– Edward O. Wilson
Namaqualand Farmers Adapting to Climate Change?
By Dr Tracey Phillips, 30 June 2017 Over the past few years terrible drought, little rain and late rains have caused havoc for farmers in the remote Kamiesberg Mountains of Namaqualand, South Africa. Monitor Douglas Engelbrecht interviewed a few farmers to find out...
Long Live the Long-Term Environmental Cause
by Gary Simons This week we take a look at some good news stories that highlight an important truth. Namely, that sustained effort, over a long period of time, can yield positive results for turning a downward spiral into an upward one. The first story concerns those...
Give it up for the Youth. Be inspired if you’re not.
by Gary Simons This week we highlight the positive difference that young people are making in relation to our global environmental challenges and urgency for action. No doubt there are many examples like the ones you will read below. Please share the inspiration with...
Solutions. Let’s focus on those.
by Gary Simons Solutions! That’s what we need to be talking about more. That doesn’t mean we put our head in the sand about the problems facing the planet. Rather it is not to be overwhelmed, or worse, simply give up and sink into a paralyzed apathy. Frankly, if we...
Greening. Don’t give up!
by Gary Simons Good news! The planet is not done with us. Yet. Bad news! There’s plenty of warning signs, and clear evidence that things are not hunky dory on this blue dot that is our only home environment. A quick scan through any of the environmental news sites,...
To Nuke or no to Nuke – Say What?
by Gary Simons To nuke, or not to nuke. What sort of a question is that! So the South African nuclear deal as it was until now is unlawful, according to the judgment handed down by the Western Cape High Court at the end of April. Read more here That means,...
On Reviving Bees
by Gary Simons I found her buzzing lethargically against the window. Only she knew how long she’d been there. I got the proverbial glass and paper to catch her. To take her away from the invisible barrier that kept her from getting to the light of the sun to which her...
One Planet. Help to Heal Her.
One Planet! Help to Heal Her! Some things don't just bare repeating, they need repeating. Like the message and call to action in this re-posted, edited, blog. Let's be part of the many people who are passionately doing something to heal the one, and only,...
Plant the Planet – yes WE can!
by Gary Simons This post is being read on the Gondwana Alive site, and has been posted in our Facebook page. That got me thinking about how Social Media can help to rapidly transform the planet back to its healthy, green state. So, follow the journey of a scenario...
103 Days of Water Left!
by Mandlakazi Mgwebi & Tracey Phillips Water Scarcity is a Global Challenge Water is the foundation of life but clean, safe drinking water is becoming increasingly scarce. It's hard for many of us to imagine that clean, safe drinking water is not something that...
Celebrate with the Irish and make the world greener
It's St Patrick's day. And, the weekend. What a good opportunity to site back, be contemplative of all things green and good for the planet. All this while sipping down on a favourite beer, or perhaps trying a new one from a local craft beer maker near you. This...
World NGO Day 2017
by Sheree-Ann Jooste Today we celebrate World NGO Day (Non-Governmental Organisation) for all the NGO’s worldwide and the individuals behind them to celebrate their work and share their positive impact on society with others. This day is also an important annual...
Social Justice and Environmentalism Walk into a Bar…
Introduction by Dr Tracey Phillips, CEO Gondwana Alive To our nature loving audience this blog may come from left field but it talks to an important topic. As an ecologist and sustainable development specialist, for over 20 years I have worked on integrating...
Drinking wine supports conservation
By Noloyiso Gwanqa NATIONAL WINE DRINKING DAY In celebration of National wine drinking day (18 Feb 2017) we thought we would take a look at biodiversity and wine in South Africa. Here are some interesting facts and figures our conservation & gardening guru,...
Biodiversity in the Garden – Getting Bugged
by Gary Simons Biodiversity is ubiquitous. Which means that, much like mobile devices these days, we don’t often even notice it. It everywhere though. Inside you. Yes, you have a gazillion little bugs (good or bad depends on your intestinal health) doing their thing...