insert_link Africa Research into Polymer biodegradation studies Dr Julia Puseletso Mofokeng, from the UFS’s Department of Chemistry, is doing research into biodegradable polymers for application in disposable product packaging. BLOEMFONTEIN, 1 October 2024: A researcher from the University of the Free State (UFS) is contributing to the fight against plastic pollution through her research into biodegradable polymers – large, chain-like molecules – as a more environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based plastics. Plastic pollution is a global […] todayOctober 2, 2024 23
insert_link Local The Bank Windhoek Sustainability Bond completes N$407 million allocation On Thursday, 19 September 2024, Bank Windhoek’s Chief Treasurer, Claire Hobbs, announced the release of the Bank’s third annual Sustainability Bond Impact Report, highlighting the ongoing commitment to responsible business practices and environmental stewardship for the 2023-2024 Financial Year. The Bank Windhoek Sustainability Bond was issued based on the Sustainable Bond Framework, with the first tranche issued in June 2021, raising N$227 million, and the second in December […] todaySeptember 23, 2024 5
insert_link Africa Nigeria is the world’s 2nd biggest plastic polluter: expert insights into the crisis By Wale Fatade, The Conversation Plastic pollution is a major problem in Nigeria. Recent research identified the country as a plastic pollution hotspot, second to India. India emits 9.3 million tonnes of plastic into the environment each year – one fifth of the global total. Nigeria emits 3.5 million tonnes annually. Just how big is the issue and what can be done about it? The Conversation Africa […] todaySeptember 12, 2024 11
insert_link Environment 7 Billion tonnes of plastic waste threaten environment Since the 1950s, 9.2 billion tonnes of plastic have been produced, seven billion tonnes of which have become potentially toxic waste. Jyoti Mathur-Filipp, Executive Secretary of the international negotiating committee secretariat that is focused on curbing the scourge told UN News that if no action is taken, plastic pollution could triple by 2060. todayMay 2, 2024 76
insert_link World Development finance: how it works, where it goes, why it’s needed By Abdul Latif Alhassan, University of Cape Town and Bomikazi Zeka, University of Canberra Development finance is the invisible glue that connects public and private financing for projects that have social, economic and environmental outcomes. These include improved infrastructure, better waste management and sanitation, financial inclusion, clean energy and sustainable agriculture. The goal of development finance is to create positive social, economic or environmental outcomes through […] todayApril 17, 2024 39
Namibia City Of Windhoek Recycling Initiatives Launched in Windhoek Schools to Enhance Waste Management Solid Waste Management, in collaboration with partners including the European Union, the City of Bremen, and the City of Windhoek, introduces recycling initiatives in schools named "sorting at source." This initiative is part of the project titled "Improving Waste Management In Windhoek," aiming to contribute to the reduction of adverse environmental impact in the city. Lydia Amutenya, the City's spokesperson, provides insights into the initiative. todayFebruary 23, 2024 19
insert_link Africa Lagos bans single-use plastics Nigeria's Lagos state will start implementing a ban on Styrofoam and other single-use plastics. The State's environment commissioner told the BBC that non-biodegradable plastics were a major pollution problem, and were clogging drains. State officials say they'll use a dormant 2009 law to fine or jail culprits. Lagos is one of Africa's most populous cities. International experts estimate Nigeria generates 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually. todayJanuary 22, 2024 15
insert_link Environment Why are floods in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal so devastating? Urban planning expert explains By Hope Magidimisha-Chipungu, University of KwaZulu-Natal The devastation caused by the recent floods in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa demonstrates again that the country is not moving fast enough to adopt appropriate urban planning. It should be integrating risk assessment and management in the design and development of cities. This is becoming more urgent as the frequency of floods increases. Most South African cities were built a long time ago, before […] todayJanuary 22, 2024 12
insert_link Namibia Ondangwa Town Council cleans up to mitigate flood risks Employees of the Ondangwa Town Council have started cleaning water channels and culverts in order to mitigate floods risks during the rainy season. Town council spokesperson Petrina Shitalangaho-Mutikisha told Nampa the exercise started in December and is ongoing. Areas in need of cleaning are identified through random inspections and reports from residents. “The water channels were created to channel the flow of water collected either from houses or from […] todayJanuary 12, 2024 4