The article discusses the momentum at the UN climate talks in Glasgow, Scotland, for coal to be phased out, with a coalition led by the UK and including countries like Botswana, Zambia, Egypt, Cameroon, Senegal, and Côte d’Ivoire. The UK government announced that 18 of the 190 countries in the coalition have committed to ending coal-fired power. The agreement aims to end coal by 2030 for developed countries and 2040 for emerging economies. It also includes ceasing new permits and construction for coal-fired power and ending new government support for international coal-fired power generation. China, Japan, and Korea have committed to ending overseas finance for coal generation by the end of 2021. The article also mentions a UN report on emission gaps and the need for an urgent transition from coal to clean electricity. It highlights the economic, health, and climate benefits of this transition and notes the significant cancellations of new coal builds since the Paris climate accord. The UK's coalition includes banks and development finance institutions, and the article quotes Vicky Ford, the minister for Africa at the foreign, commonwealth & development office, on the benefits of phasing out coal.

ActionSA has committed to developing a strategy to combat the gang violence in Eldorado Park and Westbury, South Africa, following a recent outbreak that resulted in three young men being killed. The violence, which is believed to be drug-related, involves factions such as the Fast Guns and Varados. Despite the presence of specialized police units and additional resources, the community feels that these efforts are futile as the violence persists. The South African Police Service, with spokesperson Colonel Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, has not made any arrests, but investigations are ongoing. ActionSA's Regional Chairperson, Emmah More, and Gauteng Provincial Chairperson, Funzi Ngobeni, have proposed interventions including more police resources, stop and search operations, and the establishment of drug task teams.

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) concluded its fifteenth session (COP15) urging global commitment to drought preparedness. The conference, under the theme 'Land, Life, Legacy: From scarcity to prosperity', took place in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, and addressed issues such as drought, land degradation, and gender equality. The UNCCD's reports highlight the economic risks of poor land management and the need for sustainable agricultural practices. Sadhguru, a spiritual leader, advocated for increasing organic content in soil to prevent desertification. The conference aimed to finalize guidelines for land degradation neutrality and promote sustainable resource use for food security. Gender equity in land ownership and access to resources was also a significant topic, with emphasis on empowering women in agriculture. The UNCCD emphasized the need for government policies, consumer demand shifts, and corporate investment to support regenerative land management practices.

The article discusses the contentious issue of financing conservation through carbon market trading, which is a topic of debate at the United Nations climate talks (COP26). Greenpeace International's Jennifer Morgan criticizes carbon offsetting for not reducing atmospheric carbon. The Blue Natural Capital Financing Facility advocates for using carbon credits to support conservation, citing successful projects in various countries. However, civil society groups and organizations like the International Union for Conservation of Nature express concerns about monetizing climate action and its potential to harm biodiversity. Past instances of corruption and fraud in carbon markets are highlighted, including a significant theft in the EU's carbon market. The upcoming COP26 in Glasgow is expected to create a rule book for the global carbon market to prevent poor quality projects from receiving credits.

The article discusses the involvement of various companies, including Hitachi and its subsidiary Hitachi Power Africa, in sponsoring the United Nations Climate Change conference (COP26) despite their connections to fossil fuel projects and allegations of improper payments. It highlights the controversy over fossil fuel companies sponsoring climate talks, with activists and organizations like Corporate Accountability International and Culture Unsustained criticizing such sponsorships as a form of greenwashing. The article also touches on historical human rights violations and environmental damage associated with some of these companies, such as TotalEnergies, which is accused of knowing about the climate impact of its activities for decades without taking action. The piece raises concerns about the role of fossil fuel companies in climate diplomacy and the potential conflict of interest in their sponsorship of climate conferences.

The article discusses South Africa's energy transition, focusing on the inclusion of women and marginalized groups in the shift from coal to renewable energy. Significant milestones were achieved at the last two COPs, where a framework for a just transition was developed. The US, Britain, France, Germany, and the EU committed to financing South Africa's transition with an $8.5 billion fund. The Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) aims to support workers and communities affected by the move away from coal. The article highlights the underrepresentation of women in the energy sector and the disproportionate impact of coal-based energy on vulnerable groups. The Presidential Climate Commission (PCC) and organizations like Earthlife Africa advocate for a transition based on solidarity. The Just Transition Framework emphasizes principles of social justice, including Distributional, Restorative, and Procedural Justice. The JETP Investment Plan outlines key players and institutions for implementation, with a focus on community involvement and private investment in renewable energy. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of including those most affected by the transition in the decision-making process.

The Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA), based in London, is raising concerns about the impact of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) on endangered wildlife in Africa. The EIA warns that the Chinese government's promotion of TCM as part of its Belt and Road Initiative is leading to the establishment of major companies and clinics across Africa, which could increase demand for treatments using wildlife. This demand threatens species such as leopards, pangolins, and rhinos. The EIA's report, 'Lethal Remedy,' calls for stricter oversight of the TCM market to protect biodiversity. Despite international trade bans, the illegal trade in endangered species persists, with Africa being a significant market for Chinese medicine exports, including ingredients derived from donkey hooves and crocodile meat and skin.

The article discusses the challenges and opportunities for South Africa's poultry sector in expanding its export markets. The South African Association of Meat Importers and Exporters (AMIE) highlighted that the country is not meeting the health and safety standards required by the EU and other potential export markets, particularly due to the practice of brining chicken. South Africa exports a relatively small amount of chicken compared to other food products like citrus. The AMIE and other industry experts, including Dr. Mpho Maja and Donald MacKay, suggest that addressing these standards and establishing a dedicated export task group could significantly benefit the local economy and create jobs. The article also touches on the impact of imported poultry cuts on local prices and the potential for local producers to gain more from exporting premium cuts and cooked chicken products.

The article discusses the role of small-scale and regenerative agriculture in combating climate change and achieving food security. Speakers at the 'We don't have time' webinar highlighted how smallholder farmers can earn carbon credits and restore soil health through sustainable practices. Hunter Lovins of Natural Capitalism Solutions and farmer Gabe Brown were mentioned as proponents of regenerative agriculture. The article also touches on the indigenous origins of these practices and their modern applications in the US and South Africa. The importance of soil carbon sequestration was emphasized, with the global carbon market seen as a potential source of investment for such projects. The sale of soil carbon credits by Wilmot Cattle Co. to Microsoft was cited as an example of the growing interest in this area. The article concludes by stressing the necessity of agriculture in achieving carbon neutrality and mitigating climate change.

The article discusses the critical role of transforming global agricultural practices to meet the Paris agreement's climate change targets. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report emphasizes the need for sustainable agriculture and food systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It highlights the potential of consumer dietary changes and cellular agriculture to lower emissions. South Africa is noted for producing Africa's first lab-grown beef burger, indicating a shift towards high-tech protein production. The article also mentions the environmental benefits of biotech crops and the significant role of agriculture in methane emissions. The Changing Markets Foundation and the Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO) stress the urgency of reducing methane emissions and making agri-food systems more climate-resilient. The article underscores that while agriculture can significantly reduce emissions, it cannot compensate for the lack of emissions reductions in other sectors.

South Africa's Environment, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Barbara Creecy expressed her enthusiasm as the country's comprehensive climate change bill was presented to the portfolio committee after being approved by the cabinet last year. The bill aims to consolidate all of South Africa's climate change efforts into a single legislative framework. It will hold polluting industries accountable through carbon tax and sectoral carbon budgets, while the National Adaptation Strategy will provide a legally binding plan for sectors to prepare for climate change effects. The bill emphasizes the vulnerability of the agriculture sector to climate change, highlighting the need for adaptation strategies. The article also mentions the extensive consultation process since 2018 and the involvement of various government levels in the development of the bill.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has released a new report emphasizing the urgent need for action to combat climate change and secure a resilient future. South Africa's climate commission, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, discussed the implications of the report's findings. Local scientists highlighted the risks and policy recommendations for climate-resilient development. The report, which is based on extensive scientific research, warns of the impacts of climate change on agriculture and food security, particularly in Africa where most agriculture relies on rainfall. It suggests that urban agriculture could be a key adaptation strategy. The report also notes that climate change has already caused significant losses in Africa, including reduced agricultural productivity. The IPCC authors stress the necessity of immediate global action to avoid missing the narrow window to ensure a livable future.

The article discusses the urgency and challenges ahead of the COP26 conference in Glasgow, emphasizing the United Nations' findings that current efforts to combat climate change are insufficient. UN Secretary-General António Guterres and UN Environment Programme’s Executive Director Inger Anderson highlight the dire need for significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions within the next eight years to limit global warming to 1.5°C. The energy sector's role as the primary emitter and the economic implications of inaction, as predicted by the Swiss Re Institute, are also mentioned. The UNFCCC's report on updated climate commitments indicates a substantial gap between current pledges and the necessary targets to prevent catastrophic warming. Patricia Espinosa of the UNFCCC calls for increased financial support for developing countries to meet their climate goals, emphasizing the importance of the $100 billion annual pledge by developed nations.