Fossil Fuel Subsidies: A Threat to South Africa's Climate Goals

Fossil Fuel Subsidies: A Threat to South Africa's Climate Goals

Fossil fuel subsidies in South Africa tripled from R39 billion to R118 billion between 2018 and 2023, costing the environment and local communities.

Fossil fuel subsidies in South Africa tripled from R39 billion to R118 billion between 2018 and 2023, costing the environment and local communities.

Subsidies can occur for reasons like making fuel more affordable for low-income households, promoting economic competitiveness or attracting industry.

Subsidies can occur for reasons like making fuel more affordable for low-income households, promoting economic competitiveness or attracting industry.

However, the use of fossil fuels has damaged local communities and the environment, threatening South Africa's climate goals.

However, the use of fossil fuels has damaged local communities and the environment, threatening South Africa's climate goals.

The G20 nations collectively spent over US$1 trillion on fossil fuel subsidies in 2023, despite a 2009 commitment to scale back these subsidies.

The G20 nations collectively spent over US$1 trillion on fossil fuel subsidies in 2023, despite a 2009 commitment to scale back these subsidies.

Fossil fuel subsidies amount to US$11 million every minute, a staggering amount that highlights the need for change.

Fossil fuel subsidies amount to US$11 million every minute, a staggering amount that highlights the need for change.

The world's 20 largest fossil fuel companies have contributed to 35% of global emissions since 1965, yet many have avoided financial accountability for environmental damage.

The world's 20 largest fossil fuel companies have contributed to 35% of global emissions since 1965, yet many have avoided financial accountability for environmental damage.

South Africa's reliance on coal, particularly by Eskom, contributes to over 99.8% of its greenhouse gas emissions, making it a significant contributor to climate change.

South Africa's reliance on coal, particularly by Eskom, contributes to over 99.8% of its greenhouse gas emissions, making it a significant contributor to climate change.

The country struggles to secure sufficient investment in clean energy projects, hindering its progress towards renewable energy goals.

The country struggles to secure sufficient investment in clean energy projects, hindering its progress towards renewable energy goals.

Ending fossil fuel subsidies would help level the playing field for renewables, allowing South Africa to address its energy security challenges.

Ending fossil fuel subsidies would help level the playing field for renewables, allowing South Africa to address its energy security challenges.

South Africa's G20 presidency offers a unique opportunity to push for global reform and advocate for a cleaner energy future, with a focus on economic justice and energy security.

South Africa's G20 presidency offers a unique opportunity to push for global reform and advocate for a cleaner energy future, with a focus on economic justice and energy security.