Training for Technical Staff on climate vulnerability, policy integration & adaptation planning
A climate vulnerability, policy integration and adaptation planning training was held with technical staff from relevant government ministries under Eswatini’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP)
Eswatini begins integrating climate change into the national curriculum
Dane Armstrong provides updates on how Eswatini’s National Adaptation Plan (NAP) provides the perfect platform to finally begin mainstreaming and integrating climate change into the national curriculum.
Reflections & Outcomes from Egypt’s COP27
Dr. Samson Ogallah, Eswatini’s Climate Finance Advisor under the Commonwealth, reflects on his own experience, and the overall highs and lows, of this year’s COP27.
COP27 Update Diary (Days 8-12)
Dr Deepa Pullanikkatil, Eswatini’s NDC Coordinator, is at this year’s COP27 and sending daily dispatches from her engagements at the conference. This is a roundup of experiences from days 8-12 – and a wrap-up of this year’s COP.
COP27 Update Diary (Day 4-6)
Dr Deepa Pullanikkatil, Eswatini’s NDC Coordinator, is at this year’s COP27 and sending daily dispatches from her engagements at the conference. This is a roundup of experiences from days 4-6.
COP27 Update Diary (Day 1-3)
Dr Deepa Pullanikkatil, Eswatini’s NDC Coordinator, is at this year’s COP27 and sending daily dispatches from her engagements at the conference. This is a roundup of experiences from days 1-3.
The climate crisis – YouTube channels, podcasts and free online resources
With COP27 kicking off in Egypt, Our Burning Planet reports on the annual meeting’s goals, policies, controversies and results – but if you’re strapped for time or energy try these engaging portals and platforms instead and get quickly clued up on the climate crisis and collective action.
COP27 Commences – What’s at stake?
This week the 27th Conference of the Parties (COP27) commenced in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. Lasting almost a fortnight, the event is the annual forum where countries come together to put in place, or at least discuss putting in place, plans to meet collective climate goals. What’s on the agenda?
Medical waste is an environmental & public health nightmare
Musa Ngdlangamandla of Yibutse Green Action highlights how medical waste poses a grave danger to citizens, particularly children, increasing the risk of disease transmission whilst causing a very expensive waste management challenge for municipalities and the nation as a whole.
What can Eswatini do in the face of Climate Change?
Given the severe impacts forecast for the majority of the African continent in our own lifetimes, what can Eswatini do to be better prepared? Zandisile Howe explore some essential questions around vulnerability & action.
So then, what’s this about climate change?
Alex Nxumalo explores the implications of climate change, as well as how you, me and many of us in Eswatini can help reduce any contributing factors to this most perplexing, and urgent phenomenon.
Reflections from Africa Climate Week in Libreville, Gabon
Deepa Pullanikkatil, Eswatini’s NDC Coordinator, reflects on the recent Africa Climate Week held in Gabon, listing five takeaway points for national, regional and international climate action.
So, how hot do you want it? Current heatwaves are harbingers of ‘the century of hell’
This year, for the third or fourth year in a row, summer brought waves of unbearable heat across Europe and the USA, as well as parts of India, China and Pakistan. Whilst in Pakistan, 33 million people have been displaced by floods. Is this what we should expect every year now?
We, the youth, need to address the biggest obstacle to our future: climate change
Zandisile Howe explores the significant climate threats facing young people and the collective role they can play in addressing the unfolding climate emergency.
Matsapha Town is implementing Eswatini’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) and climate action priorities
Matsapha Town Council is undertaking a number of green urban planning, energy and infrastructure activities that directly contribute towards Eswatini’s national priorities on climate action.
Two young climate activists represent Eswatini at Climate Justice School in Kenya
An interview with Lindokuhle & Bongekile who represented Hlumisa Eswatini at the Climate Justice School at the Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya – hosted by the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance.
Even temporarily overshooting 2°C would cause permanent damage to Earth’s species
Emissions are expected to continue heating the planet rapidly in the coming decades. Unless urgent remedial action is taken, this will equate to a death sentence for countless variants of marine and land-based life while inflicting permanent damage on others.
How the climate crisis disproportionately affects women
Social contexts mean people are affected by things such as the climate crisis in disproportionate ways. And in Africa, there are many concrete examples of how women especially are affected by climate change.
Durban’s river-healing plan a roadmap for African cities to cope with climate floods
A R719-million river clean-up and flood protection project in Durban could serve as a model to cushion other vulnerable cities in Africa from the impacts of climate change – are there lessons for Eswatini’s municipalities?
SA in ground-breaking rethink on protection of biodiversity
The White Paper on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity, gazetted for public comment, is built around a set of definitions that, if implemented, have revolutionary implications for biodiversity and the welfare of animals in South Africa.
