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 bring their ideas to fruition.
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 for radical, positive transformation as it is today.
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 are hurting humanity, with COVID-19 a ‘clear warning shot.’
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 