Eco Minute 13:30

NEWSFLASH NEWS AGENCY 14 November 1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute:

# Agbiz chief economist Wandile Sihlobo has welcomed the news that the country may escape the worst impacts of El Niño due to forecasted good rains. The latest data from the South African Weather Service indicates above-normal rainfall from November through March in the northeast, while below-normal rainfall is expected in the central and south-western parts of the country. Sihlobo notes these rains are anticipated to cover critical pollination stages of the summer crop, providing much-needed moisture and potentially leading to better yields.

# Around 739 million children worldwide, already live in areas exposed to high or very high water scarcity, with climate change threatening to make this worse. This is according to a new report titled, The Climate Changed Child, by the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund. The report provides an analysis of the impacts of three tiers of water security globally, water scarcity, water vulnerability, and water stress. UNICEF executive director Catherine Russell says despite their unique vulnerability, children have been either ignored or largely disregarded in discussions about climate change.

# And finally: Delegates from around the world are convening in Nairobi, Kenya, for crucial talks to formulate the first-ever global treaty addressing the plastic pollution crisis. The agreement, set to be finalised by next year, targets the cessation of plastic pollution in oceans and the atmosphere, including its impact on humans and animals. The United States, Saudi Arabia, India and China previously favoured state-determined commitments, while others, including Africa, sought global commitments. Plastic waste prompts calls for a 75-percent reduction by 2040 to curb emissions. The discussions are scheduled to conclude on Sunday.

Stay tuned for more news………….