How to burn more oil and gas but slash emissions? Offshore power stations
Carbon capture is fundamentally flawed. Here's plan B.
Academic rigour, journalistic flair
Analysis and Comment
Why Zimbabwe’s use of elephants to pay off old debt to China is problematic
Zimbabwe are looking to resolve a debt to China by selling animals to them. But one of the concerns is that the elephants sold will eventually be farmed and their ivory harvested.
Africa’s most toxic lakes are a paradise for fearless flamingos
Millions of birds breed in lakes so alkaline they can burn human skin.
Incubating ideas on how southern Africa can manage the Anthropocene
The Anthropocene is often associated with problems such as climate change and inequality. But there is also hope that it can come with positive change for the benefit of people.
Why elephants kept in captivity suffer from sore feet
Foot problems are more rife in elephants living in captivity. The hard ground they walk on often gives them foot trouble. Generally, by the time the problem is picked up, it's too late.
Organised crime in the fisheries sector starts to get the attention it deserves
Indonesia and South Africa are making strides against transnational organised fisheries crime.
Take a deep breath – here’s what 2016 revealed about the deadly dangers of air pollution
Will the evidence finally convince polluted cities to clean up their act?
The world needs to consider how to manage the end of the fossil fuel era
The end of fossil fuels is approaching fast. But the question remains of what to do with those that remain, waiting to be sold.
How we learned to listen to elusive, threatened frogs
A robust technique using the wonders of digital media has helped researchers understand how threatened species like frogs are faring on our globally changing planet.
Africa should be worried about the expanding tropics
The tropics are expanding at an unprecedented rate. This will have massive implications for societies, economies and the natural world.
Drought in southern Africa points to urgent need for climate change plans
Drought is a massive problem for southern Africa. The region requires adaptation and mitigation strategies if it's to cope with the changing climate.
Climate change could leave South African tourism high and dry
South Africa's weather is very attractive to international visitors. Climate change could alter their perceptions unless mitigation strategies are put in place.
How the pursuit of carbon and fossil fuels harms vulnerable communities
Global indigenous and human rights movements that oppose the oil, coal and gas industries are charting a path for a fair and just transition to a low carbon energy future.
Why the DRC needs a two-track approach to fixing its electricity deficit
Small-scale renewable energy projects have tremendous potential to power rural areas in the DRC. Rural areas in the country have very little access to electricity.
Africa’s agriculture projects are growing inequality, not food
The development community has overlooked the ethical dilemmas associated with raising one individual above others through farmer-to-farmer systems.
South Africa’s new energy plan has sparked strong emotions. Here’s why
South Africa has a new energy plan. Renewable energy in the form of wind, gas and solar feature high on its agenda.
Development has devastated wildlife in lands south of Nairobi
Athi-Kaputiei is close to Nairobi where undeveloped land is exceedingly scarce and expensive. This has made it a powerful magnet for people.
Africa has an air pollution problem but lacks the data to tackle it
A new report has found that Africa’s air pollution is already causing more premature deaths than unsafe water or childhood malnutrition.
Vietnam cancels nuclear reactor deal: a lesson for South Africa
Vietnam recently cancelled it's plans for the procurement of nuclear energy. There are lessons South Africa can take from this.
Travel in Africa
A short guide to some of Africa’s best, and cleanest beaches
Africa has some wonderful beaches. A serious traveller should visit at least one of them once in a lifetime.
Take a walk on the wild side: seven lesser known and ‘green’ spaces in Africa
There are several relatively unknown eco-friendly locations in Africa that adventure-seeking tourists would find delightful.
Nuclear South Africa
Questions mount over South Africa’s planned nuclear power deal
There are fears that that the nuclear build in South Africa is being driven for the benefit of the politically connected rather than the national good.
Why South Africa’s public finance watchdog failed its mandate on nuclear
South Africa's Parliamentary Budget Office had 10 months to prepare its findings about the cost of a nuclear programme. Its final report was little more than a summary of other institutions' work.
Research and Expert Database
Editors’ Picks
Water
South Africa’s water sector: a case study in state capture
Massive state capture activity is taking place in the South African water sector under the guise of radical economic transformation, threatening financial sustainability and water supply.
Tyres
A fresh focus on new approaches to recycling tyres is needed
Used tyres pose a serious environmental challenge. So far, traditional recycling methods have proved insufficient to solve the problem. New, eco-friendy alternatives are now being explored.
Pesticide threat
Neonicotinoids linked to wild bee and butterfly declines in Europe and US
Two new studies have linked controversial pesticides neonicotinoides to wild bee and butterfly declines.
Migratory birds
Beyond borders: Why we need global action to protect migratory birds
Migratory birds play key ecological roles. and connect us with nature. The 1916 Migratory Bird Treaty curbed overhunting, but birds face other threats today that require international solutions.
Lifespans
A 400-year-old shark is the latest animal discovery to reveal the secrets of long life
What are the oldest living animals on the planet?
Finding Dory
Fears for blue tang fish spike in the wake of Finding Dory
Hollywood shirks its ethical responsibilities when it comes to vulnerable animal species.
Drought
Drought forecasting isn’t just about water – to get smart we need health and financial data too
Forecasting drought should be about more than weather – to help those likely to be hit hardest, we need financial and even health data too.
Madagascar
Madagascar’s unique ‘Spiny Forest’ is fast being turned into charcoal
Climate change and overfishing have destroyed livelihoods, so many locals have been forced into the forest.
Oceans
Historic UN talks could save the high seas
The next cancer breakthrough could be found in international waters – but who's in charge of the high seas?
Animals
How animal astronauts paved the way for human space flight
Time to salute the monkeys, dogs and ducks that went before us.
Sharks
Low levels of genetic diversity are putting great white sharks at risk
South African sharks have low levels of genetic diversity. This could pose a threat to their survival as a species.
There’s a fly in the ointment of solar-powered LED lighting
Solar is a vital piece of the energy puzzle for Africa, but there is an insect problem that comes with the light from solar.
Birds
How birds endemic to southern Africa are likely to cope with climate change
Given the global commitment to conserve biodiversity in the face of climate change, it is important to understand how biodiversity arises in the first place – and how it is maintained.
How we are different
10 reasons
Most Read past week
- Organised crime in the fisheries sector starts to get the attention it deserves
- Why Zimbabwe’s use of elephants to pay off old debt to China is problematic
- Africa has an air pollution problem but lacks the data to tackle it
- Why elephants kept in captivity suffer from sore feet
- Incubating ideas on how southern Africa can manage the Anthropocene
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