Pollution threatens vital waterway

Extreme heat is no longer a future problem. A major new report warns it is intensifying inequality, illness and climate vulnerability across Southern Africa and the worst-hit are often those least able to escape it

The latest Green, Blue and No Drop reports show widespread deterioration of water and sanitation infrastructure. Nearly half of wastewater systems are critical, drinking water improvements are marginal and non-revenue water losses remain high in multiple provinces, highlighting urgent need for municipal investment and reform

New research projects the Olifants River in the Kruger National Park could reach daily water temperatures of 42–44°C by the end of the century under a high-emissions scenario, putting fish, macroinvertebrates and freshwater ecosystems at serious risk

A flagship green hydrogen project is positioned to support industrial development in the Vaal — but there’s no sign of it and little awareness among the communities it is meant to serve

A new study co-authored by a University of Pretoria conservation scientist argues that widely cited claims of catastrophic global wildlife decline may overstate biodiversity loss in Africa

Eight giraffes have been safely relocated from Pongola Game Reserve to the Somkhanda Community Game Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal to improve genetic diversity and support community conservation efforts

A groundbreaking analysis of more than 2 300 seawater samples shows that industrial chemicals dominate ocean pollution signals, even far from land

The Jukskei River catchment project highlights how green infrastructure can cut flood damage, manage invasive species and improve urban health

A new global platform maps urban heat at street level, showing how exposure is rising and falling disproportionately on poorer communities, while giving cities tools to test cooling solutions

From Lagos to Dar es Salaam, major cities are increasingly vulnerable as ocean warming and climate variability combine to intensify sea level rise

Air pollution in the Highveld Priority Area threatens lives and violates environmental rights, as hydrogen sulphide levels recently spiked over Johannesburg

Africa may be the birthplace of the world’s most popular magic mushroom. Scientists have identified Psilocybe ochraceocentrata, a potent psychedelic cousin of Psilocybe cubensis, growing on grasslands and cattle dung in SA and Zimbabwe