Holocene closed its first venture fund, marking the final close of what it describes as Southern Africa’s first dedicated high-growth climate tech fund. Holocene Ventures Fund I backs early-stage founders building climate-focused companies across the region. The firm targets startups that need capital and operational support to reach scale in areas such as circular economy,…
Bonn — Africa contributes the least to global greenhouse gas emissions, yet it faces some of the world’s most severe climate-related health impacts. Several realities define the continent’s climate and health landscape – increased infectious diseases, air pollution, death, disruption and pressure on health systems through heatwaves, floods, droughts and storms. Changing temperatures and, more…
The United Nations climate chief called on Monday for countries to step up action to implement existing commitments, warning that fossil fuel dependency is deepening economic instability and exposing vulnerable communities to worsening climate impacts. Simon Stiell addressed the opening of the UN June Climate Meetings in Bonn, Germany – an important step ahead of…
INFOGRAPHIC/EMG. By PATRICK MAYOYO More than 80 leading scientists, researchers, and other stakeholders from around the globe have gathered in Rome this week for a pivotal international meeting aimed at advancing understanding of climate change impacts, adaptation strategies, and solutions for agriculture and food systems. The four-day meeting, taking place from 2 to 5 June…
Nairobi — The Greater Horn of Africa Climate Outlook Forum (GHACOF) has forecast a high likelihood of below-normal rainfall across much of the northern Greater Horn of Africa during the critical June-September 2026 rainy season, raising concerns over potential impacts on food security, water availability, and livelihoods in the region. The outlook released by the…
The African Risk Capacity Agency (ARC), a specialized agency of the African Union, and TrustAfrica today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a strategic partnership for advancing gender-responsive disaster risk management (DRM), climate action, and social inclusion across Africa. The collaboration aims to strengthen the resilience of vulnerable communities, particularly…
A landmark General Assembly resolution adopted on Wednesday is “a powerful affirmation” of international law, climate justice and science, according to UN chief António Guterres. The Secretary-General said it makes clear Member States’ responsibility to protect their own people from what is an “escalating climate crisis”. The resolution drawn up by Vanuatu – a Pacific…
As South Africa prepares to participate in the 2026 Copenhagen Climate Ministerial Summit, government says it will reaffirm its commitment to multilateralism as a key driver of implementation-based cooperation to tackle global environmental and climate challenges. This is the message that Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp, will deliver to about 40…
Hantaviruses are not new. They have circulated for decades in rodent populations, particularly in rats and mice. Humans can become infected if they are bitten or scratched by a rodent or by inhaling aerosolised particles. These are tiny bits of rodent urine, faeces or saliva floating through the air that are contaminated by the virus….
Soaring housing costs, climate shocks and conflicts are leaving millions without adequate shelter – but what can be done? As the 13th UN World Urban Forum opens on Sunday in Baku, Azerbaijan, participants will grapple with solutions to a deepening global housing crisis. The conference, organized by UN-Habitat together with Azerbaijan, will bring together world…
