Environment

AR party calls on government to declare a public health emergency in Tsumeb

The Affirmative Repositioning party has called on the government to declare a public health emergency in Tsumeb following a recent study by the University of Bern, Switzerland, which revealed alarming levels of arsenic contamination in the town’s soil, plants, and residents. John Johannes, an AR activist for the Oshikoto Region, urged the government to prioritise the medical needs of affected residents in a statement on Monday. Activist Rob Parker […]

29 January, 2025

Environment

Rainfall Boosts Dam Levels

NamWater has reported minor increases in dam levels across Namibia, attributed to ongoing rainfall. Von Bach Dam reached 23.9%, Omatako Dam 2.6%, and Friedenau Dam 46.1%. According to spokesperson Lot Ndamanomhata, rainfall is expected to persist until March 2025, further strengthening the country’s water security.

14 January, 2025

Environment

Cheetah Conservation Fund hosts conservation genetics conference

The Cheetah Conservation Fund is hosting the ‘ConGen Global’ which is an international conference covering the most recent advances in conservation genetics. From 5-15 January 2025, the intensive 9-day practicum is dedicated to the application of genomic technologies towards the conservation of biodiversity. CCF’s genetic research played a key role in up-listing the subspecies of cheetah in the Horn African to ‘Endangered’ status on the IUNC Red List. The Funds […]

8 January, 2025

Environment

Ecologist Weighs In On Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Session

Namibia recently hosted the 11th Session of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services in Windhoek. The session saw the launch of the Nexus Report, a groundbreaking assessment on the interconnections between biodiversity, water, food, and health. Ecologist Dr. Peter Cuningham:

19 December, 2024

Environment

NamWater secures funds for climate-resilient water systems

The Namibia Water Corporation has secured N$249 million in funding for the Ohangwena Aquifer, upgraded water systems, and technical support. The national water utility announced on Monday that the funding includes N$192 million for a climate-resilient water supply and N$57 million for energy-efficient systems, solar power, and staff training. This significant investment follows the signing of three grant agreements between Germany and Namibia, valued at a total of €20 million (approximately […]

3 December, 2024

Environment

Namibia braces for extreme heatwave, temperatures soar to 40°C

The South African Weather Service has issued a heatwave warning, with high temperatures expected in parts of the North West and Free State until Wednesday, and in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga until Friday. In light of this, we spoke with Odillo Kgobetsi from the Namibia Meteorological Service about whether this heatwave will affect Namibia. Kgobetsi explained that a high-pressure system over the sub-region is causing subsiding air, leading to […]

2 December, 2024

Africa

Zambia calls for regional action to address energy shortage

Speaking at the 30th session of the Intergovernmental Committee of Senior Officials and Experts for Southern Africa, held in Livingston, Zambia this week, the country’s Energy Secretary, Peter Mumba, called for urgent action to resolve the energy deficit facing the region. With nearly half of Southern Africa’s population lacking access to electricity, Mumba stressed the importance of regional collaboration to tackle the energy crisis and climate change, while addressing the […]

21 November, 2024

Environment

US says efforts to slow climate change will continue – even under Trump

Scientists are "virtually certain" that 2024 will be the warmest year on record. The Copernicus Climate Change Service, a European agency, made the announcement, reinforcing predictions made earlier in the year. It comes as world leaders gather in Azerbaijan for the United Nations' annual climate conference. As our Sally Patterson reports.

12 November, 2024

Environment

Hardap Dam irrigation water supply shuts down tonight

The Hardap Dam has reached its lowest level ever at 6.3%. Starting tonight, irrigation water will no longer be available, a first since the dam was completed in 1963. Water for household use and livestock will still be supplied until February 2026. Here is the Minister of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform Calle Schlettwein. Namibia Wildlife Resort Spokesperson Nelson Ashipala says the situation at Hardap also affects […]

31 October, 2024