Eco Minute 13:30

BULLETIN 27 March 1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute:

# Scientists are studying Cape Town lakes Princessvlei and Eilandvlei to understand climate change tipping points. Led by Palaeo-ecologist Jemma Finch, the research explores the lakes’ ecological history, using micro-algae and environmental DNA to track changes. Princessvlei faces drying and pollution, while Eilandvlei is at risk of rising sea levels. The findings will help conservation efforts adapt restoration strategies. Finch and other experts will discuss their research in the Let’s Get Sedimental webinar hosted by Oppenheimer Generations Research and Conservation today.

# There was a record 585-gigawatt increase in renewable power capacity during 2024, reaching four-thousand-448-gigawatts. This is according to the Renewable Capacity Statistics 2025 report released by the International Renewable Energy Agency. Most of the increase occurred in Asia, with the greatest share being contributed by China, which added almost 64-percent of the global added capacity in 2024. According to the report, solar and wind energy continued to expand the most, jointly accounting for 96.6-percent of all net renewable additions last year.

# And finally: By 2030, Coca-Cola products will account for an estimated 602-million kilograms of plastic waste entering the world’s oceans and waterways each year. This is according to a report by the non-profit organisation Oceana. Coca-Cola ranks as the world’s top branded plastic polluter, followed by PepsiCo and Nestlé. Oceana has found that if Coca-Cola were to reach 26.4-percent reusable packaging by 2030, the company could bend its plastic curve, reducing its annual plastic use below current levels. In response, Coca-Cola says it remains committed to expanding its refillable packaging options.

Stay tuned for more news………….