The Durban University of Technology is involved with COP17…
The Durban University of Technology is involved with COP17 in a variety of ways. DUT is using the opportunity to showcase a few key areas of the university community and taking advantage of Durban hosting the United Nations conference which started this week. We have listed below, a brief synopsis on some of the projects and initiatives:
Using microalgal strains to produce oil
The focus of COP17 will be to reach consensus on limiting greenhouse gas emissions and limit global temperature increase to within 1.5-2.0 degrees C. Research at the Institute is attempting to directly address these issues focusing on developing appropriate technologies to mitigate greenhouse gasses such as CO2.
According to Professor Faizal Bux, “One of our flagship projects that has progressed to demonstration plant stage involves using a 300 000 L raceway pond and selected microalgal strains which use wastewater as a substrate to produce oil which is converted to biodiesel. The positive implications include tertiary treatment of wastewater which negates any potential negative impact on surface water, production of biodiesel using a waste stream and carbon dioxide sequestration thus reducing greenhouse gasses. This project is in partnership with eThekwini Municipality.”
Eco-friendly Cane Trash Burner
Doctor Herbert Bernhardt and partner Professor David Arnold of the Faculty of Engineering and the Built Environment are currently developing an eco-friendly Cane Trash Burner in support of the global cause to reduce carbon emissions. The machine uses “renewable” trash energy to burn dry leaves off sugarcane. The steam captured during the burning process may serve as an alternate form of generating electricity. This will reduce the reliance on coal for the electricity generation.
Staff and students of the University will be involved on the lighter side of COP17 – assisting with entertainment at various events.
Malcolm Nhleko, Sound lecturer at the Durban University of Technology and alumnus of DUT’s Entertainment Technology programme will be a Sound engineer for Ladysmith Black Mambazo, who will be performing at COP17.
Siphelele Gamede, a 3rd Year Entertainment Technology student will receive valuable exposure and experience working at COP17 as an Audio Visual Technician for Superior Vision.
Muziwandile Mavundla, a 3rd year Entertainment Technology student will be working at COP17 as an Audio Visual Technician for Hire Zone.
“Women greening the nation” play and puppets for the march on 3 December
On 18 November, six second year students from DUT’s Drama Studies Department performed a play “Women greening the nation” under the direction of Pamela Tancsik at Alliance Française.
The students and the lecturer Pamela Tancsik collaborated to create a piece of educational theatre on climate change. The play is written and directed by Pamela Tancsik.
Pamela Tancsik has also been commissioned by Oxfam Australia to build gigantic rod puppets for the COP17 March (from Botanic Gardens to the Beach Front) on 3 December.
Gisele Turner, consultant Wendy Nel and Joe Habib are also part of the project.
The two puppets (Baba Amanzi and Mama Mhlaba) represent Water and Earth and will be an eye catcher at the COP17 march through Durban.
Poetry and Music for Kick Off to COP17
Global faith leaders, celebrities, musicians and youth representatives sent a message urging COP17 to commit to a legally binding climate agreement at an Interfaith Rally taking place at Kings Park Rugby Stadium on 27 November. The central part of the rally was the handing over of signed petitions to world leaders.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu was in attendance as well as Corporate Revolt, a musical group which includes DUT’s Rick Andrew, Jill Andrew and Alan Judd. Chris Mann, Professor of Poetry at Rhodes University is also part of the ensemble.
Corporate Revolt provided the musical background to two poems which were converted and performed lyrically by Chris Mann at the event.
The poem entitled “The Funfair of the Damned” seeks to highlight the dark state of our world and “A Prayer for Planet Earth” is gentler, with attention on beauty and serenity.’
“The Interfaith Rally is about the spiritual component and seeks to spread the message of the dire state of planet earth and how we should come together to make a difference,” said Rick Andrew.
Up-cycling found objects to create art and jewellery
Glen Adendorff is currently studying towards his BTech: Jewellery Design at DUT and operating under the brand name ‘Changeroom’, he is a conceptual artist who utilizes objects he finds within his environment to create new works of art and jewellery.
Objects are up-cycled and appropriated into pieces of jewellery and accessories.
His work was selected for inclusion in the COP17 traders market at the Florida Road lifestyle market, being held on 26-27 November and 3,4,10, 11, 17 and 18 December.
He will be in and around the city attending youth gatherings and COP17 related discussions.
Ecotourism
Twenty DUT Ecotourism students will be working with The Durban Botanical Gardens to take guided tours of the Botanical Gardens for COP17 delegates as part of the COP17 programme. They have been in training for three days; they will be working with the Durban Botanical Gardens from 28 November to 09 December 2011.
Luyanda Zikode, an Ecotourism student has developed a video to be played at the Miss Climate Change Beauty Contest at the Durban City Hall as part of the awareness campaign.
Social media at COP17
Vuyo Lima and Tracey Carroll are Video Technology BTech students involved with COP17. They are working with Nisha Naidoo, an independent producer.
Projects include:
1. Running a social media working group for COP17 using social media to provide information on COP17 for local residents and visitors, developments at COP17, side events and activities information on travel, accommodation, food, entertainment, getting around, safety and health.Website: durbanclimatejustice.co.za
2. Establishing a media hub at the BTech Hub for media activists who need access to facilities and equipment. (Another one is at CCS, UKZN)
3. Matching media students to visiting media activists and workers who will be covering COP17
Capoeira workshops for children
The DUT Capoeira sports group (Capoeira Do Natal) is hosting Capoeira workshops for children. A workshop took place on 26 November and further workshops will take place on 3 and 4 December at the Green Hub Environmental Centre at Blue Lagoon. Children from Briardene Informal settlement who have been attending previous voluntary workshops will also participate.
Climate-Smart Agriculture on a Journey to Durban
DUT HOSTS AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT DAY
Durban University of Technology will host the third annual Agriculture and Rural Development Day 2011, to be held in parallel with the 17th Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCC), the event aims to inspire both high-level commitment and grassroots action.
The event will take place on 3 December at DUT’s Ritson Campus. About 500 policymakers, negotiators, journalists, farmers, civil society and the agriculture and climate change scientific community will be in attendance.
Some of the high profile guests include Tina Joemat-Pettersson, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Caroline Spelman, Member of Parliament, United Kingdom & Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Sheila Sisulu, Deputy Executive Director for Hunger Solutions, World Food Programme (WFP) and Dr. Mary Robinson, the Chair of, The Mary Robinson Foundation – Climate Justice & Former President of Ireland and United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Exhibits and learning events will form part of the programme. The event will seek to help the agricultural industry to reduce poverty, strengthen food security, adjust to climate change, reduce pressure on natural resources, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
