New Global Alliance Promises to Advance Wild Animal Care Across South Africa

International animal welfare organisation Wild Welfare has joined forces with the South African Animal Keepers Association (SAAKA) to bring world-class support and expertise to wildlife caregivers throughout the region. 

An inaugural Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has officially been signed to drive up standards of wild animal care and education at progressive zoos, aquariums, and sanctuaries across South Africa.

By increasing access to high quality educational materials and professional development, the two organisations aim to up-skill frontline animal care professionals and managers in key areas of animal care and welfare. 

By applying such learning, keepers have the opportunity to significantly help reduce captive-related stress, or better provide for an animal's need to promote their naturalistic behaviors for example.

 Ultimately, these improvements move the needle from mere survival to truly good welfare, allowing animals to thrive in a safe, stimulating environment.

SAAKA was established in 2024 to create a formal network for animal care professionals in South Africa, providing a voice for those who understand the intricate needs of the animals in their care. This partnership with Wild Welfare, a global leader in animal welfare training, will bring important expertise and resources directly to the South African animal keeper community.

“Authentic long-term relationships lie at the foundation of our work,” Dave Morgan, Field Director for Wild Welfare told That's Green.

 “This MoU is grounded in long-term, authentic relationships and a practical commitment to supporting staff on the ground, so that animals under human care are managed to thrive rather than simply persist.”

The formalised partnership hopes to increase the availability of advanced welfare training and learning opportunities for animal caregivers within SAKKA’s membership while establishing a platform for sharing resources, husbandry techniques, and progressive welfare research.

Robynn Ingle-Moller, Vice-President of SAAKA, highlighted the significance of the union, stating, “Keepers are the first responders in animal welfare.

"By banding together and partnering with an organisation like Wild Welfare, we are ensuring that the future of animal care in South Africa is grounded in compassion, science, and professional excellence.”

The MoU marks the beginning of a five-year journey dedicated to raising the bar for captive animal welfare and ensuring a brighter future for the thousands of wild animals housed across South Africa's managed facilities.

https://saaka.org.za

https://wildwelfare.org

Clean energy needs a clean planet: PLAN-B NET ZERO and everwave launch joint initiative

PLAN-B NET ZERO announces a strong start to 2026 as it enters into a partnership with the Aachen-based environmental scale-up, everwave. 

With the guiding principle ‘1 euro = 1 kilogram of waste’, the partners recovered 10,000 kilograms of waste from rivers in Cambodia at the start of the initiative.

Around 11 million tonnes of plastic waste enter the oceans every year. 

Without effective countermeasures, this volume could almost triple by 2040. Studies show that about 80 percent of marine plastic reaches the sea via roughly 1,656 rivers worldwide. To date, everwave has removed in excess of a staggering 2.4 million kilograms of plastic from rivers in Cambodia, Albania, and Thailand. 

The company uses specially-designed  waste collection boats, barriers, and manual cleanups to stop plastic before it reaches the oceans. 

At the same time, mobile sorting and recycling solutions return materials efficiently to the circular economy. AI support optimises collection routes to clean as many waterways as possible in a sustainable way.

The partnership began in Cambodia, where the initiative’s waste collection boats operate in rivers and canals around cities.

 With this action, PLAN-B NET ZERO and everwave advance their shared vision of a clean and sustainable future.

“Together with everwave, we have already removed 10,000 kilograms of waste from rivers in Cambodia. We want to use our good energy in the best possible way, because clean energy alone does not help without a clean planet,” Julia Schnitger, Head of Marketing at PLAN-B NET ZERO, proudly told That's Green.

everwave carries out cleanups directly on site and works closely with local authorities and partners. This structure anchors the measures long term in the regions and creates measurable impact.

PLAN-B NET ZERO transforms 100% sustainable energy from a commodity into a lifestyle product. 

Their platform expands energy supply with digital and service-based offerings, as well as software and licensing. 

Data-driven optimisation, user-focused features, and additional services beyond pure energy supply create a new, integrated user experience.

You can learn more by visiting

www.planbnetzero.com 

and 

https://everwave.de/en

Clean Planet Group Announces Strategic Investment by FTAI Infrastructure to Support Waste-Plastic Advanced Recycling Expansion, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Infrastructure Deployment

Clean Planet Group has received a strategic investment from FTAI Infrastructure (NASDAQ: FIP), managed by Fortress Investment Group. 

This marks the next phase of a partnership focused on scaling advanced waste-plastics recycling and sustainable fuels infrastructure across Europe and North America.

