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COVID-19: Does SA have a plan to wean itself off coal?
As COVID-19 lock-down restrictions were imposed globally, daily global CO₂ emissions in early April 2020 were down 17 per cent compared to the emission levels in the prior year. A number of congested cities around the world are now seeing clearer skies and breathing fresher air. However, the Covid-19 lock-down is only a short-term solution to the social and economic changes that countries need to make to ensure the sustainability and the longevity of climate change actions. Rachael Antwi, Director at Nochua International joins CNBC Africa for more.
Fri, 29 May 2020 11:14:02 GMT
Disclaimer: The following content is generated automatically by a GPT AI and may not be accurate. To verify the details, please watch the video
AI Generated Summary
- South Africa is facing displacement and division in the energy sector, prompting a need for transitioning away from coal to reduce CO₂ emissions and address climate change.
- The financial implications of businesses not transitioning to sustainable practices include the risk of having stranded assets and potential economic challenges in the long run.
- The COVID-19 pandemic has provided an opportunity for South Africa to accelerate its transition towards renewable energy sources and create new economic opportunities in the clean energy sector.
As COVID-19 lock-down restrictions were imposed globally, daily global CO₂ emissions in early April 2020 were down 17 per cent compared to the emission levels in the prior year. A number of congested cities around the world are now seeing clearer skies and breathing fresher air. However, the Covid-19 lock-down is only a short-term solution to the social and economic changes that countries need to make to ensure the sustainability and the longevity of climate change actions. Despite the challenges in transitioning from coal, South Africa is rethinking its approach as the country grapples with the dual crises of the COVID-19 pandemic and the urgent need to address climate change. In a recent interview on CNBC Africa, Rachael Antwi, Director at Nochua International, shed light on South Africa's plan to wean itself off coal and move towards a more sustainable energy future.
Antwi discussed how South Africa is facing displacement, division, and a need for change in the energy sector. She emphasized the importance of transitioning away from coal to reduce CO₂ emissions and tackle climate change. Despite the challenges, Antwi believes that South Africa has the potential to embrace renewable energy and create a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. The country is considering various strategies to transition away from coal, such as investing in renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
One key aspect of the transition is addressing the financial implications. Antwi highlighted the risks associated with businesses that do not transition towards sustainable practices. She stressed that unsustainable businesses are at risk of having stranded assets and may face economic challenges in the long run. Antwi emphasized the importance of planning for the future and making strategic investments in renewable energy to ensure long-term viability and sustainability.
The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for countries to rethink their energy strategies and prioritize sustainability. Antwi pointed out that the pandemic has provided an opportunity for South Africa to accelerate its transition away from coal and embrace cleaner energy sources. By investing in renewable energy and reducing dependence on coal, South Africa can not only reduce its carbon footprint but also create new economic opportunities and jobs in the clean energy sector.
In conclusion, the interview with Rachael Antwi emphasizes the importance of South Africa's plan to transition away from coal towards a more sustainable energy future. As the country grapples with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the imperative to address climate change, transitioning to renewable energy sources is crucial. By investing in clean energy and embracing sustainable practices, South Africa can pave the way for a greener and more environmentally friendly future.
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