Solar And Wind Versus Nuclear: Is Baseload Power Obsolete?
South Africa is facing a crossroads for electric power generation. Should it go with renewables or nuclear power? The decision could affect other contries on the continent.
south africa
SolarReserve to Develop 200MW Of Urban Solar Farms in South Africa
Urban solar farms are now being explored in South Africa under a grant awarded by the US Trade and Development Agency. The grant has been has awarded to SolarReserve South Africa Limited to advance its “Urban Solar Farms” initiative in South Africa. This is a study concerning large metropolitan municipalities intended to provide a framework for
Understanding Concentrated Solar Power Technology
Among various solar energy technologies, one is referred to as concentrated solar power, or concentrating solar power. The acronym CSP applies to either. Worldwide CSP systems generate solar power by using mirrors or lenses to concentrate a large area of sunlight, or solar thermal energy, onto a small area. The concentrated heat is used to eventually spin a
3D Rhino Horns – Conservation or Exploitation?
If waves of cheap rhino horns 3D-printed with real rhino DNA are flooded onto the Asian markets, is this a form of rhino conservation or capitalistic exploitation? This critical question is gnawing at the root of a controversial business venture to use real rhino DNA in the commercial production of 3D-printed rhino horns. In a
Overfishing In South Africa Greatly Worsened By Government Corruption, Research Finds
Overfishing of South Africa’s already overexpoited marine fish stocks is greatly worsened by government corruption in the region, according to new research. The findings aren’t going to surprise anyone, but perhaps having it spelled out so clearly and succinctly in an official report will have some effect? “When I interviewed inspectors they are surprisingly open
Ebola: And Senegal Makes Five
As you may know, PlanetSave posts important health stories as well as the popular science, nature, and climate reports we’re usually known for. (In fact, we’re working toward 500 health posts over these few years!) Today we excerpt from Examiner.com some news that follows up our Ebola story and exclusive interview with public health expert Vince Silenzio
World Rhino Day is September 22! #worldrhinoday
On September 22, 2013, the fourth annual World Rhino Day will be celebrated with special events organized both online and offline by zoos, NGOs, conservancies, schools, businesses, and concerned citizens. This year, the big day falls on a Sunday, which has prompted some celebrants to include Saturday, September 21 — making it a weekend of sharing
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Killing Spree Continues in South Africa and India
In less than a month, South Africa and India have lost a combined total of at least thirty-five rhinos to the illegal rhino horn trade. 32 rhinos were killed in South Africa as of January 24th and 13 suspects were arrested for rhino crimes, according to the Department of Environmental Affairs. The country’s rhino death
Rhino Crisis Round Up: The First 10 Days of 2013
During the first ten days of 2013, a total of seven rhinos have already been killed in South Africa and India, while arrests have been made in India, Nepal, Thailand, and Vietnam. Unfortunately, South Africa’s final body count for 2012 was even higher than expected. The South African Department of Environmental Affairs announced on January
Rhino Crisis Round Up: South Africa Death Toll At Least 618
The number of rhinos killed in South Africa in 2012 has reached a staggering 618, according to a December 10th update from the Department of Environmental Affairs. There have been 257 arrests for rhino crimes this year in South Africa. Earlier this week, the much-anticipated Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by South Africa’s Minister
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Death Toll Soars to 467 in South Africa & More
The massacre of South Africa’s rhinos continues at a horrifying pace, with 467 killed this year as of October 22nd, according to the Department of Environmental Affairs. Gareth Morgan, Shadow Minister of Water and Environmental Affairs, is questioning the decision to withdraw “a dedicated group of police personnel” and a “dedicated helicopter used in
Rhino Crisis Round Up: 430 Rhinos Killed in S Africa & More
South Africa has now lost at least 430 rhinos to the illegal rhino horn trade since the start of 2012, according to figures released by the Department of Environmental Affairs. 258 of the rhinos were killed in Kruger National Park, and 205 people have been arrested this year in South Africa for rhino crimes. India
OPIC to Invest in South African Solar Power
The Board of Directors of the US Government’s development finance institution, the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), has approved up to $250 million for the agency’s first solar power project in South Africa. The 60-megawatt plant located in Boshoff in South Africa’s Free State province will help push the country beyond a dependency on coal
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Rhinos Killed in India, Kenya & More
India’s Kaziranga National Park has unfortunately lost another rhino, as a female rhino was found dead this week in the park’s Bagori range. PTI reports that “empty shells and a mobile phone” were recovered near the rhinos body; she was at least the tenth rhino killed in India since the start of 2012. In Kenya,
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Death Toll Soars to 373 in S Africa & More
At least 373 rhinos have been killed for their horns in South Africa during the first eight months of 2012, according to the country’s Department of Environmental Affairs. Of the total, 229 were massacred in the famed Kruger National Park. So far this year, 199 people have been arrested in South Africa for rhino crimes.