Rights, freedoms and inequality significantly impact Eswatini’s climate resilience
Eswatini recently rated as one of the worst in the world for workers rights and wealth inequality – why is this important, what impact does it have, and why does it matter for our collective climate resilience and overall development efforts?
Activists and researchers dismayed by IEA endorsement of tapping Africa’s natural gas
The International Energy Agency recently released a report that explores pathways for Africa’s energy system to evolve toward achieving development goals, infrastructure expansion, investment requirements, financing options and energy policy priorities.
‘Do you trust us?’ – SA Youth activists on having a seat at climate talks
Young climate activists say they are tired of young people being used as tokens, only noticed one week of the year, having a perfunctory or symbolic role in discussions and then being discarded.
World is losing ‘magical’ tradition of human-animal mutualism, study warns
In losing these age-old practices, conservationists say, we may be losing more than just the material benefits, “but in fact important aspects of the reverence and deep connection with nature.”
Open call for artists in Eswatini – Umzabalazo (Feminism & Climate Change)
Yebo! Contemporary Art Gallery (in partnership with One Billion Rising and Divine Artists) invites new, emerging and professional artists in Eswatini to apply to participate in their next exhibition addressing climate change.
Hlumisa launches at the Green Round Table
This May, Hlumisa (the Eswatini Youth Climate Forum) launched itself at The Green Round Table, a collaborative event coordinated together with the Bushfire School’s Festival and ECCo. The first edition of the Green Round Table happened at the House on Fire Amphitheater through funding by the European Union (EU)
What the climate crisis will do to your food
Have you noticed that every time you do your monthly shop it seems like your trolley becomes more expensive? With rising prices all round, we are all feeling the pinch. But did you know that climate change is also part of the problem and is contributing to the inflation?
Two wrongs don’t make a right
Tamika Du-Pont reflects on the increased emphasis on climate justice at this years COP26, and what this might mean for real action and meaningful engagement in an African context – particularly for young people.
Eswatini at COP26 – Wetive’s Experience Pt. II
Part II of a blog by Wetive Dlamini – chairperson of Hlumisa (the Eswatini Youth Climate Forum). Read more about the amazing experience she had as a youth representative from Eswatini at the recent COP26 summit in Glasgow.
Eswatini at COP26 – Wetive’s long road to Glasgow Pt. I
Part I of a blog by Wetive Dlamini – chairperson of Hlumisa (the Eswatini Youth Climate Forum). Read about her story in overcoming the odds in becoming a youth representative for Eswatini at the recent COP26 summit.
Five Observations I took back to Eswatini from COP26
Dr.Deepa Pullanikkatil, Eswatini’s NDC Coordinator, reflects on experiences and lessons learned from her time at COP 26, including the importance of youth, justice and meaningfully addressing vulnerabilities in the global south.
COP26 mid-point updates: highs and lows
COP26 will be drawing to a close at the end of this week, so we have a closer look at some of the highs and lows of the event thus far to see whether we’re on track for any meaningful agreements or not…
Unlocking renewable energy potential in Eswatini
Climate finance and renewable energy specialist Rodney Carval explores renewable energy solutions in Eswatini, discussing pathways and barriers to success for an industry that, despite massive global growth, is still very far away from realising its full potential locally.
Green Entrepreneurship – A much-needed priority for Eswatini
As the world aims to get “greener”, Eswatini cannot afford to be left behind because we are already being hit by effects of climate change. Therefore, it would serve her a great deal to invest in youth green enterprises, innovations and start-ups ensuring that there are tools to assist the development of these Emaswati and…
COP26 – “Ratcheting up” for the race to Net Zero
This year’s Conference of Parties (COP26) to be held in Glasgow, Scotland, is an important conference. It will be a test of what is informally known as the “ratchet mechanism” which was coined during the development of the Paris Agreement – so what does that mean, and why is it important?
COVID Vaccine access should be on the COP26 Agenda
COVID vaccine access and equity is essential for a successful COP26 summit, but the imbalance we are seeing around vaccinations highlight the general issues around global inequality that are affecting significant climate action on a broader scale.
Every Day | Earth Day
Since the very first Earth Day event in 1970, we have pumped more pollution into the air, rivers, ocean, soil and lungs of the planet than all of human history combined. These trends have been consistent, and show little sign of abating. At the same time, humanity has never been as aware, united and ready…
Environmentalism and Development – Alternative, sustainable pathways for Eswatini
In response to the proposed coal projects in Eswatini, Mandla Reissmann looks to alternative scenarios and models of development that incorporate environmentalism and sustainability.
Lubhuku & Coal Power in Eswatini – Live Discussion with The Connect
View the recording of the Connect show hosted by the Pacific Institute where ECCo co-founder Dane Armstrong discusses the potential benefits and significant threats of the Lubhuku coal project in Eswatini.
