Eco Minute 13:30

BULLETIN 6 February 1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute:

# Gauteng’s nature reserves are facing rising fire risks amid the suspension of two junior employees in 2022. Their absence has delayed fire management efforts, including maintaining firebreaks and it is costing taxpayers 1.3-million-rand. Gauteng MEC for Environmental Affairs, Shyla Peters, admitted the suspensions have hindered key projects. Experts warn that climate change is increasing wildfire risks, making proactive fire management essential to protect nature reserves, communities, and infrastructure.

# Climate change is impacting mountain communities in equatorial Africa more than previously thought. This is according to a new study from researchers at the University of York. Around 288-million people live in African mountain regions. The study found that farmers in countries including Cameroon, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Burundi, reported increased temperatures, reduced fog, changes in rainfall amount and distribution, and an increase in extreme climate events. Professor Rob Marchant says the study underlines the urgent need for localised adaptation strategies, to mitigate the socio-ecological and economic impacts communities face.

# And finally: A fresh series of quakes hit the Greek tourism island of Santorini, part of an unprecedented seismic wave that has baffled scientists and led to a mass exodus of residents. Seven successive tremors measuring over 4.0 magnitude were recorded in the early morning. This was after a 5.2 quake, the strongest so far since the weekend, was recorded yesterday evening. Experts have so far been unable to give a definitive estimate on when the seismic activity will end, but stress that it is unprecedented.

Stay tuned for more news………….