Meghan Hodges
South Africa's air pollution problem is a well-known issue, with the country being the 12th largest greenhouse gas polluter in the world. The country's air pollution problem is largely a product of its longstanding dependence on coal, which provides nearly 90% of the country's electricity. Close ties between the ruling elite and the coal industry have helped perpetuate South Africa's reliance on coal, with the Highveld region being the site of the majority of extraction and burning. In recent years, environmental groups and residents have sued the South African government for its failure to clean up the choking air pollution, which is causing significant health repercussions, including the second-leading cause of mortality across the African continent.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of first pollution case | 2007 |
| Cause of pollution | Coal-fired power plants, vehicle fumes, industrial activities |
| Government action | Introduced carbon tax, declared Highveld Priority Area (HPA) |
| Health impact | 25,800 premature deaths in 2019, 3,365 deaths of children under five in 2021 |
| Environmental impact | South Africa is the 12th largest greenhouse gas polluter in the world |
| Social impact | Residents of polluted areas are suing the government to force a clean-up |
| Economic impact | Johannesburg could save $640 million by implementing clean air measures |
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What You'll Learn
South Africa's dependence on coal
Economic Significance of Coal in South Africa
South Africa's economy has historically benefited from coal as a vital source of economic value, employment, and energy. In 2013, the coal mining industry contributed approximately R51 billion to South Africa's economy, surpassing the contributions from gold. Coal mining employed around 91,605 individuals in 2012, making it the third-largest employer in the mining industry. It is also South Africa's third-largest source of foreign exchange. In 2004, the coal and lignite mining industry generated a gross income of R39 billion and directly employed 50,000 people.
Energy Security and Coal Dependence
South Africa relies heavily on coal to meet its energy needs, with approximately 77% of its energy derived directly from coal. The country is the fifth-largest exporter of coal worldwide, and 92% of the coal consumed on the African continent is produced in South Africa. The use of coal in South Africa can be traced back to the Iron Age, but large-scale exploitation began in the mid-19th century.
Environmental and Health Impact
Transitioning Away from Coal
There are ongoing efforts to transition South Africa away from coal while addressing economic and social considerations. The country secured an $8.5 billion Climate finance package at the COP26 Climate Conference to end its reliance on coal. Additionally, the South African government introduced a carbon tax in 2019 to incentivize carbon-intensive industries to adopt renewable energy technologies. However, the transition must also address job creation and energy security concerns, particularly in coal-dependent communities.
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The impact of air pollution on health
South Africa's history with pollution is a long one, with the country's dependence on coal being a major contributor. In the first half of the 20th century, coal was used to provide low-cost electricity to mining operations. This dependence on coal has continued, with the country now facing severe air pollution challenges.
Air pollution has a significant impact on the health of South Africans, particularly in the country's poorest towns. The fine particles in the air, known as PM2.5, contribute to both health issues and the greenhouse gases that are warming the planet. In 2021, air pollution was the cause of more than 34,000 deaths across all ages in South Africa, with 3,365 of those being children under five. The leading causes of these deaths were linked to ambient particulate matter, the result of vehicle fumes, coal-burning power plants, and industrial activities.
The health effects of air pollution include premature birth, low birth weight, asthma, and lung diseases, which can be especially deadly for newborns and young children. In addition, air pollution has been linked to mental health issues, with prolonged exposure contributing to anxiety and depression. The stress of living in areas with poor air quality can also impact mental health. Furthermore, children exposed to outdoor air pollution may experience health issues that lead to increased absenteeism from school, hindering their educational attainment and future opportunities.
The social and economic impacts of air pollution are also significant. Poorer families are more likely to live close to industrial sites, power stations, and other sources of air pollution due to lower costs. This results in increased healthcare costs and days lost at work or school due to illness, exacerbating existing inequalities.
South Africa's government has recognized the problem of poor air quality for over a decade and has taken some measures to combat it, such as introducing a carbon tax to incentivize companies to adopt renewable energy technologies. However, the country still faces challenges in reducing its dependence on coal and improving air quality.
