In December, representatives from over 190 nations will gather in Copenhagen to negotiate and agree on a comprehensive global climate change deal. We hope that meaningful emission reduction targets will be agreed upon in Copenhagen, but indications are that countries are not yet ready to agree to the significant targets required by science. Growing evidence based on actual observations and ongoing research into the greenhouse effect, indicate that the reduction targets currently on the table will almost certainly commit us to failure.

This is a time for all of us to rise to this challenge. What is required is nothing short of a massive transformation of our infrastructure, our habits, our involvement as citizens and our values.

Embodying the spirit of ‘Cut Carbon - Dare to Change’ well-known sustainability expert and editor of Bending the Curve, Robert Zipplies, in partnership with Project 90 by 2030, will be undertaking an epic 3000 km journey on an electric bicycle by cycling from Cape Town to Durban via Johannesburg and Pretoria.

Representatives from various sectors in Joburg gathered at the Johannesburg Innovation and Knowledge Exchange (Jike) offices at the Metropolitan Centre in Braamfontein to share information with the visitors.

The objective of the discussion, according to Sheena Louw, the deputy director of Jike, was for the eThekwini delegation to learn from Joburg's best practices in waste and its removal.

Jike was asked to facilitate the session, held on 26 and 27 August. The delegation was specifically interested in environmental health and education and waste minimisation programmes. Directors that specialise in those fields attended the conference, gave out information and made presentations to give the coastal councillors an understanding of Joburg's best practices in these key areas.

Converting to solar energy means covering a roof in unsightly solar panels. Not necessarily: Philadelphia company SRS Energy has developed the Solé Power Tile, a roof tile designed to sustainably convert sunlight into electricity without compromising aesthetics. The dark blue tiles, manufactured by SRS Energy, are jointly branded and distributed by US Tile and specifically designed to be compatible with the clay roof tiles manufactured by US Tile. Customers who purchase clay tiles will be given the option to upgrade a section of their roof to Solé Power Tiles. When installed, the system can offset a large proportion of a homeowner's energy costs—not to mention cleaning their carbon conscience. The tiles are available in select West Coast markets this autumn, with a nationwide rollout planned for spring 2010.