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Yao Ming in Kenya & More
Retired NBA star Yao Ming was in Kenya to film “The End of the Wild” documentary — and to bring international awareness to the plight of African rhinos and elephants, whose numbers are being decimated by demand from China. Yao’s itinerary included a visit to the Ol Pejeta Conservancy, home to four of the world’s
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Killings, Arrests in S Africa & More
Although the latest figures from the South African government show the country’s rhino death toll at 281, sources outside the media cite a figure closer to 300. And sadly, that number increased yet again, with the killing of a young male rhino on a farm in Mossel Bay. The rhino was darted with a tranquilizer
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Game Farmers Allegedly Killing Their Own Rhinos & More
This week, the South African media reported that some game farmers and reserve owners have allegedly been killing their own rhinos and claiming the rhinos were “poached” — and then selling the horns on the black market. Of course, game farmer Dawie Groenewald was mentioned in the IOL/ Cape Times revelation, since the bodies of
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Prison Sentence for Museum Thief & More
This week, the Norwich Crown Court sentenced Nihad Mahmod to two-and-a-half years in jail for taking part in a rhino horn robbery at Norwich Castle in February. According to BBC News, the other three gang members are still at large. Over the last few years, rhino horn exhibits at museums have been targeted by thieves
Rhino Crisis Round Up: S African Rhino Horn Dealer (Finally) Behind Bars & More
Nearly two years after being arrested with some 30 rhino horns in his possession, South African game farmer Jacques Els has finally landed in jail. Els began serving his eight-year sentence this week following a failed appeal, according to IOL. He was also ordered to pay R1 million (US $122,802) to the Green Scorpions. He
The International Conservation Photography Awards – Ten Friday Photos
This Saturday, the International Conservation Photography Awards and Exhibition ceremony will once again kick-off at the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, located on the University of Washington campus in Seattle, Washington. The biennial, juried competition, founded in 1997 by acclaimed local nature photographer, Art Wolfe, will feature nearly 80 of the most captivating photographic
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Steyl-Lemtongthai Case Postponed & More
South Africa’s rhino horn syndicate case involving game farmer Marnus Steyl, professional hunter Harry Claassens, and Thai nationals Chumlung Lemtongthai, Punpitak Chunchom, and Tool Sriton has been postponed. Although the alleged syndicate’s legal team had hoped to get the case thrown out, the suspects will make another court appearance on November 5th. Steyl and his
Rhino Crisis Round Up: 2012 Declared Year of the Rhino & More
This week, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono of Indonesia declared June 5th, 2012, as the beginning of the International Year of the Rhino. Indonesia is home to Critically Endangered Javan and Sumatran rhinos. Both species are teetering at the edge of extinction, with only around 40 Javan rhinos and fewer than 200 Sumatran rhinos still surviving.
