Eco Minute 13:30

BULLETIN 30 June 1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute:

# CapeNature has added over 13-thousand hectares to protected areas in the Western Cape, boosting conservation efforts. Despite this progress, 30-percent of the province’s ecosystems remain under threat due to development, agriculture, and climate change. The latest expansion forms part of broader efforts to safeguard biodiversity hotspots and critical habitats. Currently, the Western Cape has over 828-thousand hectares under formal protection, but environmental groups warn that more urgent action is needed to meet conservation targets and prevent irreversible biodiversity loss.

# The South African Weather Service says the cold weather will continue in some parts of the country today. South Africa has experienced low temperatures, windy conditions, and wet weather since last week. Another cold front is expected to make landfall in the Western Cape on Wednesday. City of Cape Town Disaster Risk Management spokesperson Charlotte Powell says they are still monitoring the situation:

# And finally: A heatwave continues to grip large parts of Europe, with authorities in many countries issuing health warnings. Southern Spain is the worst-affected region, with a new heat record for June of 46 degrees set in the town of El Granado on Saturday. According to Spain’s national weather service, this month is also on track to be the hottest June on record. Red heat warnings are in force in parts of Portugal, Italy, and Croatia, with numerous amber warnings covering areas in the rest of Europe.

Stay tuned for more news………….