South Africa’s growing rat problem, driven by illegal dumping and poor waste management, has led to a surge in pesticide use among vendors and spaza shop owners trying to combat infestations. https://witness.co.za/news/2024/12/09/dumping-crisis-in-south-africa-linked-to-pesticide-misuse/

The North Gauteng High Court, on 4 December, handed down judgment in the landmark constitutional litigation against the South African government’s decision to procure 1 500 MW of new coal-fired power. The court declared the decision unlawful and invalid, on the basis that there was insufficient consultation with, and consideration of, the harms and limitation of rights of present and future generations that could follow from building new coal electricity generation. https://www.cer.org.za/news/press-release-court-rules-no-new-coal-fired-power

Delegates from 175 countries gathered in Busan, South Korea, last week for the fifth and final stage of negotiations for a global UN treaty to end plastic pollution. https://www.eco-business.com/news/should-businesses-pay-to-clean-up-plastic-waste-they-create/

 The Environmental Management Inspectorate has conducted inspections at about 350 municipal landfill sites over the last five years, and only less than 20% of them are compliant on a national basis,’ says environment journalist, Tony Carnie. https://www.moneyweb.co.za/moneyweb-podcasts/moneyweb-midday/sa-landfills-a-crisis-of-compliance-and-environmental-risk/

As sovereign debt investors concerned about climate change scrutinise national responses to rising global temperatures, they’re increasingly finding that wealthier nations aren’t doing their part to help address global warming. https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/rich-countries-provide-no-haven-from-climate-doom-study-finds-2024-11-26

Final COP29 outcomes show incremental advances with the new global climate finance deal. But notable funding gaps remain for low- and middle-income countries, as well as clean air action. This puts significant expectations on next year’s Brazilian Presidency for COP30.https://www.cleanairfund.org/news-item/cop29-statement/

With the COP29 conference under way until November 22, industry body AgriSA says the global climate change agenda is increasingly recognising the critical role of agriculture and farmers. https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/agrisa-says-agricultures-ability-to-reduce-emissions-recognised-at-cop29-2024-11-21

Balfour Magistrate Court imposed the fine on Friday after the Dipaleseng Municipality pleaded guilty to charges touching on environmental misconduct, which caused significant pollution to the environment between December 2018 to August 2023. https://www.farmersweekly.co.za/agri-news/south-africa/action-needed-to-address-water-pollution-after-municipality-fined-r160m/

While government has made strides in environmental compliance, significant work is needed to address pervasive issues like untreated sewage discharge to land, freshwater, and coastal areas. https://www.sanews.gov.za/south-africa/report-highlights-sas-challenge-pollution

Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment Deputy Minister Narend Singh has launched the 2023/24 National Environmental Compliance and Enforcement Report (NECER), which highlights improvements in proactive compliance monitoring. https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/necer-report-highlights-progress-in-tackling-environmental-crime-2024-11-18