Even with South Africa poverty levels not budging to decline it is shocking to see that South Africa has a high-carbon emission. Per capita carbon emissions in South Africa are now higher than in many European countries. It is unlikely that the majority of South African will ever own a plasma tv. South Africa exceeds France carbon emission and falls shortly behind Japan's carbon emission. The majority of South Africa's carbon emission is coming from the industrial community infact 60% of carbon comes form coal. South Africa is now interested in looking into setting up a new coal plant. Experts argue that these emissions have been increasing the temperature around the world. Green house gasses are caused by carbon dioxide but it can occur naturally as well. Even if the emissions of carbon dioxide would ceased to be burned the climate change would still have negative effects for decades. Renewable sources are a great alternative. For South Africa they are looking into solar power. Du Plooy thinks that the climate change should be an economic opportunity and not a burden. There is scientific evidence that glaciers are melting and other areas of the world are affected by climate change as well such as Darfur.
This is an interesting article in which I would have never have guessed that South Africa would have carbon emissions higher than more well off countries. I am shocked that South Africa has such high amounts of carbon dioxide produced per capita. However, it may be expensive to look into greener options. By having companies run off of coal instead of renewable sources is not economical for South Africa at this point. I also found that it was interesting to know that even when carbon emissions are ceased to be burned the earth will still be suffering the effects of global warming for decades later. This was interesting and if the general public knew this fact as well we all could cut back on green house gases as well.
References
Copans, Guy. "SA's Carbon Emission a Cause for Concern." SA's Carbon Emissions a Cause for Concern. Engineering News. 25 Jan. 2008. Web. 15 Apr 2010
Garman, Joss. "South Africa Is Becoming a High-carbon Zone to Attract Foreign Investment." South Africa Is Becoming a High-carbon Zone to Attract Foreign Investment. 1 Apr. 2010. Web. 15 Apr. 2010
Web site articles
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/cif-green/2010/apr/01/south-africa-medupi-climate-polution the image above is also taken from this site.
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