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South Africa Coal Delay Could Cause 32,000 Deaths, Report Says
The report says the delay could cost the economy 721 billion rand and lead to 32,000 preventable deaths by 2050.
- On Wednesday, climate groups including Greenpeace released a report warning South Africa's extended coal operations could cause up to "32,000 preventable deaths" between 2026 and 2050.
- The government approved extending operating dates for 14 coal plants last year, citing their role as an economic cornerstone employing more than 90,000 people and providing 80 percent of South Africa's power.
- Researchers estimate the delay will cost the economy 721 billion rand , with Gauteng province projected to bear the largest burden, accounting for 15,000 of the forecast deaths.
- "Coal's true cost is being hidden in hospitals and in early graves," Greenpeace campaigner Cynthia Moyo said, dismissing government arguments that the delay is necessary for economic reasons.
- The United States withdrew its $8.5 billion Just Energy Transition Partnership deal with South Africa last year, marking a significant pullback from global climate commitments during coal transition.
16 Articles
16 Articles
SHOCKER | South Africa's coal delay could cause 32 000 deaths
South Africa risks thousands of premature deaths if the phase-out of coal plants is delayed due to the government’s updated decommissioning dates, climate rights groups claimed in a report on Wednesday. Coal provides 80 percent of South Africa’s power, according to the OECD, and the country ranks among the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitters. It is also a cornerstone of the country’s economy, employing more than 90 000 people, making decommi…
Divisive issue: South Africa coal delay could cause 32,000 deaths, report says
Report exposes deadly cost of delaying coal phase-out in South Africa - EnviroNews - latest environment news, climate change, renewable energy
A new report released on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, by Greenpeace Africa, the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), and GroundWork reveals that delaying the phase-out of coal-fired power in South Africa will result in devastating health and economic consequences. Titled “Unmasked: The Health and Economic Cost of Delaying Coal Phase-Out in South Africa”, the report finds that keeping these plants open beyond their planned retirement…
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