May 28
Tweet Toward the end of 2010, deforestation rates in the South American country of Brazil – home to the world’s largest rainforest (Amazon) – were on the decline; rates in the country were the lowest since they began keeping track over two decades ago. Not even one year later, though, and new reports paint an …
Feb 25
TweetAre you looking for something to flagellate yourself over? Carbon footprints are last week’s news: The new hot subject for self-recrimination is your nitrogen footprint. According to the International Nitrogen Initiative, your nitrogen consumption is contributing to a host of environmental ills:
Jan 14
TweetMbombela — Smallscale sugarcane farmers in Mpumalanga’s Nkomazi area are singing a sweet tune following good rains over the festive season. Dam levels have continued to rise, with most reaching levels of 100 percent or more, including the Driekoppies dam that feeds the sprawling Nkomazi area bordering Mozambique and Swaziland. “The rain has been a …
Nov 06
TweetScientists have long known that large volcanic explosions can affect the weather by spewing particles that block solar energy and cool the air. Some suspect that extended “volcanic winters” from gigantic blowups helped kill off dinosaurs and Neanderthals. In the summer following Indonesia’s 1815 Tambora eruption, frost wrecked crops as far off as New England, …
Sep 22
Tweet Rainwater harvesting can (a) assure an independent water supply during water restrictions, that is though somewhat dependent on end use and maintenance, (b)usually of acceptable quality for household needs and (c) renewable at acceptable volumes despite forecast climate change (CSIRO, 2003). It produces beneficial externalities by reducing peak stormwater run off and processing costs. …
Sep 11
TweetOne-hundred schools across South Africa will gain access to water, sanitation and hygiene education (Wash) as a result of the R30-million partnership that was announced on Friday by the Coca-Cola Foundation, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the H2O for Life foundation. The Water for Schools project, which forms part of the Coca-Cola Company’s …
