Environment

Tracking elephant populations across the vast landscapes of Africa has long been a complex endeavor. Logistical hurdles, civil conflicts, and funding limitations have posed significant obstacles. Yet, a recent study, expertly collated by George Wittemyer for The Conversation Africa, has pulled together data from a staggering 1,325 surveys conducted over 50 years, shedding light on a stark reality: a dramatic decline in elephant numbers. To put it into perspective, the African savanna elephant population has decreased by a…

Over the weekend, KwaZulu-Natal bore the brunt of torrential rains that intensified the devastation from earlier floods, leaving more families displaced and disrupting everyday life. The tragic toll of these floods has reached at least 20 lives lost in the past two months alone. What would you do if your community was suddenly uprooted by nature’s fury? The South African Weather Service has elevated its caution to a level 5 warning, signifying an urgent call to attention. They forecast an impending threat of further…

A recently published study raises an urgent alarm about the precarious status of the world’s peatlands. Described as "dangerously under-protected," these landscapes are not just patches of soggy earth; they are crucial players in our ecosystem. Covering a mere 3% of the Earth's surface, peatlands store more carbon than all of the world's forests combined. Yet, their significance often goes unnoticed. Why is this? Perhaps it's our tendency to overlook the quiet, steadfast guardians of carbon storage. Peatlands serve multiple…

Amid growing discontent, activists have stepped forward, prominently featuring King Okabi from the Ogale community, urging an end to Shell's reckless pollution practices in the Niger Delta. As the legal battle commences between the Ogale and Bille communities and the oil giant, the call for accountability has never been louder. For over six decades, the Niger Delta has suffered under the weight of Shell's negligence. The company’s aging and poorly maintained pipelines have unleashed a torrent of environmental degradation,…

The small-scale fishers of Africa are a lifeline for many communities, providing not only food security but also vital income sources for countless families. Yet, a recent study published in Nature reveals a troubling reality: their voices and contributions are often overlooked in the halls of policymaking. How does this oversight impact both these fishers and the broader societal goals we aspire to achieve? Inland and marine fisheries are more than just economic activities; they are interwoven with the cultural fabric of…

In a shocking turn of events, President John Mahama has launched a thorough investigation following a deadly clash between illegal miners and Ghanaian soldiers that tragically resulted in nine fatalities. According to an army spokesperson, the chaos erupted when miners, armed to the teeth with locally crafted rifles, pump-action shotguns, knives, and even axes, opened fire on military personnel who were simply doing their job. The soldiers, acting in self-defense, returned fire, and the consequences were catastrophic. This…

In a remarkable leap for our understanding of the cosmos, South Africa's MeerKAT telescope has unveiled a colossal new radio galaxy that has been charmingly dubbed Inkathazo, a name steeped in cultural significance, meaning 'trouble' in both Xhosa and Zulu. This intriguing moniker isn't just catchy; it aptly encapsulates the perplexities surrounding the physics behind this discovery—after all, when the universe throws you a curveball, it’s bound to leave you scratching your head in wonder. So, what exactly is this cosmic…

In a world increasingly obsessed with instant gratification and flashy blockbusters, it’s refreshing to see a film that digs deeper, shedding light on issues that truly matter. Enter "The Last Ranger," a poignant South African film helmed by the talented Cindy Lee, which has garnered a prestigious nomination for the Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film. This powerful 28-minute cinematic gem draws viewers into the heart-wrenching reality of rhino poaching—a topic that resonates painfully with current environmental…

Experts contend that the Congo Basin holds the title of the planet's most vital carbon sink, outpacing even the Amazon in its ability to absorb carbon dioxide. Recent discoveries of extensive peatlands hidden beneath this lush expanse have solidified this view. As global appetite for minerals surges—especially those crucial to the ongoing energy shift—the effects on the region's forests are becoming increasingly alarming. According to Earth Insight, a staggering 27% of the intact forests are now encompassed within mining…

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) has mobilized a specialized team to undertake an extensive investigation into the troubling situation at Lake Chivero, where recent reports of fish and wildlife fatalities have emerged due to pollution. This urgent action comes in light of the serious pollution crisis impacting Lake Chivero, the main source of water for Harare. This contamination has tragically led to the deaths of not only four white rhinoceroses and three zebras but also various bird species…