How can we reduce inequality and carbon emissions at the same time?
For a fair move towards renewable energy, the livelihoods of workers and communities dependent on coal must be addressed
In his response to the debate on his state of the nation address (Sona), President Cyril Ramaphosa said: “If we are a country that prioritises the interests of the poor and the vulnerable, then we need to act with greater urgency to respond to the effects of climate change and make our contribution to preventing it.” Our national development plan identifies poverty and inequality as “apex” priorities. So how can we reduce inequality and greenhouse gas emissions? How do we respond to the crises facing our country and the planet? In the past, we have followed a path of energy development that has been built around coal, driven by the interests of the minerals-energy complex that still dominates our country. The use of coal for almost all of our electricity and 30% of our liquid fuel is what has brought us a society with high unemployment. Not only is work on the mines incredibly hard, but jobs for relatively unskilled workers in coal mining and power plants have been declining. Unempl...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.