Big interventions needed to offset World Cup carbon emissions
Feasibilty study for a carbon neutral 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa - With an estimated carbon footprint of 2 753 250 t of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e), the FIFA 2010 World Cup, in South Africa, would have the largest carbon footprint of any major international sporting event, and would need major interventions to achieve the ambition of leaving a positive environmental legacy.

The massive footprint was largely owing to the significant distance that many international spectators would need to travel to get to South Africa. Because of its location, almost all international visitors would need to fly to the country. [Engineering News]

Institute slams ANC Hitachi criticism - The Institute of Directors on Friday questioned "unsubstantiated widespread criticism" of Eskom and the decision to award a tender to a company in which the ANC holds a 25% share.

"The decision made by the Eskom board - a board appointed not by the ANC but by government as main shareholder in Eskom - should be respected as being a product of due process and having been made in the best interests of Eskom, not the ANC or anyone else," a statement from the institute's chief executive, Lindie Engelbrecht read. [Engineering News]

Zambia economy to grow 7% in '10, 8% in '11 - Zambia's economy is likely to grow by 7% this year and 8% in 2011 due to a resurgence in copper exports and booming construction and manufacturing, central bank governor Caleb Fundanga said on Thursday.

"I am always an optimist; I think it's always good to set your sights very high," Fundanga told Reuters in an interview. [Engineering News]