NOOR KAPDI: While protecting the environment is important, fracking has enormous job-creation potential
The need for job creation through new power sources is at odds with environmental activism in opposition to the oil and gas sector
When it comes to boosting South Africa’s economy — which is in the doldrums and expected to grow by only about 1% this year, according to various analysts — we need to consider the benefits of other energy sources in creating jobs and reducing energy costs, while ensuring projects are environmentally sound.
Socioeconomic issues need to be balanced with the search for new energy sources, especially oil and gas. South Africa’s joblessness rate is hovering at about a third of all those of employable age. Inflation — with energy being a large driver of higher prices — is at 5.3%, and load-shedding, based on recent media reports, has been halted only thanks to Eskom burning through large amounts of diesel, though both the state-run utility and power regulators have denied this...
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