Eco Minute 13:30

BULLETIN 27 August 1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute:

# Grassroots for Climate Action says South Africa’s Nationally Determined Contribution framework should be people-centred and inclusive. Government is preparing to update its Nationally Determined Contribution targets for 2030 to 2035, a crucial step in meeting its climate commitments under the Paris Agreement. Grassroots for Climate Action’s Mpho Phalwan says the country’s 2035 targets must reflect both meaningful climate action and a balance between adaptation and mitigation efforts:

# Standard Bank has launched its Sustainability Academy, which is a free learning platform providing practical environmental, social, governance and sustainability solutions to businesses across Africa. The academy has been developed in partnership with Microsoft and Philanthrosoft. Standard Bank’s Manessah Alagbaoso says through the academy, participants gain insights into renewable energy adoption, climate-smart agriculture, carbon markets and water management innovations:

# And finally: Lakes, which cover nearly four-percent of the planet’s land surface, are disappearing at an alarming rate due to pollution, habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change. Today marks World Lake Day, which aims to raise awareness of the importance of lakes and the sustainable management of lakes and related ecosystems. The United Nations Environment Programme warns that by 2050, lakes ecosystem value could drop by 20-percent, pollution could more than double, and methane emissions may surge.

Stay tuned for more news………….