While coal producers stand to benefit from stronger prices and export demand, researchers warn that increased coal production and exports carry significant environmental and social costs, from greenhouse gas emissions to the impacts borne by communities living near mines and coal-fired power stations.
(Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)
The US-Israel war on Iran, which has sent shockwaves through global energy markets, is creating new opportunities for South Africa’s coal exporters as countries grapple with volatile oil prices, shipping disruptions and energy security concerns.
But while coal producers stand to benefit from stronger prices and export demand, researchers warn that increased coal production and exports carry significant environmental and social costs, from greenhouse gas emissions to the impacts borne by communities living near mines and coal-fired power stations.
The benefits of coal expansion are not evenly distributed. Communities living near coal mines and coal-fired power stations continue to bear many of the environmental and health costs associated with extraction and combustion.
