Eco Minute 13:30

BULLETIN 19 June 1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute:

# Union federation Cosatu in the Eastern Cape has expressed gratitude for the widespread support following the Mthatha floods that left 90 people dead and over two-thousand-600 people homeless. The organisation praised rescue teams, government interventions, and international aid. Cosatu spokesperson Zanele Sabela calls for urgent collective action to curb climate change:

Meanwhile, the Sustainable Seas Trust says government has made valuable strides in environmental protection through initiatives such as advancing renewable energy projects and enacting the Climate Change Act. The act is intended to enable the development of an effective climate change response and a long-term, just transition to a low-carbon and climate-resilient economy. The organisation’s CEO, Janine Osborne, says significant challenges remain, including continued reliance on coal and slow renewable energy deployment. She adds that government must also accelerate the transition away from fossil fuels.

# And finally: South African airline Airlink is expanding its fleet with ten next-generation Embraer E195-E2 airliners, leased from US-based Azorra. Deliveries will begin later this year and continue through 2027. The new aircraft offers up to 29-percent fuel savings and reduced carbon emissions, increasing both efficiency and capacity. Configured for 124 to 136 passengers, they will support network expansion while maintaining a high-frequency service. The move strengthens Airlink’s long-standing partnership with Embraer and reinforces its commitment to sustainable growth across Africa.

Stay tuned for more news.