Eco Minute 13:30

BULLETIN 23 May 1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute:

# The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition has highlighted the importance of strong relationships between government and the private sector for the development of green energy manufacturing plants. Africa’s demand for power is projected to grow eight-fold by 2050, with renewables set to meet much of this demand growth. The department’s Green Economy Industries director, Annelize van der Merwe, says government is also developing more policies to enable greater collaboration between various departments for a just energy transition.

# The Southern African Development Community is urging African nations to plan better for climate change. In the coming decades, the region is expected to experience higher land and ocean surface temperatures than in the past, which will affect rainfall, winds, and the timing and intensity of weather events. Sadec’s executive secretary, Elias Magosi, says increased frequency of floods, cyclones, and droughts may damage infrastructure, destroy crops, disrupt livelihoods, and cause loss of life:

# And finally: Ultima Antarctic Expeditions has opened bookings for its upcoming Antarctic season, between November this year and February next year, with only 250 seats available. Guests fly from Cape Town to inland Antarctica in just 5.5 hours. Of the available seats, the most exclusive are just 100 seats for the ultimate experience: the South Pole and Emperors Expedition. This includes visits to ancient ice caves and the experience of observing penguins in their natural habitat. CEO Riaan Aucamp says they see the expeditions as creating future Antarctic ambassadors.

Stay tuned for more news………….