Generators are causing damage to environment

Carbon emissions released by the generators used during load shedding are causing major damage to the environment. 

South Africa is already the biggest carbon dioxide emitter in Africa, and the diesel and petrol generators are adding to its carbon footprint, said Dr Morne du Plessis, chief executive of the World Wide Fund for Nature South Africa. 

Speaking at The Delta Environmental Centre in Johannesburg yesterday, Du Plessis said power outages meant big industries, as well as households, are using more environmentally harmful fuel generators for energy. 

He said: “South Africa produces 20 percent more carbon emission per unit of GDP (gross domestic product) than America. 

“Secunda (a hub of the petroleum industry) is the biggest single carbon emission site in the world. We can’t continue as we are now.”  

Du Plessis said the country should consider investing in alternative sources of energy, instead of spending billions of rands building new coal power stations that might have a negative impact on the environment. 

Reports said Eskom’s carbon emissions total 208 million tons a year — 25 percent higher than the largest electricity utility in the US.  

Du Plessis also warned that a water shortage could hit South Africa: “There is a high probability that in 2025 we will run out of water.” 

By: Thabo Mkhize Published:
7 February 2008
www.thetimes.co.za