Eco Minute 13:30

BULLETIN 19 March 1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute:

# 2024 set a new global temperature record, averaging over 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. This is according to the World Meteorological Organisation’s state of the global climate report. The report, which was compiled with data from 101 countries, also noted that 2024 was the eighth consecutive year of record-breaking ocean warming. Lead author of the report, John Kennedy, says the primary driver of this heat was the continued rise in greenhouse gas emissions, with El Niño playing a smaller role in the spike.

United Nations secretary-general António Guterres affirmed that the Paris Agreement goals are still within reach, despite the World Meteorological Organisation’s report. He urges global leaders to act quickly, embracing renewable energy and national climate plans to limit global temperature rise. Guterres emphasises the need for urgent action to ensure a sustainable future.

# And finally: The Buffalo City Municipality in the Eastern Cape says it is working on dealing with some challenges which are the main factors contributing to sewage spillages in the region. One of the factors is the ageing infrastructure, both the network and the mechanical infrastructure in pump stations and wastewater treatment plants. The municipality’s spokesperson, Samkelo Ngwenya, says in terms of budgetary solutions, they are reprioritising recapitalisation and maintenance of wastewater infrastructure:

Stay tuned for more news………….