Eco Minute

BULLETIN 19 August 1:30 pm

Good afternoon, here is your Eco Minute:

# The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research says South Africa’s plastic consumption and associated waste and leakage into the environment is increasing by about three-percent a year. The council’s Sustainability, Economics and Waste research group has developed an evidence-based strategy tool for the country around reducing plastic pollution. The research group investigated three scenarios, with one being combining several strategies, including reducing demand for plastics and increasing collection and recycling. This would lead to a 63-percent reduction in the amount of plastic pollution in the country by 2040.

# Mining houses across Africa are rapidly adopting green energy solutions, driven by economic incentives and sustainability goals. Every country on the continent has adopted a form of net-zero commitment, a commitment to decarbonisation and climate change is top of the agenda. Nedbank’s Infrastructure, Energy and Telecommunication head, Mike Peo, says there is a significant transition to renewable energy, particularly in South Africa, Kenya, and beyond:

# And, an international research team has published a study in Science Advances, highlighting how nitrogen interventions could significantly reduce pollution and its harmful effects. The study suggests that improving agricultural practices, reducing food waste, and enhancing fuel combustion could cut nitrogen emissions by up to 52-percent by 2050. These measures could prevent over 800-thousand premature deaths and reduce crop losses. The researchers emphasise the importance of nitrogen management for achieving global environmental and health goals.

Stay tuned for more news………….