The expanded investment builds on the previous collaboration between FTAI Infrastructure and Clean Planet Group in the US and reflects a growing ambition to advance Clean Planet’s technology, project pipeline and international market opportunity.

The strengthened partnership broadens FTAI Infrastructure’s support beyond individual US project development to the wider Clean Planet platform.

Clean Planet operates across three integrated divisions: Energy, which develops, builds and operates advanced recycling facilities; Technologies, which focuses on proprietary refining processes and low-carbon fuels innovations; and the Clean Planet Foundation, the not-for-profit arm supporting education, engagement and impact. Together, their platform addresses two structurally linked global challenges: unmanaged plastic waste and the decarbonisation of hard-to-abate sectors.

Clean Planet Technologies’ progress in plastics-to-SAF aligns closely with FTAI Infrastructure’s long-standing commitment to sustainability and energy-transition assets and reflects the growing importance of SAF as a scalable, near-term solution for reducing aviation emissions. Last month, Clean Planet Technologies received grant support through the UK Government’s Department for Transport’s SAF Clearing House.

Dr Andrew Odjo, CTO and Co-Founder of Clean Planet Group, told That's Green: “FTAI Infrastructure has been a committed and highly aligned partner, and this next phase of investment enables our ambition to scale internationally. 

"Beyond our established advanced recycling business, we are building a technology-led platform that can supply lower-carbon fuels to sectors that urgently need them, which makes this a particularly exciting moment for the Clean Planet.”

The extended partnership will support the continued rollout of Clean Planet’s ecoPlant facilities, which produce circular feedstocks for downstream petrochemical manufacturers, further development of its clean fuels technology portfolio, and progression towards commercial-scale SAF production.

https://www.cleanplanet.com

Energy-hungry AI and air conditioning risk wiping out climate gains made by renewables

The rapid expansion of renewable energy is being used to meet rising electricity demands rather than displacing fossil fuels, according to new research by the University of Sussex.

Energy-hungry artificial intelligence data centres and greater use of air conditioning in a fast-heating world are among several factors threatening to undermine the climate gains made by renewables, according to the paper published in Nature Reviews Clean Technology.

Researchers from Sussex and Vienna’s Central European University found record growth in solar power in the first three quarters of 2025.

For the first time this rise in clean electricity outpaced global growth in electricity demand, yet the researchers warn this fragile balance is now starting to tip back the other way.

Since the 2015 Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global temperature rises, global wind and solar power generation has grown rapidly, yet emissions from the power sector have continued to rise as electricity demand has grown even faster. Analysis of global energy demand in 2025 found artificial-intelligence data centres as a major driver, alongside increased use of air conditioning as people struggle to cope with hotter temperatures.

Electrification of transport and consumer trends such as bigger cars were also highlighted as culprits. The report found these pressures are eroding efficiency gains made by individual countries. Projections to 2030 warn that increases in electricity use could consume most new renewable supply unless proactive measures are taken to limit demand.

“Renewables are scaling at record speed, but demand growth from data centres, cooling and transport is running just as fast,” Professor Felix Creutzig, Bennett Institute Chair at the University of Sussex told That's Green.

“We need policies that curb unnecessary energy use and shape demand so that clean electricity can have the intended effect of cutting emissions from fossil fuels.”

The report cites evidence from the European Union and major cities showing that demand reduction isn’t necessarily a matter of human hardship, and can coincide with economic growth and wellbeing for citizens through efficiency measures and urban planning that reduces dependence on cars. The authors conclude that aligning renewables with demand-side strategies is now central to meaningful decarbonisation.

The University of Sussex’s Bennett Institute for Innovation and Policy is hosting its annual Research Symposium on 19 February. Under the theme Zero Hour for Energy Policy: Researching the Race to Net Zero delegates will explore pressing issues that underpin the acceleration of climate change policies. Attendance is free, but registration is required.

https://share-eu1.hsforms.com/1asGMfMGKT22hUTPQ2Q7njQ2b9hne

Tourists Urged to Boycott Exotic Animal Cafés as Welfare Charity Launches Public Pledge

Global animal welfare charity, Wild Welfare, has today launched a ‘call-to-action campaign’ urging for an end to the exploitation of wildlife within the exotic animal cafés across Asia. 

The ‘Just Say No’ pledge invites the public to look beyond the ‘cute’ aesthetics of these increasingly popular tourist spots, and to recognise the harsh and cruel realities lived by the animals kept within them.

The rise of animal cafés, particularly across Japan, has become increasingly visited experiences by tourists, likely driven, in part by their frequent social media exposure. 

