Eco Minute 13:30

BULLETIN 12 February 1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute:

# Enviromentalists have warned of high costs as Cape Town moves forward with plans for a five-billion-rand desalination plant in Paarden Island. The plant is aimed at boosting water supply by up to 70-million litres daily. The experts, according to GroundUp, have highlighted added costs, pollution risks, and brine discharge that could affecting marine life. The city, which is in the middle of its feasibility study, insists that the project follows best global practices. Public comment is open until 3 March and a final feasibility report will be available later in the year.

# Climate change has affected harvesters of mopane worms in Botswana. Prolonged droughts and extreme temperatures have resulted in a sharp decline in the worm population, leading to a reduction in harvest yields. Mopane worms, which are a key source of protein and a reliable income stream for rural communities, are now scarce. Over-harvesting has further worsened the situation, despite government-issued permits. Environmentalists are calling for stronger conservation efforts to protect this vital resource.

# And finally: The United Nations Climate Change body is urging countries to submit new climate targets by September. This comes as China, India, and the European Union are among big polluters that have missed the deadline. Under the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, countries must submit detailed plans every five years, with clear targets for cutting emissions, or curbing them in the case of poorer countries. The UN’s Simon Stiell says the G20 group is responsible for about 80-percent of global emissions:

Stay tuned for more news………….