pollution

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says one in four deaths worldwide are due to environmental factors like air, water and soil pollution, as well as unsafe roads and workplace stress.
 
In a press statement, WHO estimates 12.6 million people died in 2012 as a result of living and working in unhealthy environments, 23 percent of all deaths reported globally.
 
WHO head, Margaret Chan, points out that, "If countries do not take actions to make environments where people live and work healthy, millions will continue to become ill and die too young."

Environmental organisations have called on the World Health Organisation (WHO) to appeal to the government to take action on the contamination of South Africa’s water resources, which they say could lead to environmental disaster and health problems for Witwatersrand residents.

The National Water Forum, the Federation for a Sustainable Environment for the Olifants River and the National Taxpayers Union have, in a letter to Mary Anne Groepe of WHO in the country, describe the growing crisis as a ‘time bomb’.

South Africa can cut its annual greenhouse gas emissions by more than 200-million tonnes by 2050 without sacrificing economic growth if it uses energy more efficiently and increases wind and solar power production, according to Greenpeace.

Greenpeace’s Brad Smith points out that South Africa could find economic opportunity, becoming the continent's hub for green technologies now more commonly found in North America, Asia and Europe.

It is unrealistic for developing countries to commit to carbon emission targets because of their economic status. This is according to Environment Minister, Buyelwa Sonjica.

Sonjica says the government will not sign any deal at the upcoming climate change conference that will compromise the country’s economic development chances.

The Zimbabwe’s National Revival Initiative (ZNRI), a coalition of churches, NGOs and government has taken a bold stand in which the organisation attempts to get rid of the garbage in Harare.

ZNRI project manager, Aaron Mushoriwa, says that the project aims to keep the environment clean while improving the image of Zimbabwe prior the 2010 World in South Africa.

Director in the Ministry of Media, Information and Publicity, Sylvester Maunganidze, argues that the initiative will contribute to the attraction of visitors in Harare.