Pravin Gordhan's tax increase on high-income earners was a response to a growing budget deficit, declining revenue sources, and a limited pool of tax revenues. Finding the right balance of taxes for the budget 2017/18 proved to be a difficult task, according to Gordhan. South Africa has a deficit of R28 billion, which is the amount by which its expenditure plans exceed its revenues. The minister must find a way to close the gap in the next two years. Tax increases are the most reliable and obvious source of revenue for the government. Taxes had to be raised. The minister's tax tools...

Recycling is not free, as the dramatic closure this week of SKM, a major recycling company has shown. In Australia, residents pay a council rate for recycling and garbage services. The fee is determined by the cost of collection, sorting, and processing, as well as the likely return from the sale of the final product. Since 2017, however, the price of mixed plastics on the open markets has dropped by about A$325 a tonne down to A$100 a tonne. The value of mixed glass dropped to zero, meaning that generators could be paying to have it removed. Read more: Indonesia has sent Australia's recycling home...

The United States is the nation that spends the most on health care. Many people are unaware that much of this money is wasted. Research has shown that every year, between US$760 and $935 billion are wasted due to overtreatment, ineffective coordination, and other failures. This amounts to about one-quarter of the total U.S. healthcare spending. This includes medical supplies and equipment. According to one study, on average, almost $1,000 worth of unused supplies is wasted during each neurosurgery operation. The pandemic, with hospitals under financial stress due to COVID-19 and medical waste at even higher levels, could finally cause a needed reset in the way healthcare...

The Environmental Protection Agency will manage the Clean Power Plan and will reduce greenhouse gas emissions from US power plants by 32% compared to 2005 levels by 2030. has praised the policy as a vital step in reducing US emissions of greenhouse gases, which are around a third from electricity production. This policy sends an important signal to other countries ahead of the United Nations climate talks that will take place in Paris, France in December. Costs and Benefits John Quiggin Professor, School of Economics at the University of Queensland Obama's plan to combat climate change is notable for its calculation, which...

Energy upgrades to Australia's building can contribute to a quarter of Australia's 2030 emission reduction target. Improved building design, improved heating and cooling systems, and lighting, as well as other equipment and appliances, could help us achieve more than half our National Energy Productivity Target. Our research has shown that delays lead to missed opportunities and wasted energy costs of billions. Josh Frydenberg is the new federal environment and Energy Minister. He has an opportunity to show what his combined role can do. The COAG Energy Council is holding its first meeting in Canberra today with Australia's Energy Ministers. The National Energy Productivity Plan will be on the...

It seems that being more efficient is better for the environment because we are not wasting resources. In many cases, this has led to a decrease in resilience - the ability to cope with change and crises. Nature is far more efficient than humans. It uses resources inefficiently. Many plant seeds are spread to get some to germinate. Humans can make better decisions by bringing insight and foresight into the decision-making process. We can also be proactive. Nature is reactive but adapts to changing environments. How do natural systems develop resilience? And how can humans also harness this ability? The natural tendency...

In sub-Saharan Africa, more than 55% are estimated to reside in areas classified as slums or informal settlements. Slums and informal settlements in urban areas are the most visible manifestations of social and economic inequality. These slums and informal settlements are the physical manifestations of urban inequality, both socially and economically. The impact of climate change on extreme weather is also greater for people living in these areas. Pollution levels are high because of poor waste collection. Slums can have a negative impact on ecosystems. They can degrade the environment and reduce natural resources like timber. Slums are a manifestation of the...

There are more vehicles in the world, and therefore there are more tires. Each year, hundreds of millions are discarded. The disposal of tires is a global issue. Stockpiling used tires can pose serious risks, including uncontrollable Fires. Illegal dumping is another problem, as it leads to pollution and encourages pests and insect growth. Burning tyres releases harmful compounds. The main focus has been on recycling tires, but this is not enough for the huge amount of waste tires that are generated every year. Retreading is an alternative, but it has major limitations. There are more eco-friendly recycling options being explored. The composition of tires makes it...

Today, plastic is a favorite of societies all over the world. Like some love stories, the end of this one is not happy. Plastic bags, straws, and takeout containers litter the world's environment. Researchers who study plastic pollution and its effects on wildlife would like to see a world where, by 2030, we don't hear about plastics in the stomachs of dead animals or the littering of beaches on distant islands. Plastic is not allowed on the beach. Shutterstock There is good news to share about the environment. Stories about how cities, countries, and children can have safer beaches and...