore balance to indigenous flora. Their efforts are focused on eradicating species like weeping wattle to protect native plants and animals. The initiative targets grassland rehabilitation through methods like coppicing. Project coordinator, Alan Urban, says they hope to display the crucial role of preserving indigenous biodiversity for future generations.

# And finally: Research has found a direct correlation between the flooding of tourists to England’s Lake District and Lake Windermere turning green. This is ascribed to algal blooms fuelled by high levels of nutrients, possibly from sewage, and high temperatures. The researchers say the algae makes the water toxic or starve wildlife of oxygen. The founder of Save Windermere, Matt Staniek, calls for the complete removal of all sewage from the lake. Sky News reports 27-thousand hours of untreated sewage was released into the lake since 2020.

Stay tuned for more news………….