Eco Minute 13:30

BULLETIN 4 July 1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute:

# The City of Cape Town has requested more time from the National Nuclear Regulator to decide on the future operation of the Koeberg nuclear power plant. This is over urban development and safety concerns. A 2022 International Atomic Energy Agency report identified several safety issues at Koeberg, including cracks and erosion in buildings, the pressurised water reactors, and a dysfunctional monitoring system. If Koeberg is permitted to continue operations, the Southern African Faith Communities Environment Institute has warned of potential legal action.

# The death toll in the destruction caused by Hurricane Beryl has risen to at least eight after one person died in Jamaica. The hurricane is described as one of the strongest to impact Jamaica and other Caribbean islands. The hurricane, now a category four, was previously the earliest category five on record in the Atlantic. Beryl is heading for the Cayman Islands and is forecast to remain a hurricane until it makes landfall on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula tonight or tomorrow.

# And finally: Climate change threatens to drive over 130 million people into poverty, without sustained efforts to cut carbon emissions and implement climate adaptation plans. This is according to research conducted by the South African Institute of International Affairs. African policymakers are urged to invest in social protections integrated into national climate responses to bolster vulnerable populations. Climate researcher Jordan Mc Lean says African Union states need to endorse the Africa Risk Capacity Insurance Company for continental risk pooling against extreme weather.

Stay tuned for more news………….