Eco Minute 13:30

BULLETIN 2 April 1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute:

# Science, Technology, and Innovation deputy minister, Nomalungelo Gina, has warned that South Africa is experiencing the devastating effects of climate change. Speaking at the 14th International Conference on Southern Hemisphere Meteorology and Oceanography in Cape Town, she highlighted extreme weather events like heatwaves, droughts, and floods. Gina called for urgent scientific research, technology, and global collaboration to mitigate climate impacts. The four-day conference brings together top meteorologists and climate scientists to address southern hemisphere challenges.

# The Department of Water and Sanitation has opened a third sluice gate at the Vaal Dam to increase water outflows and manage inflows. The dam’s current water level is at 107.3-percent. The department’s spokesperson, Wisane Mavasa, says the increased outflows are expected to reach the Bloemhof Dam in three to four days and will result in rising water levels, which will be managed by gradually increasing outflows from the dam:

# ​And finally: A recent study by South Africa’s Water Research Commission explored using seawater for toilet flushing in Cape Town to conserve fresh water. One of the key findings is the willingness of Capetonians to pay a premium of up to ten-percent on their water bills, in exchange for the use of seawater for toilet flushing. The commission says by tapping into the vast reserves of seawater that surround coastal cities like Cape Town, communities can alleviate the strain on dwindling freshwater reservoirs and reduce their ecological footprint.

Stay tuned for more news………….