Guests are promised close-up encounters with exotic species such as owls, otters, capybaras and even fennec foxes, however, behind their “cute cafe” image, lies a stark reality of highly compromised animal welfare. 

Wild Welfare, working alongside a network of Japanese animal welfare NGOs’ and experts, is sounding the alarm on the distress these commercial environments are causing animals along with their risk to visitor health and safety.

“People visit these cafés because they ‘love’ animals, but the tragic irony is that their decision to visit fuels a cycle of suffering,” Georgina Groves, a Senior Animal Welfare Advisor at Wild Welfare, told That's Green.

“Our research and technical paper, carried out through the support of the charity ‘Animal Welfare Japan’, demonstrates that these crowded, noisy environments are fundamentally incapable of meeting the complex needs of wild animals. From over handling, to the inability of species to perform any natural behaviours; thousands of animals in these cafes are existing in a state of chronic stress.”

The ‘Just Say No’ pledge is part of a broader strategy which has seen Wild Welfare working with partners to advocate for the end of exotic animal entertainment cafes. The organisation provides technical expertise to assist the transition of the international tourism industry toward more ethical, welfare-friendly practices.

By taking the pledge, supporters are making a tangible commitment to the welfare of captive wild animals and helping to shift the global demand away from the over commercialisation of wildlife.

Take a few seconds to stand up for animal welfare and add your name to the online pledge today at https://wildwelfare.org/animal-cafe-pledge

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H2? Oh! Daimler Buses teams up with FEV to launch the first hydrogen-powered Setra demonstrator vehicle

FEV has teamed up with Daimler Buses to create the first coach with a hydrogen fuel cell drive system. 

The starting point for the “H₂ Coach” technology demonstrator, intended for testing purposes, was a conventional Setra coach. 

This marks an important step toward locally emission-free long-distance travel: short refueling times, ranges of at least 800 kilometers per tank filling, and quiet operation underscore its practicality.

Daimler Buses and FEV jointly undertook the complete system transformation from diesel drive to fuel cell electric vehicle. After creating the overall vehicle concept, FEV took over the mechanical and E/E integration. 

One distinguishing feature is that the individual components deployed – including fuel cells, high-voltage components (such as batteries and electric motors), H₂ tank assemblies, control units including software – originate from different technology platforms from Daimler Buses and Daimler Truck. FEV integrated the systems into a functional powertrain in the overall vehicle.

An important factor in the development process was safety. Measures were developed for various crash load cases as well as for functional, high-voltage, and hydrogen safety.

“The 'H₂ Coach' impressively demonstrates how complex subsystems can be integrated into a testable, safe complete vehicle when vehicle, powertrain, and E/E expertise come from a single source,” Klaus Wolff, Vice President Project Management at FEV told That's Green.

“With our one-stop-shop approach, we quickly and efficiently delivered the desired customized solution to our customer – from concept to approval.”

After successful approval by German technical inspection authority TÜV and passing electromagnetic compatibility tests, FEV handed over the vehicle to Daimler Buses in the summer of 2025 after approximately two years of joint project work.

https://www.fev.com

Heal Rewilding secures significant Garfield Weston Foundation grant to accelerate nature recovery and community wellbeing

Courtesy Heal Rewilding

Heal Rewilding has been awarded a significant grant from the Garfield Weston Foundation, providing vital support for the charity’s work to help nature recovery, climate action and wellbeing. 

The funding will enable Heal to expand its impact across England, supporting the recovery of degraded landscapes while strengthening connections between people, wildlife and place.

Heal is taking direct action to tackle the climate and ecological crises by helping ecosystems to recover and wildlife populations to thrive. 

Alongside ecological gains, the funding will also support Heal’s work with local communities, helping to improve people’s health and wellbeing through meaningful access to nature. 

Central to the charity’s approach is enabling people to connect with the natural world – to learn, heal, share and inspire action locally, nationally and beyond.

The Garfield Weston Foundation is a family founded grant-maker supporting charities operating in a wide variety of sectors across the UK that make a positive difference within their communities.

Established by W. Garfield Weston in 1958 through an endowment of shares in the family business – now known as Associated British Foods plc – the Foundation continues to be guided by the Weston Family. The Trustees, each of whom are direct descendants of the founder, play an active, informed role in its work.

This successful model has ensured that our charitable donations have grown as the businesses have grown, enabling the Foundation to award grants totalling nearly £1.7 billion since its establishment. The most recent financial year 2024-2025 saw the Foundation give away almost £130 million to 2,967 charities.