Yini Inkinga Yesiteshi Sekphehla Gesi Wemalahle eLubhuku?
Lombhalo usinika sitfombe lesinelwati lolumcoka ngalesifiso sekwakha siteshi sagesi lophehlwe ngemalahle eLubhuku Eswatini, lokukhomba sidzingeko lesisheshisako sekutsi sisente lana eveni lakatsi ngendzaba yesimo sekugucugucuka kwesimo selitulu.
What’s wrong with the proposed Lubhuku Coal Power Plant?
This article provides a critically informed overview of the proposed Lubhuku Thermal Power Plant in Eswatini, putting this fossil fuel project in context with the kinds of climate action we urgently need to see in our country.
Post COVID 19: Green Recoveries and Tree Planting
Dr. Deepa Pullanikkatil explores the potential for tree planting as a green recovery solution post Covid-19, as well as other solutions to consider for recovery pathways that benefit people & planet.
The Twin COVID–CLIMATE Crisis
This new article on the ECCO website from Deepa Pullanikkatil argues that urgent coronavirus related socioeconomic responses must be aligned with climate commitments, social equality and green recovery plans.
Sustainable Transport in Eswatini: A potential industry-leading country or an unlikely dream?
Student, environmental advocate and deep down huge car enthusiast, Bobbie Pennington looks at Eswatini’s options for greening transport.
The Echo – Climate Newsletter # 5: Covid Recovery Edition
This week we’re pinpointing the growing need for social and climate justice measures when planning for global socio-economic recovery efforts. Also, a look at Planet of the Humans and how these twin crises will impact Gen Z.
COVID-19 – How Eswatini’s Garden Farmers are Keeping the Vegetable Supply Flowing
Mantoe Phakathi reports on the resilient farming methods helping small scale farmers sustain lives and livelihoods during this pandemic. Guba, a local permaculture program helps skill farmers to cope with climate change and COVID-19.
The Echo – Climate Newsletter # 4: Crises, Forests and Online Climate Action
This week we look at concurrent environmental crises – from a locust outbreak to deforestation & COVID-19. We highlight solutions – from climate activism during a pandemic to grassroots infrastructure.
Earth Day: Featuring Qibho Intalektual’s Powerful Poetry
Qibho Intalektual is a poet, musician, MC and leader from Mbabane. In solidarity with the Global Climate Strikes, he partnered with ECCO to perform two striking poems A Billion and 5 Suns Ago and Phuma Langa Sikotse. The message in both poems is apt for this 50th Earth Day.
Eswatini’s Earth Day Voices
We are celebrating Earth Day by amplifying voices of members of our local climate community! Hear students, activists, ordinary people, local groups and a community garden tell us why the environment and the planet we call home matters on this Earth Day.
The Echo – Climate Newsletter # 3: Pollution & Change in the Time of Coronavirus
We’re continuing to focus on environmental news relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, looking at air quality, imagining a world post-corona and how human activity (or lack thereof) fundamentally affects our planet.
Futures Consciousness “The Mission of Futurists”
Futurist, Mandla Reissmann calls to action! “Futures consciousness is the basic understanding that the future is not singular and not random. It is within human means to shape where we end up.” A climate robust future is possible.
The Echo – Climate Newsletter # 2: Food Access & Equity During Lockdown
This week we’re focusing on food security and equity during COVID-19. We also look at the fossil fuels industry’s volatile state, the weakening of environmental legislation, and the relationship between coronavirus and pollution.
COVID-19 & the Unsustainable “Normal”
Deepa Pullanikkatil (PhD) considers the normal we have come to take for granted and prompts us to consider a “‘new normal’ that is more sustainable, climate-proof, equitable, compassionate and humane.
Vegetable Gardens to Survive the Virus (and Beat the Climate Crisis)
An upshot of the COVID-19 crisis is that many are turning to thier backyards to grow vegetables. Here’s why you should too!
The Echo – Weekly Climate Newsletter #1: Covid-19 and Climate
This pandemic comes with the opportunity to collectively understand how our actions have contributed to the situation we find ourselves in, and how to urgently adjust our attitudes, actions and policies so that we do not go back to “business as usual”. Experts agree that the climate crisis and the destruction of nature and wildlife…
The Climate Crisis and Local Farming Explained
The ability to farm food is the foundation of any society. This holds truer for Eswatini than in most places. With clear infographics, this post explains how a changing climate will impact our food production.
From Ozone Action to Climate Action
Emaswati are incredibly well versed on the ‘hole’ in the ozone layer but often confuse ozone depletion for climate change. Likewise, the country has made commendable progress on ozone issues but far more action is needed to deter the climate crisis.
Eswatini Climate Coalition 