Archive: Health


News & Analysis

Experts say climate change is the biggest threat to health in the 21st century. In South Africa, many lives are already being lost to extreme weather.

News & Analysis Pollution and emissions from coal plant

Delaying coal plant decommissioning is projected to lead to 15,300 excess air pollution-related deaths and cost R345 billion, finds CREA analysis.

News & Analysis Smog over Cape Town cityscape

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.

News & Analysis Eskom's Kusile coal power station

Eskom’s plan to temporarily bypass sulphur dioxide controls at Kusile coal power plant poses a deadly health risk to local communities.

News & Analysis Air pollution emitting from coal fired power plant

The Pretoria High Court has granted leave to appeal the Deadly Air judgement regarding toxic air pollution in the Highveld Priority Area.

Explainer Selection of fruits at a food market

Spiralling food prices are driving inflation and squeezing household budgets. This is exacerbating poverty, hunger and debt.

Explainer Green landscape with wind turbines in the distance. Sunlight breaking through the clouds.

Climate finance can empower South Africa to build a greener, healthier future where it costs less to keep the lights on.

Explainer An electric vehicle (EV) charging on a street

Lower running and maintenance costs mean EV ownership can prove an excellent investment, particularly as more affordable models become available.

Explainer Photo of parched landscape with sparse vegetation. Gully erosion, the most common form of soil erosion, has formed channels in the land

Soil erosion is a serious environmental problem in South Africa, affecting both land and water resources.

Explainer Aerial view of World's End, Blyde River Canyon

South Africa is experiencing a number of environmental issues, including global warming, pollution and species loss.

Explainer Silhouette of coal mining tower against pink sky

Coal is the world’s dirtiest energy. A just transition from coal mining will profoundly benefit people and the environment.

Explainer

Air pollution is the world’s most critical environmental health risk. South Africa’s use of fossil fuels produces hundreds of millions of tonnes of emissions annually.

Explainer Electricity pylons at sunset

Energy is essential for the functioning of any modern economy. South Africa’s Central Energy Fund (CEF) does the vital job of maintaining that energy supply.

Explainer

Since 2003, the South African government has been funding free electricity for the poorest households. This is because it recognises that poverty is a barrier to electricity access.

Explainer Photograph of a small green plant growing out of a jar of coins

COP26 saw South Africa make a public commitment to greening its economy. But, can non-renewable resources be part of this transition?

Explainer Aerial photo of a herd of cows on grass

Livestock farming contributes to poverty reduction in rural areas. However, industrialised livestock farming is one of the greatest threats to planetary and human health.

Explainer Field of wheat crop in front of mountain

Agriculture is both a victim and culprit of climate change. The sector is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and is acutely vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

Explainer An aerial view of many house in Mpumalanga province

This phase-down of coal will bring significant changes to South Africa. This makes the need for a just transition away from coal fundamental to ensure no one is left behind.

Explainer Dry, cracked soil due to drought

A drought refers to a period of time when an area experiences lower-than-average precipitation. South Africa faces an increasing risk from drought due to climate change.

Explainer Yellow digger mining coal in large open cast coal mine

South Africa is a coal-dependent country. Coal makes up 74 per cent of the country’s total electricity supply. In the first quarter of 2021, 81.8 per cent of South Africa’s electricity came from coal.