insert_link Business / Economics Agribank introduces credit life insurance product The Agricultural Bank of Namibia (Agribank) is pleased to announce the introduction of a Credit Life Insurance product, effective 1 June 2024. The Credit Life Insurance serves as a financial security and protection against unforeseen events, tailored exclusively for Agribank clients. The Agribank credit life insurance offers benefits beyond covering death and protecting a client’s estate. If a client becomes permanently or temporarily disabled, is diagnosed with […] todayMay 30, 2024 24
insert_link Environment Analysis: Michelin’s no-deforestation claims in Indonesia rubber plantation a stretch Rubber manufacturer Michelin claims to have avoided millions of tons of carbon emissions and saved thousands of hectares of primary forest in a sustainable rubber plantation project in Indonesia. Michelin joined the project in 2014 after buying a stake in the Indonesian rubber company RLU, which in 2018 raised $95 million in green bonds. In 2022, Michelin became RLU’s sole shareholder, and repaid the green bonds raised by the project. […] todayMay 30, 2024 37
insert_link Africa Tanzania’s dams: flood risk depends on how they’re planned and operated By Barnaby Joseph Dye, University of York The Rufiji River, which drains into Tanzania’s south-east coast, experienced a major wave of flooding in April 2024. The flooding caused tragic loss of life and affected at least 88,000 individuals. More than 28,000 hectares of crops were damaged. There has been much debate in Tanzania on the causes of this disaster, particularly the presumed role of the new […] todayMay 30, 2024 28
insert_link Environment Another violent storm hits Texas, killing one person and leaving half a million without power Another round of violent storms has hit Texas - killing at least one person… and leaving a trail of destruction. About half a million people are without power in the state with officials warning they could be in the dark for days. Toni Waterman reports: todayMay 30, 2024 56
insert_link Environment Namibia declares state of emergency due to drought President Nangolo Mbumba has declared a state of emergency regarding the current drought, effective 22 May 2024. Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform spokesperson, Jona Musheko says the declaration will allow the ministry to mobilise resources, and ensure that the necessary assistance is given to affected communities. Namibia declared a state of emergency due to severe drought in 2013, 2016, 2019, and now 2024. Rhingo Mutambo, chief public relations officer […] todayMay 28, 2024 70
insert_link Africa Horn of Africa droughts: how a network of groundwater bores could help – study By Bradley Hiller, University of Cambridge The Horn of Africa recently suffered its worst drought in almost half a century, and its sixth failed rainfall season in a row. Fifty million people were directly affected and 100 million more were indirectly affected. About 20 million people risked acute food insecurity and potential famine, 4.4 million required humanitarian aid, and refugees fleeing drought and floods […] todayMay 27, 2024 25
insert_link Environment South Africa: Gold mine pollution is poisoning Soweto’s water and soil – study finds food gardens are at risk By Lesego Khomo, University of South Africa For 140 years, gold mines in Johannesburg, South Africa have been leaking wastewater contaminated with heavy metals. The acid mine drainage from Johannesburg’s estimated 278 abandoned mines and 200 mine dumps includes uranium (a radioactive metal), toxic arsenic, copper, cobalt, nickel, lead and zinc. Acid mine drainage can pollute land and water sources up to 20 kilometres away from […] todayMay 24, 2024 47
insert_link Environment Green Hydrogen Commissioner responds to environmental assessment call Following a call by the Namibian Chamber of Environment on the government, Germany, and the European Union to commission an independent and transparent strategic environmental assessment of the green hydrogen sector, warning that projects in the Tsau ||Khaeb National Park could harm its integrity, biodiversity, and landscape. We contacted Green Hydrogen Commissioner James Mnyupe to discuss how his office plans to address the concerns. Mnyupe says the Environment Ministry will […] todayMay 23, 2024 279
insert_link Environment Environmentalists angered as Mumbai flamingos die in plane incident Dozens of flamingos have been killed in the Indian city of Mumbai after an airplane hit them, leading to anger among environmentalists. The Emirates flight landed safely after the incident. Rebecca Bundhun reports from Mumbai. todayMay 23, 2024 78