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Death Toll Soars to 220 in S. Africa & More
There seems to be no end in sight to the continuing slaughter of South Africa’s iconic rhinos, as the Department of Environmental Affairs stated this week that 220 rhinos have been killed so far this year. 146 suspects have been arrested, and the majority (207) of the killings are concentrated in Kruger National Park, and
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Rhino Killer Shot Dead in India & More
Kaziranga National Park’s greater one-horned rhinos are safer today, following an exchange of gunfire between authorities and armed rhino killers, which left one of the assailants dead. According to India Blooms news, the incident occurred near the Bagori range of the park. Police also recovered a .303 rifle and live ammunition. Less than a week
Rhino Crisis Round Up: $6.8 Million in Assets Seized from 'Groenewald Gang' Suspects & More
The South African Police Service (SAPS) announced this week that a raid on the properties of rhino horn syndicate suspects Dawie Groenewald, Karel Toet and Manie du Plessis has resulted in the seizure of assets totaling approximately R55 million (US $6.8 million). A joint team comprised of the Hawks, SAPS, SANDF, the NPA, the Asset
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Death Toll Surges to 199 in South Africa & More
This week, South Africa’s Department of Environmental Affairs released the shocking figure of 199 rhinos slaughtered during the first four months of 2012. Most of the massacre has occurred in Kruger National Park, where 119 rhinos were killed. In addition, 122 people have been arrested in South Africa for rhino-related crimes. Last year, the body
Rhino Crisis Round Up: 'Groenewald Gang' Case Postponed (Again) & More
For the fourth time since their arrest in September 2010, South Africa’s high-profile rhino horn syndicate case involving game farmer and safari operator Dawie Groenewald — along with professional hunters and wildlife veterinarians — has been postponed. The syndicate suspects (dubbed the “Groenewald gang”) are expected back in court on October 19th to face 1,872
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Death Toll Rises to 181 in South Africa & More
South Africa’s Department of Environmental Affairs has reportedly updated the number of rhinos killed in the country this year to 181. Investigative journalist Julian Rademeyer tweeted that 113 arrests have been made so far, and 111 of the 181 rhinos were killed in the flagship Kruger National Park. However, despite the massacre — and thanks
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Nepal Loses First Rhino in Over a Year & More
This week, tragedy struck in Nepal’s Chitwan National Park, where a female rhino was killed for her horn. The Himalayan Times reports that the rhino’s body was discovered in the western belt of the park, near the Sailimaili River. It was the first time in more than a calendar year that a rhino was killed
Rhino Crisis Round Up: South Africa Death Toll at 150 & More
The latest figures released by the South African Government Department of Environmental Affairs are grim: 150 rhinos have been slaughtered since the beginning of 2012. According the statement, more than half (87) of the rhinos were killed in South Africa’s famed Kruger National Park, and 90 people have been arrested for rhino-related crimes during the
The Dutch Invade South Africa Again — Beware the Fracking Hype
Shell is planning huge new fracking projects in South Africa now. There is historical irony here. It was the Dutch who, three centuries ago, were the first large-scale commercial European settlers in South Africa. Around 1600, the Dutch East India Company began the European settlements
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Suspected Rhino Killer Commits Suicide & More
An alleged rhino killer has reportedly committed suicide after being confronted by police at his home. According to South Africa’s Jacaranda 94.2, Walter Nkuna was the manager of Atherstone Nature Reserve where five rhinos were recently shot. Nkuna apparently allowed three Mozambican men into the reserve, after telling “field rangers not to come to work
Rhino Crisis Round Up: S Africa Death Toll Above 100 Rhinos & More
Here we are, not quite three months into 2012, and already more than 100 rhinos have been massacred in South Africa. The Independent Online says the 100-plus figure was verified by the Department of Environmental Affairs (DEA). Earlier this week, South Africa National Parks (SANparks) announced that it would not be providing updates regarding the
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Rhino Killer Shot Dead in Kruger National Park & More
One suspected rhino killer was shot dead and another two wounded after they opened fire on Kruger National Park rangers, who acted in self-defense. A fourth member of the rhino-killing gang was arrested, and has admitted to slaughtering three rhinos last week in the park. The South African Police Service said that a rifle and
Rhino Crisis Round Up: S African Death Toll Rises to 80 & More
