Why Cape Town’s drought was so hard to forecast
Cape Town promised alternative water sources with the ongoing drought being declared a disaster. Its main strategy is water rationing but climate models are also being used.
Academic rigour, journalistic flair
Analysis and Comment
How Cape Town can win support for the next round of water cuts
It’s important for the city of Cape Town to inspire residential trust in water restrictions. Without this, the harsh effects of the drought will be exacerbated.
Technique developed in Kenya offers a refined way to map tree cover
A new approach to monitor changes to the earth's surface uses maps that consist of physical and human geographic data to explain what's changed.
The attempt to replenish Lake Chad’s water may fail again. Here’s why
The transnational project conceived 30 years ago to replenish the drying waters of Lake Chad finally seems poised to take off. But first, internal politics within member states must be overcome.
Somalia conflict and famine: the causes are bad governance, not climate change
It's wrong to blame climate change for famine and conflict. These can either be prevented, or the impact minimised, if institutions and mechanisms of good governance are in place.
Shale gas in South Africa: game-changer or damp squib?
South Africa's Karoo region potentially holds shale gas that could transform the energy economy of the country. But given the uncertainties around exploration what's the next logical step?
What whales and dolphins can tell us about the health of our oceans
Marine mammals are often referred to as sentinels of the ocean and research on whales and dolphins in particular contributes important knowledge about the health of our seas.
The relationship between drought and famine: lessons from the Horn of Africa
Historically low rainfalls have led to severe droughts in Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya. But various solutions exist to mitigate the social and economic impact.
How to help farmers prepare for climate change
There is increasing evidence from across many African and South Asian countries that contextual, timely climate information, helps farmers manage the risks they face.
The fight against poaching must shift to empowering communities
Local and indigenous communities remain mostly excluded from real benefits, and conservation often comes at a huge cost to them.
The environmental impact of a coal plant on Kenya’s coast is being underplayed
Amu Coal a Kenyan and Chinese consortium is set to build a coal plant in an area untouched by industrial development. The emissions alone will double the country’s energy sector's CO2 emissions.
Fears over Ethiopian dam’s costly impact on environment, people
Ethiopia's GIBE III dam has been labelled the world's most controversial dam due to environmental and social impacts and the displacement of indigenous people.
Invasive plants have a much bigger impact than we imagine
Invasive plants have an impact on native species and unless these factors are properly understood, it is difficult to predict what sort of impact invasive plants will have.
Africa’s ambitious new biodiversity laws come with teeth, will protect people too
After decolonisation and independence a new conservation document was needed, one that looks after the needs of the people. That's what the Maputo Convention aims to do.
Using new techniques to track Kenya’s disappearing amphibians
A recent study shows how the number of vulnerable and endangered amphibians is nearly double that of birds or mammals. Strategies need to be put in place, and fast.
How Nigeria is wasting its rich water resources
Nigeria is rich in water resources. but poor management has led to water scarcity in the country.
Ethiopia’s Lake Tana is losing the fight to water hyacinth
Lake Tana in Ethiopia has been massively affected by the invasive weed, water hyacinth. Control methods are available but there are challenges.
Africa’s most notorious insects – the bugs that hit agriculture the hardest
Crop losses in African countries due to insect pests are estimated at 49%. However, with some species losses can climb up to 100%.
How smart meters can save water in drought ridden Cape Town
Smart meters may help water saving initiatives as the drought persists in South Africa’s Western Cape. It can help those who need achieve saving targets.
A worsening water crisis in North Africa and the Middle East
At present, the Middle East and North African region contains 7% of the world's population but only has access to 1.5% of its renewable freshwater supply through rainfall.
Shedding light on why mining companies in eastern Congo are under attack
Industrial gold mining companies in eastern Congo have faced violent attacks over friction between industrial and artisanal mining.
Desalination? Africa should rather manage its water resources better
Desalination has been proposed as one of many strategies to deal with the water shortages. But the process is known to be expensive and harmful to the environment.
