Eco Minute

BULLETIN 5 August 1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute:

# Transnet is aiming to manage energy costs and reduce emissions by diversifying its energy mix through alternative energy sources and renewable energy. This is according to the state-owned Transnet National Ports Authority. The authority has published a request for proposals for the development of a three-megawatt solar power plant at the port of East London in the Eastern Cape. Acting CEO Phyllis Difeto says this forms part of their Renewable Energy Purchase Programme to deploy about 100-megawatt across all eight South African commercial seaports.

# In the rugged mountains of Lesotho, scientists have discovered an ancient lake in the eastern Highlands, which had disappeared due to climate change. The ancient lake was located just adjacent to Mafadi Summit, which sits on the border of South Africa and Lesotho. Wits University professor Jennifer Fitchett says the lake’s disappearance underscores the urgent need for scientists and policymakers to carefully monitor water systems, which are essential for sustaining human life and natural ecosystems.

# And, the world’s biggest iceberg known as A23a, for months now has been spinning on the spot just north of Antarctica. Scientists say the frozen block, which is more than twice the size of Greater London, has been captured on top of a huge rotating cylinder of water. The phenomenon is called a Taylor Column and it’s possible A23a might not escape its jailer for years. It broke free from the Antarctic coastline way back in 1986, and for three decades remained a static ice island. It started drifting again in 2020 but is now stuck again.

Stay tuned for more news………….