Eco Minute 13:30

BULLETIN 12 January 1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute:

# New research from the University of Reading’s International Law division reveals that Israeli Defence Force actions in Gaza have left lingering chemicals from white phosphorus weapons, posing a long-term environmental threat. According to the university’s Saeed Bagheri, these chemicals could persist in the soil for years, adversely impacting crop growth in Gaza. Bagheri warns of devastating consequences for individual farmers and their communities, emphasising the urgent need for attention and remedial measures to address the pollution and mitigate its potential long-term impacts.

# Climate change is threatening litchi production in South Africa. According to the Agricultural Research Council, unprecedented storms and heat waves have impacted farmers, prompting discussions at the second annual Litchi Cultivar Day. Solutions to sector challenges were explored, emphasising agro-processing and developing new cultivars for extended product availability. Despite climate change challenges, the council remains committed to producing high-quality litchis. The event showcased imported cultivars and litchi-based products, aiming to equip farmers with new skills for effective farm management.

# And finally: A report by the International Energy Agency shows that 50-percent more renewables capacity was installed globally last year than in 2022. A total of 507 gigawatts of renewable energy capacity was installed last year, increasing the installed base to about three-thousand-600 megawatts, with solar photovoltaic accounting for three-quarters of worldwide additions. China commissioned as much solar photovoltaics last year as the entire world did in 2022. The agency forecasts that global renewables capacity will grow to seven-thousand-300 gigawatts over the five years to 2028.

Stay tuned for more news………….