South Africa’s first online rhino horn auction ends in risky impasse
The first online rhino auction in South Africa wasn't a success. This has done very little to help rhinos. It may, in fact, encourage more poaching as demand has not slowed down.
Community participation is needed for more effective anti-poaching
Military style anti-poaching is often criticised because it alienates communities living around protected areas. But these initiatives give them an incentive to protect the species.
Why the 11 countries that rely on the Nile need to reach a river deal soon
The urgency of an agreement to reasonably and equitably share benefits on the Nile Basin can't be overstated. It would create a a transparent atmosphere in the countries that depend on the Nile.
What Kenya’s government can do to protect, and benefit from, ocean resources
Kenya can explore at least four key actions, based on past commitments and institutional structures, to transform the economic future of its oceans.
Why allowing the sale of horn stockpiles is a setback for rhinos in the wild
The rhino horn auction in South Africa is a serious setback in the fight against poaching and the survival of wild rhinos. The chances of the horns remaining in the country are next to zero.
Conflicting laws keep Nigeria’s electricity supply unreliable
The centralised regulation of electric power in Nigeria is stalling progress in the sector. To achieve stable power supply, the country must obey its constitution and decentralise regulation.
Growing more plants and trees can cut down the heat in Nigerian cities
Greening cities have a huge impact. The trees go beyond just lowering temperatures. They help decrease the demand for indoor cooling like air-conditioners saving money.
Why flooding in Nigeria is an increasingly serious problem
Heavy rains, poor and clogged drainage systems have made many towns and cities in Nigeria susceptible to massive flooding.
Conservation versus profit: South Africa’s ‘unique’ game offer a sobering lesson
Rare colour variants of hunted African species have been known for a long time. Trophy hunters seeking novelty might pay more to hunt these unusually coloured animals.
New study: pesticides increase extinction risk for bumblebee populations
Exposure to neonicotinoids could lead to fewer bumblebee colonies, less pollination, and ultimately to population extinctions.
Fences are an increasing threat to Africa’s migratory wildlife
Many mammals depend on large areas and trans-boundary conservation for their survival. When this is obstructed it can have a catastrophic impact on animal populations.
Forest conservation approaches must recognise the rights of local people
Conservationists need to assess costs which allow for the adequate compensation of communities on protected lands, whose livelihoods are deeply entwined with forest use.
Why controlling rats on small-scale African farms is vital for food security
Agricultural pests are one of the key factors affecting small holder farmer production. Focus is normally put on invertebrate pests, but rodents can do severe damage to crops as well.
Africa’s cities face unique risks. What can be done to manage them?
Most African cities are expensive, informal and non-industrial. This has produced unique socioeconomic and environmental risks that must be carefully considered in policy development.
What’s driving Cape Town’s water insecurity, and what can be done about it
Early warning signs of a pending drought are difficult to recognise but cities will have to be better prepared for prolonged changes in weather patterns, so that it can respond quickly.
What camera traps tell us about elephants eating crops
Elephants feeding on crops poses a challenge to their coexistence with humans. Farmers must introduce strategies to reduce losses and avoid lethal action against the endangered species.
The global food system still benefits the rich at the expense of the poor
Global food system issues can be traced to colonial history. It's time food production became more sustainable so that it meets the needs of people - equally.
Lifting the lid on how frogs find their way to foreign lands
Invasive frogs can have a major impact on the environment. Some move continents by human trade or travel. But determining how to control them can lead to policies that limit their spread and effects.
Goldfinches need protection – migrating songbirds might be vanishing from North Africa
The European goldfinch, with its wonderful coloration and melodic singing, is a favoured pet for people living in the western Maghreb. But continued poaching is putting the species in danger.
Cheetahs often don’t thrive in captivity. We set out to find out why
Captivity isn't kind to cheetahs where most develop diseases that are unusual in big cats. It's never been clear why this is the case, but understanding their metabolism might provide the answer.
Why adopting biodegradable plastic bags in Kenya may not work
High costs, poor performance, a lack of manufacturing capabilities and local perceptions prevent biodegradable bags from taking root in Kenya.
