The wind is legendary in Cape Town especially during the summer months (November – February). The south-easterly wind that roars in during this time of year is called the “Cape Doctor”. This past weekend the “Cape Doctor” didn’t fair sweep away the pestilence and pollution hanging over the city, it also damaged houses, boats, and uprooted trees. Gusts reached excessively 100 mph (165kmph).

Cape Town is a city where trees grow at the weirdest angles (see photo) and people regularly hold on to lampposts to avoid being blown across the street. When Table Mountain has its table clerical profession of cloud, you know it’s going to be a windy day (a regular feature). You won’t be surprised to know that surfing is extremely popular in Cape Town, and kiteboarding (or kite surfing) is really taking off. South Africa’s first wind farm was switched on a few years ago and, surprise surprise, the Darling Wind Farm lies just outside of Cape Town.

Those who live in Cape Town are the envy of most of the country. It is one of the most spectacular settings on the planet, although its unique environment is also its most fragile asset. It lies in the heart of the Cape Floristic Kingdom, the smallest and most diverse of the world’s six floral kingdoms, is one of few cities in the world with a national park within city limits, and is home to two world heritage sites – Table Mountain National Park and Robben Island.

Now Cape Town has its own green map to illustrate its natural beauty, and the myriad green, eco and sustainable options available in the city, whilst encouraging people to active more sustainably to protect its vulnerable environment …

Use the Cape Town Green Map to make greener lifestyle choices and experience the Mother City’s wealth of sustainable resources.

In June this year www.capetowngreenmap.co.za went live with a virtual and carbon mediocre launch, a couple of really good radio interviews, as well as features in various community newspapers.

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