It’s just 61 days into 2012 and at least 80 rhinos have already been killed in South Africa. South African National Parks (SANParks) released the grim tally earlier this week, along with the news that four Kruger National Park employees have been arrested for suspected involvement with rhino killings. Dr. David Mabunda, the Chief Executive
Rhino Crisis Round Up: US Busts Rhino Horn Smuggling Ring & More
Great news! The United States Fish and Wildlife Service has cracked a major international rhino horn trafficking ring and arrested several people across a dozen states. The undercover investigation called “Operation Crash” also resulted in the seizure of more than 30 rhino horns, over $1 million in cash, and $1 million in Rolex watches, gold
Rhino Crisis Round Up: 54 Rhinos Killed in 6 Weeks (S Africa) & More
South African National Parks (SANParks) has confirmed that at least 54 of the country’s rhinos have been killed since the start of 2012. Of these, 26 were massacred in the famed Kruger National Park. Although five arrests were reportedly made earlier this week and three people were jailed earlier this month, none of these suspects
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Four Arrested in Nepal, Sumatran Rhino Pregnancy & More
Photo © International Rhino Foundation This week, authorities in Nepal confiscated a rhino horn and arrested four people, including three policemen. The Himalayan Times identified the suspects as Constable Dambar Bahadur Tamang, Head Constable Bhupal Thapa, Constable Bishnu Subedi and Solti Gurung. It was noted that Thapa and Subedi had previous departmental violations. Deadly shootout
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Rhino Killers Sentenced to Jail in S Africa & More
The sentencing of three rhino killers to 25 years in prison is indeed welcome news from South Africa’s battle to protect its rhinos. Three Mozambicans identified by BuaNews as Aselmo Baloyi, Jawaki Nkuna and Ismael Baloyi each received 25 years in jail for killing rhinos in Kruger National Park back in 2010. The trio was
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Parliamentary #rhinohearing in South Africa & More
In a matter of hours, the highly anticipated Parliamentary discussion about South Africa’s horrific rhino situation will commence in Cape Town. Public hearings on potential solutions to the country’s rhino crisis are expected to begin Thursday at 9:30 AM SAST. The Department of Environmental Affairs (the Department), and other relevant government state holders will commence
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Rhino-Killing Attempt Thwarted at Zoo, & More
This week, a disturbing development emerged in India, and South Africa is beefing up security for its imperiled rhinos. Rhino killing attempt thwarted at zoo In India, a suspect identified as Chin Khansong was arrested for attempting to kill rhinos at the Assam State Zoo, where nine greater one-horned rhinos are kept. He had a
South Africa: 448 Rhinos Killed in 2011 [Warning: Graphic]
© naturepl.com / Mark Carwardine / WWF An announcement made today by WWF confirms that 2011’s rhino death toll in South Africa reached a record-breaking 448. Of the 448 rhinos murdered for their horns, 19 were critically endangered black rhinos. 252 of the rhino killings occurred in Kruger National Park, where eight rhinos were found
Rhino Crisis Round Up: Eight Rhinos Slaughtered in Kruger National Park & More
South Africa’s famed Kruger National Park was the scene of shocking discovery: The bodies of eight rhinos, all with their horns removed. A spokesperson for the country’s flagship tourist destination told the Times Live that three of the dead rhinos were found in Lower Sabie and the other five in the Pretoriuskop section. Rhino killings
The Durban Call for Action: Consumers, Corporations and Cities need to provide the speed and certainty of climate protection that politics will not deliver
A viewpoint on the outcome and implications of the Durban Climate Change Conference 2011 By Jochen Hauff and Matthias Kannegiesser The 2011 UN Conference on Climate Change in Durban, South Africa ended on Sunday, December 11 with the near fatigue of the international negotiators. The core outcome of the final negotiations marathon, the “Durban Platform,”
Green (& Not So Green) News of the Year (2011 Top 10 List)
2011 was a big year for the environment, in some good ways and some bad ways. Here’s a quick run-down of the top 10 stories of the year, in my opinion: 1. Tremendously high levels of carbon emissions continue to warm Earth. Despite efforts to switch to clean energy, increase energy efficiency, and use more
Climate Change Agreement in Durban — What Happened? What to Know?
There are mixed reactions to the agreement made in South Africa at the COP17 climate conference yesterday. Well, really, I think most people have the same response, but that response is a mixed bag of positive and negative points. On the positive side: Much more was accomplished than anyone expected would be accomplished. On
21-Year-Old Rocks Climate Conference
If you haven’t seen this video yet from 21-year-old Anjali Appadurai, a student at the College of the Atlantic in Maine, speaking at the COP17 climate conference in Durban, South Africa last week, it’s worth a watch. And I like the COP17 president’s comment at the end, that the youth of the world should get to