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The government's response to air pollution
South Africa's air pollution problem is a result of its heavy reliance on coal-fired power generation, which produces pollutants linked to health issues such as asthma, cancer, and lung ailments. In 2019, air pollution was the second-leading cause of mortality across the African continent, with South Africa having the highest number of deaths linked to particulate matter pollution (PM2.5) in Africa. Nearly 100% of the population breathes air that exceeds the World Health Organization's (WHO) guideline levels.
The South African government has implemented several measures to address the country's air quality issues. Here is a detailed look at the government's response to air pollution:
The Carbon Tax Act
The South African government introduced a carbon tax in 2019 to address air pollution. The Carbon Tax Act No. 15 of 2019 imposes an environmental tax or fee on companies that burn carbon-based fuels, including coal, oil, gasoline, and natural gas. The primary objective of this tax is to incentivize major carbon emitters, such as Eskom and Sasol, to transition to renewable energy technologies and reduce their carbon-intensive business models. The act recognizes the interconnected nature of climate change and air quality and emphasizes the "polluter pays principle," where those responsible for harming the environment bear the costs of remediation and prevention.
National Environmental Management: Air Quality Act
The South African government has also amended the National Environmental Management Laws to include the Air Quality Act, which aims to regulate air quality and provide measures for the prevention of pollution and ecological degradation. This act establishes national norms and standards for air quality monitoring, management, and control by all spheres of the government.
Collaboration with Organizations
The South African government has collaborated with various organizations to address air pollution. They have signed a Collaboration Agreement with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (DFFE) to improve air quality management across the country. Additionally, they are working with the Clean Air Fund, which supports initiatives like the UrbanBetter Cityzens for Clean Air Campaign and provides funding for low-cost sensors to inform government action. The government is also engaging with city and national leaders, community groups, and academic institutions to better understand and address the prevalence and impact of air pollution.
Recognition of the Issue
The South African government has recognized the poor air quality in the Highveld Priority Area (HPA) and its impact on citizens' health and well-being. In 2007, the government declared a large portion of the Highveld an air pollution hotspot and a priority area for special air quality management action. This recognition led to further lawsuits and activism demanding the government take more effective measures to improve air quality.
While the South African government has taken some steps to address air pollution, there are ongoing calls for more urgent and effective action. Environmental groups and activists continue to pressure the government to reduce its dependence on coal, phase out coal-fired power plants, and transition to renewable energy sources. The government faces the challenge of balancing economic interests with the need to protect the environment and the health of its citizens.
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The role of environmental groups in demanding action
Environmental groups have played a crucial role in demanding action against pollution in South Africa. The country has been facing severe air pollution, primarily due to its longstanding dependence on coal for energy, which has led to detrimental health impacts, especially on children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
One prominent environmental group, Greenpeace Africa, has been at the forefront of advocating for cleaner air. Greenpeace activists have engaged in creative protests, such as scaling iconic statues in Johannesburg and Pretoria and fitting them with emergency gas masks to symbolise the urgent need for action. They have also urged individuals accountable for air pollution, especially coal power plants, to transition to renewable energy sources. Greenpeace Africa's efforts extend beyond protests, as they actively work towards phasing out fossil fuels and raising awareness about the interconnectedness of climate change and air pollution.
Another notable environmental group, groundWork, is a non-profit, environmental justice NGO working in Southern Africa. groundWork focuses on empowering communities affected by industrial pollution to defend their environmental rights. They emphasise assisting vulnerable and previously disadvantaged groups who bear the brunt of environmental injustices. In 2024, groundWork, along with the Vukani Environmental Movement, filed a lawsuit against the South African government for failing to address air pollution, arguing that it violates residents' constitutional right to a healthy environment. This case marks a significant step in holding the government accountable and could have international implications for recognising the right to breathe clean air.
