Eco Minute 13:30

BULLETIN 8 April 1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute:

# Sasol has successfully appealed to the Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, resulting in its sulphur emissions being regulated on an alternative basis. The company proposed reducing overall emissions by adjusting its boilers at Secunda rather than focusing solely on concentration-based limits. Minister Barbara Creecy upheld Sasol’s appeal, determining it met all requirements, with the new regulation effective from 1 April next year. Sasol says it acknowledges the need to address its pollutive operations and will work with the minister to finalise regulatory requirements.

# Tshwane’s buy-back centres have been praised for bolstering recycling efforts. The centres cater mainly for the informal sector such as waste pickers, residents, small recycling businesses and any other people who would like to sell their recyclable waste. The metro has three operational centres in Atteridgeville, Stinkwater and Hammanskraal. Mayoral committee member for Environment and Agriculture, Ziyanda Zwane, says these centres are a benefit to the environment because they help reduce pollution and conserve natural resources.

# And, the European Court of Human Rights is set to deliver unprecedented rulings tomorrow in three separate cases concerning countries’ responsibilities in addressing global warming. These verdicts could potentially compel governments to adopt more ambitious climate policies. This marks the first time the court will rule on climate change, with cases alleging European governments’ inadequate actions against global warming. The outcomes may establish new fundamental rights regarding climate action.

Stay tuned for more news………….