Environment

To work towards smart cities, there is a need to develop researchers with advanced skills in robotics, artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and satellite technology.

South Africa's well positioned to adopt electric vehicles but this isn't a solution in itself because the vehicles would still depend on electricity generated from carbon-emitting coal power stations.

Statistical models and the knowledge of on-the-ground practitioners are valuable and complementary sources of evidence for biodiversity conservation. Each one alone tells only part of the story.

Global electronic waste expected to double by 2050. Informal e-waste repairs could improve the environment and livelihoods. It is important to develop training programmes developing the future of e-waste communities.

During the COVID-19 pandemic we have witnessed that the air in cities is fresher as industrial activity; road and air travel decline - a net effect of reduced productivity.

Many of the emissions reductions due to the COVID-19 lockdown in South Africa will reverse when we go back to our normal day-to-day activities that make large contributions to air pollution.

Electronic waste is one of the fastest-growing types of waste in some parts of the world. There is an urgent need for greater awareness of the dangerous substances found in the environment.