Eco Minute 13:30

BULLETIN 17 January 1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute:

# Ireland-based Kibo Energy says it has received conditional preliminary approval for development funding for a waste-to-energy project in South Africa. One of the company’s schemes in the country is the development of the Sustineri Energy plastic waste-to-synthetic oil project in Gauteng in partnership with Industrial Energy Solutions. The first phase, comprising of 2.7 megawatts plastic-to-syngas production is at an advanced project development stage. CEO Louis Coetzee says Kibo Energy has made progress in delivering low- or zero-carbon energy-generation solutions across Southern Africa, the UK and Ireland.

# The first all-women anti-poaching unit in Zambia, Conservation Lower Zambezi, is actively contributing to the protection of endangered wildlife species. This pioneering squad collaborates with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife to combat poaching and other illicit activities. The unit’s monitoring and evaluation official, Peter Longwe, says the squad engages with local communities to address human-wildlife conflicts, particularly in areas bordering the park used for subsistence farming. Longwe says the initiative marks a significant step towards empowering women in conservation efforts.

# And finally: Scientists say human-induced climate change is amplifying extreme weather events, resulting in more frequent and intense cyclones. Tropical cyclone Belal recently caused significant flooding in Mauritius, prompting government intervention. Climate scientists highlight a direct connection between global warming and the heightened intensity of cyclones in the region. The World Weather Attribution group emphasises that climate change is increasing the probability and strength of rainfall associated with tropical storms and cyclones.

Stay tuned for more news………….