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Between 20% and 40% of the world’s land area is now degraded

Climate, pollution, biodiversity: UN report sounds global alarm

Transforming economies, energy systems and food production could prevent millions of deaths and halt biodiversity loss, the UN’s latest report finds

Informal waste pickers are responsible for processing more than 80% of South Africa’s recycled materials, which is an extraordinary contribution to the economy and environment. Photo: Mark Lewis

National emergency: The urban models turning waste into opportunity

An innovative project for informal waste pickers in Cape Town demonstrates how empowerment and a circular economy can make a difference

South Africa’s digital economy is being undermined by local beneficiation for copper, which has become an essential mineral in the age of artificial intelligence — from data centres, electricity cables and battery storage. (Flickr)

Copper will determine South Africa’s digital economy success

The economy is expected to create a jobs boom if the country can fix its electricity grid and meet the increasing demand for local copper beneficiation

Catching on: Biogas production is starting to find traction in South Africa with companies such as Elgin Fruit Juices and PepsiCo’s Simba chips plant as well as small-scale farmers and schools. Photo: Supplied

Climate crisis: Look to circular economies

Producing cement, plastic, steel, aluminium and food causes greenhouse gases, but a circular economy can reduce emissions

Street cleaners collect plastic waste separately for local recycling and trash on the occasion of World Environment Day in Johannesburg. (Photo by Ihsaan Haffejee/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

Plastics industry ‘unduly influences SA’s global plastic treaty’

South Africa is a primary plastic producing country with significant imports of primary plastic for local manufacturing

Earthshot Prize announces this year’s winners who are shaping a greener, cleaner future

Prince William champions Africa’s role at 2024 Earthshot Prize

Earthshot Prize announces this year’s winners who are shaping a greener, cleaner future

You can do something about SA’s silent e-waste crisis

Tech waste can be refurbished, providing economic benefits for businesses and the public, as well as benefiting the environment

According to the World Steel Association, every tonne of steel produced in 2020, on average, created almost two tonnes of CO2 emissions. (Photo by Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

South Africa’s potential as a leader in green steel production

As a top producer of iron ore and rich in renewable energy, the country is well-placed to lead the transition

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa CEO Jacques Vermeulen (right) engages with Professor Manoj Chiba (left) at the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) on the circular economy. (Photo: Kofi Zwana)

Towards a world without waste

Coca-Cola Beverages Africa invests in circular economy to promote employment and environmental good

Avoiding Day Zero: The Enkangala-Drakensbeg Strategic Water Source Area supplies Gauteng among other provinces. The authors argue that a proposed coal mine in Mabola in Mpumalanga will endanger critical water supplies. (Roger de la Harpe/Education Images/Universal Images Group/Getty Images)

The lie of limitless economic progress

We need alternatives because unrestrained development is not compatible with life

Circular green economy: Kekeletso Tsiloane (right) and Kedibone Tsiloane (left) at their factory where bricks are made using plastic, much of it collected from waste pickers. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

Sisters pave the way with ecobricks

The durable bricks are made from 30% recycled plastic, some of which they collect from a network of 50 waste pickers