Invasive species
South Africa should sort out the bad from the really bad on its invasive species list
Regulating species in South Africa is difficult. But identifying those creating the greatest tension, would shift focus on the most destructive species.
Invasive species have a massive impact, but wise policy can keep them out
Developing countries have been slow to react to the alien species problem. Its impact can be massively reduced if policies are developed to deal with the issue.
Alien animals and plants are on the rise in Africa, exacting a growing toll
Many alien plants and animals have been introduced to Africa from other regions and spread from country to country, often having devastating effects.
Ocean crime
Organised crime in the fisheries sector starts to get the attention it deserves
Indonesia and South Africa are making strides against transnational organised fisheries crime.
Over-fishing is strangling a key protein source for West Africans
The fisheries sector in West Africa is beset with serious challenges including over-fishing and, in particular, illegal fishing.
Africa needs collaboration and support to tackle crime at sea
Crime on the ocean is not only about illegal fishing – it ranges from drug smuggling to human trafficking and modern-day slavery as well.
Bees
Meeting the dietary needs of honey bees is tough for South African beekeepers
Beekeeping cannot depend on a single forage source. This makes the business of ensuring bees have what they need to stay healthy a precarious business.
Poor nutrition may be another reason for the declining honey bee population
Nutrition is another factor - in addition to pesticides and bee disease - that has led to the dwindling of the global bee population.
Research and Expert Database
Editors’ Picks
Why Africa needs a science synthesis centre to tackle complex problems
A synthesis centre in Africa would massively improve the ability of researchers to understand complex scientific problems.
Is Hurricane Harvey a harbinger for Houston’s future?
The unpredictability of hurricanes makes it hard to say for sure whether climate change is making them worse. But we do know that sea-level rise and increased evaporation will worsen the impacts.
The concept of schizophrenia is coming to an end – here’s why
The symptoms of 'schizophrenia' are very real, but experts are looking for a better way to define them.
Climate and the G20 summit: some progress in greening economies, but more needs to be done
An expert report shows that the G20 countries are using their energy more efficiently. But there is still a long way to go.
How El Niño forecasts can help prevent cholera deaths in Africa
Cholera kills thousands every year but is treatable if it is caught early. Understanding how El Niño shifts cholera risks in Africa can help countries prepare for outbreaks and save lives.
Earthworms are more important than pandas (if you want to save the planet)
We focus on large, charismatic animals at the expense of these crucial 'lowly creatures'.
Invisible and ignored: air pollution inside the homes of Nairobi’s residents
Research in Kenya’s capital found average levels of hazardous solid and liquid particles in the air within households were three times more than the WHO recommended maximum level.
Galapagos giant tortoises make a comeback, thanks to innovative conservation strategies
The Galapagos Islands' giant tortoises are one of the world's best examples of evolution. Scientists are pioneering new conservation strategies to save them from extinction and restore their habitat.
South Africa’s water sector: a case study in state capture
Massive state capture activity is taking place in the South African water sector under the guise of radical economic transformation, threatening financial sustainability and water supply.
A fresh focus on new approaches to recycling tyres is needed
Used tyres pose a serious environmental challenge. So far, traditional recycling methods have proved insufficient to solve the problem. New, eco-friendy alternatives are now being explored.
Neonicotinoids linked to wild bee and butterfly declines in Europe and US
Two new studies have linked controversial pesticides neonicotinoides to wild bee and butterfly declines.
Beyond borders: Why we need global action to protect migratory birds
Migratory birds play key ecological roles. and connect us with nature. The 1916 Migratory Bird Treaty curbed overhunting, but birds face other threats today that require international solutions.
A 400-year-old shark is the latest animal discovery to reveal the secrets of long life
What are the oldest living animals on the planet?
Fears for blue tang fish spike in the wake of Finding Dory
Hollywood shirks its ethical responsibilities when it comes to vulnerable animal species.
Drought forecasting isn’t just about water – to get smart we need health and financial data too
Forecasting drought should be about more than weather – to help those likely to be hit hardest, we need financial and even health data too.
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