Eco Minute 13:30

BULLETIN 2 July 1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute:

# City Power has announced the arrival of new electric vehicle charging stations, marking a key milestone in Johannesburg’s clean energy transition. Part of its ten-point Energy Plan, the rollout includes converting City Power’s fleet to electric, building city-wide charging infrastructure, and introducing battery-swapping systems. Spokesperson Isaac Mangena says the initiative will reduce emissions and fuel costs, and boost skills development, positioning Johannesburg as a leader in green mobility and economic innovation:

# A heatwave continues to grip Europe as the UK measured a 33.6 Celsius high in Kent, making it the hottest day of the year so far. In western Turkey, 50-thousand people have been evacuated during wildfires. Two people have died in Italy, and parts of Portugal and Spain recorded their highest ever June temperatures. In France, a red alert – the highest extreme heat warning – is in place across 16 regions, including Paris, where the top of the Eiffel Tower remains closed.

# And finally: In Kenya’s Marereni region, mangrove loss has worsened coastal erosion, depleted fish stocks, and undermined livelihoods. A U.S.-based nonprofit organisation, Seatrees, are restoring mangroves through its marine biodiversity credit programme. The project supports over 600 community members, providing income through nurseries and conservation. With scientific monitoring and community engagement, they’ve planted 190-thousand trees, boosting biodiversity and fish catches. Despite challenges like illegal logging and pollution, restoration efforts continue to uplift both ecosystems and livelihoods.

Stay tuned for more news………….