Delayed Coal Phase-Out Could Lead to 32,000 Deaths

A report by Greenpeace and the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air warns that delays in South Africa's coal phase-out could result in 32,000 preventable deaths between 2026 and 2050. The South African government approved the extension of operational dates for 14 coal-fired power plants, allowing them to continue operating until 2050.

The report highlights that Gauteng province, which includes Pretoria and Johannesburg, will bear the brunt of this delay, with an estimated 15,000 deaths attributed to elevated sulfur pollution levels. Cynthia Moyo, a climate campaigner with Greenpeace, emphasized the severe health impacts, including 41,000 pre-term births and 17,000 new cases of childhood asthma.

The economic cost of the delay is estimated at 721 billion rand (approximately 38 billion USD), which includes lost workdays and increased pressure on the public healthcare system. The report underscores the hidden costs of coal, as many families face respiratory issues linked to environmental factors.