Before renewables are fully in place, the switch to natural gas is already under way
In SA, a staggering 77% of the country’s primary energy needs are still provided by coal; the switch to cleaner sources is desperately needed
Despite some headline-grabbing figures and improved efficiencies surrounding renewable energy options such as solar, wind and wave power, the majority of the planet still produces its electricity by burning fossil fuels. Some 41% of the world’s electricity needs are still produced using coal, according to the World Coal Association, with China and the US being by far the highest users. However, as detractors of fossil fuels are inclined to highlight, coal emits nearly double the amount of carbon as other fuels. The switch to cleaner sources such as natural gas or liquid petroleum gas is, therefore, desperately needed from an environmental and health point of view. Between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths a year. The need for environmental action is further supported by the fact that, globally, the number of reported weather-related natural disasters has more than tripled since the 1960s. Every year, these disasters result in ...
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