News & Analysis
Generating electricity from fossil fuels has a hidden cost: South Africa’s already scarce supply of fresh water.
Investing in energy storage can quickly address load shedding and lay the foundations for a cleaner, more secure power system, said the IISD.
Energy storage such as grid batteries and pumped hydro can address the electricity crisis and ease load-shedding, according to the new study.
A survey of South Africa’s renewable energy pipeline shows 66 GW of wind and solar projects are at various stages of development.
Agriculture
A new climate change impact synthesis report highlights the effects of climate change on South Africa and its impact on people’s lives.
If it were not for the ingenuity of South African farmers who make alternative green energy plans, the entire agricultural sector would be under much more pressure.
The IMF is sounding the alarm as climate change threatens to worsen food insecurity in sub-Saharan Africa.
Industry
Delaying coal plant decommissioning is projected to lead to 15,300 excess air pollution-related deaths and cost R345 billion, finds CREA analysis.
Authorities confirm methane gas caused last month’s explosion in Johannesburg city, which killed one person and injured several others.
Strategy documents from one of the world’s largest fossil gas lobby reveal the industry’s campaigns to lock in fossil gas and stall progression to net zero worldwide. Analysis of the documents, published by the think tank InfluenceMap, shows the International Gas Union (IGU) has sought to redefine the role of gas in the face of growing […]
New analysis reveals how industry lobbying is successfully obstructing progress to net zero and the associated socio-economic benefits.
Finance
A new report warns of trillions in oil and gas revenues at risk by 2040, with demand set to fall globally in favour of cheaper renewables.
Accelerating renewables in line with the 1.5°C pathway would safeguard global GDP, inflation and jobs in the event of an oil and gas price shock.
Banking group FirstRand, which houses FNB and RMB, has joined Nedbank in withdrawing its support for coal-fired power projects.
In the lead up to COP26, regulators are likely to raise the pressure on pension funds to join the fight against climate change, Amundi Asset Management says in a new report.
Policy
South Africa’s heavy coal dependence is driving a climate and health crisis — tackling both together will reap huge benefits for people and the economy.
“The era of global boiling has arrived”, said UN chief António Guterres, and leaders must take drastic and immediate action to limit climate catastrophe.
The law to allow an Integrated Energy Plan (IEP) will come into operation in April 2024, raising questions on the further 12 months of delay.
Halving emissions this decade is crucial, yet relying on coal and gas will add fuel to the fire of climate change.
Litigation
Where governments and corporates are failing to take adequate climate action, a new report details the growing trends in litigation against them.
The Pretoria High Court has granted leave to appeal the Deadly Air judgement regarding toxic air pollution in the Highveld Priority Area.
Science
Experts say climate change is the biggest threat to health in the 21st century. In South Africa, data shows many lives are already being lost to non-optimal temperatures.
World-renowned climatologist, Francois Engelbrecht, continues to call for urgent measures to mitigate global warming impacts on southern Africa.
Amid the spiralling impacts of climate change, South Africa has declared a national state of disaster as the country suffers more deadly floods.
Just Transition
Early planning, local economic diversification and participatory planning to empower communities are critical for a Just Transition, says the PCC.
The IEA says that clean energy investment in emerging and developing economies must grow to USD $2.8 trillion annually by the early 2030s.
The EU is firmly on its clean energy transition, with renewables and green technologies at the front and centre of new economic partnerships.
Spain is investing in South Africa’s green transition to develop renewable energy, electric vehicles and water projects.