Black mambas (Dendroaspis polylepis) are Africa’s longest, most famous venomous snakes. Despite their fearsome reputation, these misunderstood snakes are vital players in their ecosystems. They keep rodent populations in check and, in turn, help to protect crops and limit disease spread. The species ranges widely across sub-Saharan Africa, from Senegal to Somalia and south into…
An Australian judge on Monday sentenced Erin Patterson to life in prison for killing three people with toxic mushrooms, following a weekslong trial that gripped the country. Patterson was convicted in July of triple murder for serving a poisonous meal to her estranged husband’s parents, aunt and uncle during a sumptuous beef Wellington lunch at…
The Zambian government has dismissed claims of dangerous pollution in the Copperbelt mining region, following safety concerns raised by the US embassy. On Wednesday, the US embassy issued a health alert, ordering the immediate withdrawal of its personnel in Kitwe town and nearby areas due to concerns of “widespread contamination of water and soil” linked…
CIVICUS speaks with Matthew Renshaw, a partner at a UK law firm that represents Nigerian communities taking legal action against Shell over environmental damage caused by its operations in the Niger Delta. Two Nigerian communities, Bille and Ogale, are suing Shell in the UK over decades of oil spills in the Niger Delta that have…
[16th July 2025] – Facebook is the platform where most climate activists report having experienced abuse worldwide, a first ever survey today suggests. Global Witness commissioned the first global survey of land and environmental defenders and climate activists about their online experiences. More than 200 land and environmental defenders across six continents took part, shedding…