The grant marks an important step in Heal Rewilding’s continued growth as the charity works towards its ambition of establishing more rewilding sites across England. Each Heal site is designed to provide a permanent haven for nature while also delivering tangible benefits for local communities, including job creation and inward investment. Heal’s second site will be in the north of England.

Commenting on the award, Sarah Winchester, Director of Heal Rewilding told That's Green: “This generous support from the Garfield Weston Foundation will enable us to build lasting momentum for nature recovery. 

"We've already witnessed remarkable and heartening successes at our pilot site, Heal Somerset, both in terms of biodiversity and community engagement and this funding will help us to advance our mission further. We are incredibly grateful for the confidence and belief that the Foundation shows in Heal.”

https://www.healrewilding.org.uk

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Government in Court Over Animal Welfare Concerns

Image courtesy ALF

The Animal Law Foundation will be facing the Government in Court next week challenging the removal of welfare protections for chickens.

The Animal Law Foundation will be in the Royal Courts of Justice challenging the government over amending an EU derived welfare protection prohibiting the handling of chickens by their legs, a practice which causes immense suffering. This represented the first dilution of welfare standards since Brexit.

Under the European Transport Regulation 1/2005, which until recently applied in the UK, it was strictly forbidden to lift chickens by their legs during transport and related operations:

“It shall be prohibited to… lift or drag the animals by head, ears, horns, legs, tail or fleece, or handle them in such a way as to cause them unnecessary pain or suffering.”

Handling chickens by the legs causes significant pain and distress, and injuries like fractures and dislocations. When chickens are inverted they can suffocate, as their internal organs begin to crush their lungs, which are not protected by a diaphragm. It is standard practice on UK farms due to commercial reasons to maximise efficiency and profit when collecting chickens for slaughter.

However, despite the law and the harm towards chickens, the Government permitted this practice in its Code of Practice for the Welfare of Laying Hens and Pullets and the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Meat Chickens and Meat Breeding Chickens.

The Animal Law Foundation challenged the unlawful codes; however, in response to the case, rather than enforce the law or update the codes, the government changed the law instead to remove the legal protection. It did this via a Statutory Instrument, which came into force on 22 July 2025.

In its legal challenge, The Animal Law Foundation will argue that the consultation exercise, which paved the way for the change in law, was unfair.

The High Court agrees that The Animal Law Foundation has an arguable case.

Morgane Alting von Geusau, Advocacy and Communications Coordinator, The Animal Law Foundation told That's Green: “Consultations must be fair. Whilst a public authority can have a ‘preferred’ outcome, it must not have a predetermined outcome or have a closed mind. Here the government had made it clear beforehand that its plan was to change the law to allow for the handling of chickens by the legs.

The outcome of this hearing will affect the lives of billions of chickens in the UK and determine the difference between treating animals with compassion or treating them merely as commodities to maximise profit. ”

The Animal Law Foundation is represented by Philip Rule KC.

Chicken handling was exposed in an investigation by Animal Justice Project, with catchers seemingly grabbing as many as five distressed chickens in each hand.

https://animallawfoundation.org

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Love Stinks — But It Saves Wildlife – Valentines Poo at Shaldon Wildlife Trust

This Valentine’s Day, Shaldon Wildlife Trust is inviting lovers, friends, and the slightly mischievous to show their affection in a truly unforgettable way by purchasing a personalised animal-themed “Poo Photo” that not only makes people laugh but also gives back to wildlife conservation.

Following the success of last year’s initiative, which saw around 15 supporters buy framed images of a loved or hated one’s name depicted in the excrement of one of the Trust’s animals, the Trust is bringing back and expanding the idea for 2026.

“Flowers and chocolates are lovely,” said Zak Showell, Director of Shaldon Wildlife Trust. “But for those who want to give something fun, memorable and impactful why not let nature do the talking? Our Valentine’s Poo Sale not only brings a smile, it helps fund vital conservation work here and around the world.”

How it works:

Supporters can pay £5 for a keeper to select an animal’s “offering” to feature with a personalised message.

Pay £10 and you pick the species, so if you have someone who loves meerkats or lemurs, you can pick them a personalised Valentine’s gift.

Each image will be shared across the Trust’s social media channels on February 14th

Proceeds will directly support Shaldon Wildlife Trust’s conservation efforts, supporting 8 projects globally as well as the endangered species at the zoo.

This initiative celebrates the Trust’s mission to protect wildlife and raise awareness of conservation — showing that even the oddest gifts can make a big difference for endangered species.

https://www.shaldonwildlifetrust.org.uk

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