Eco Minute 13:30

BULLETIN 21 November 1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute:

# Trade, Industry and Competition minister, Parks Tau, says the global demand for green hydrogen presents ample industrialisation opportunities not only for South Africa but for other African countries. Clean hydrogen demand is projected to increase to between 125 and 585 million metric tons by 2050. Most hydrogen is consumed in the chemicals and refining sectors and is still largely derived by using fossil fuels. Tau says green hydrogen presents an opportunity to export natural resources such as sunshine and wind, which South Africa has in abundance.

# The Western Cape government, through CapeNature, is tackling single-use plastic pollution with a comprehensive approach aimed at reducing waste and raising awareness. Visitors to CapeNature reserves are encouraged to participate in litter reduction through the Don’tBeTrashy campaign. The annual Don’tBeTrashy Drive, held every September, highlights the impact of litter and encourages better waste habits. DA Western Cape’s Dave Bryant says CapeNature is setting an example in sustainable environmental management:

# And finally: A study by the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry has warned that annual deaths linked to air pollution and extreme temperatures could reach 30-million by 2100. Published in Nature Communications, the data shows that pollution-related mortality is projected to increase five-fold, while temperature-related deaths may rise seven-fold, particularly in South and East Asia. In high-income regions, temperature-related deaths are expected to surpass those from pollution. The institute says the findings highlight the urgent need for global mitigation efforts to address these escalating public health risks.

Stay tuned for more news………….