Eco Minute 13:30

BULLETIN 12 February 1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute:

# The Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment has urged people again not to consume washed-up marine animals found along the West Coast, due to the annual red tide phenomenon. These include prawns, crabs, cuttlefish, seaworms, shark rays, and lobsters. The department’s spokesperson, Peter Mbelengwa, says the appearance of washed-up lobsters carries significant health risks, due to potential contamination by algal toxins that can cause severe illness or death when ingested:

# The City of Cape Town says alternative energy solutions are being investigated in informal settlements where grid-connected electrification is not possible. This is part of its Urban Energy Poverty Programme. Mayoral committee member for Energy, Beverley van Reenen, says access to safe and sustainable energy sources remains a vital focus for the city, not only to improve living conditions but also to reduce the risk of devastating fires primarily caused by open, unattended flames:

# And finally: Prince William’s Earthshot charity will host its awards ceremony in Cape Town this November, celebrating fifteen global environmental solutions. The Earthshot Prize of 24-million-rand aims to reduce carbon emissions by over 40-percent by 2030 and protect 30-percent of nature. No specific dates have been announced, and it’s unclear if Prince William or Kate Middleton will attend. Earthshot Prize CEO Hannah Jones emphasises the importance of addressing environmental challenges in the Earthshot Decade.

Stay tuned for more news………….