The Centre for Environmental Rights (CER) is another key player in South Africa's environmental movement. CER is a group of activist lawyers who defend communities' rights to a healthy environment, free from the harmful effects of fossil fuels. They employ strategies such as litigation, advocacy, and activist support to advance environmental and climate justice. CER has conducted social impact assessments and actively engages in initiatives like World Environment Day to address the urgent environmental challenges faced by communities.
Additionally, UNICEF South Africa has been instrumental in advocating for climate and environmental action. They work to empower children and youth to become champions for climate change through climate education and participation in initiatives like "Enviro Champs" and "Recycling Champs." UNICEF urges the South African government and global governments to submit ambitious Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to limit temperature rise and protect vulnerable communities from the impacts of heatwaves, storms, and flooding.
The collective efforts of these environmental groups have been instrumental in demanding action against pollution in South Africa, raising awareness, empowering communities, and pushing for policy changes to protect the health and well-being of South Africans.
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The economic costs of pollution
South Africa's pollution problem can be traced back to the country's longstanding dependence on coal, which has resulted in harmful emissions from power plants and industrial complexes. This has led to severe air pollution, with South Africa being the largest emitter of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and a leader in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. While the economic costs of pollution in South Africa are yet to be fully understood, there are several ways in which pollution incurs economic costs.
Healthcare Costs
Pollution has direct economic impacts on healthcare systems. Air pollution, for instance, has been linked to various health issues, including respiratory problems such as asthma, and has been identified as the second-leading cause of mortality in Africa. In South Africa, air pollution was responsible for an estimated 3,365 deaths of children under five years of age in 2021, and it is estimated that 7.4% of all deaths in 2012 were due to chronic exposure to fine particulate matter. The economic burden of healthcare costs associated with air pollution is significant, and these costs are often borne by individuals and families, particularly in vulnerable communities with limited access to healthcare resources.
Loss of Productivity
Pollution also leads to economic costs through reduced productivity. Air pollution, for example, can cause people to miss work or school due to illness, which results in a loss of productivity for businesses and educational institutions. This loss of productivity can have a significant economic impact, exacerbating existing inequalities and leading to economic disparities.
Environmental Remediation
The costs of remedying pollution and environmental degradation can be substantial. In South Africa, the government has introduced a carbon tax to incentivize a shift towards renewable energy sources and to hold accountable those responsible for environmental harm. While the effectiveness of this carbon tax in reducing pollution remains to be seen, the revenue generated from this tax can be used to fund environmental remediation projects and promote the development of green technologies.
Social Inequality
Pollution often disproportionately affects marginalized and low-income communities, exacerbating social inequality. In South Africa, poorer families are more likely to live near industrial sites and power stations, exposing them to higher levels of pollution. This inequality in exposure to pollution contributes to a cycle of disadvantage, as these communities may also have limited access to healthcare and resources to mitigate the impacts of pollution.
Agriculture and Food Security
Pollution can also impact economic activities such as agriculture and fisheries, threatening food security. For example, pollution from coal mines and power plants can contaminate water sources, affecting both the ecosystem and the livelihoods of farmers who depend on these water resources.
While the economic costs of pollution in South Africa are complex and multifaceted, it is clear that addressing pollution is not only crucial for protecting the health and well-being of its citizens but also for promoting economic growth and social equity.
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Frequently asked questions
The main cause of pollution in South Africa is the country's longstanding dependence on coal, which provides nearly 90% of the country's electricity.
The effects of pollution in South Africa are severe, with air pollution being the second-leading cause of mortality across the continent. In 2021, more than 3,365 children under five years died due to air pollution-related causes.
Environmental groups and activists have been putting pressure on the South African government to take action on air pollution, and the government has introduced a carbon tax to incentivize companies to adopt renewable energy technologies.
The sources of pollution in South Africa include power plants, industrial complexes, and mines. The country also has a high number of vehicles on the roads, which contribute to air pollution through vehicle fumes.
South Africa is the largest emitter of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and also leads in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions on the continent. Nearly 100% of the population breathes air that exceeds the World Health Organization's (WHO) guideline levels.
