Eco Minute 13:30

BULLETIN 19 November 1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute:

# Nearly five-percent of global carbon emissions come from healthcare, with hospitals contributing through energy use, waste, and transport. Research shows that hospital buildings are big energy users because they need a constant power supply to keep the lights and equipment on, and keep wards and theatres at the right temperature. In South Africa, hospitals rely heavily on coal-based electricity, contributing to greenhouse gases. University of Cape Town’s head of Urology, John Lazarus, says one way to lower the health sector’s carbon emissions is to build green hospitals.

# The Western Cape Government has joined calls for urgent action to tackle the growing threats of drought, wildfire, and extreme heat globally. The province is a founding member of the Mediterranean Climate Action Partnership. MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, says climate change is a global issue, but the impacts are being felt locally. He says some of the provincial government’s climate change priorities include improving water security, mitigating the risk of extreme heat and wildfires, and reducing the province’s carbon footprint.

# And finally: Organic and baby carrots sold at grocery stores across the US have been recalled after an E. coli outbreak that has killed one person. The American Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said so far, 15 people are in hospital and 39 cases have been reported across 18 states. The recall covers bagged carrots sold by Grimmway Farms to big supermarkets. The E. coli cases linked to carrots comes after another high-profile outbreak in the US, related to slivered onions on some McDonald’s Quarter Pounder burgers. It caused 104 people to become ill.

Stay tuned for more news………….