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The Conversation
The Conversation
Environment
Patrick Bond, Distinguished Professor, University of Johannesburg

South Africa’s new environment minister must focus on people, not profits from fossil fuels – climate ecologist

The Soweto Electricity Crisis Committee and PanAfrican Climate Justice Alliance protest against coal and for renewable energy in Johannesburg on 20 March 2024. Courtesy Patrick Bond, Author provided

There are huge profits to be made in exploiting South Africa’s natural resources, but these come at a cost to society and the environment. Pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and depletion of natural wealth have a disproportionate impact on the country’s Black and low-income communities and workforce.

South Africa needs an environment minister who will stand up for people who are threatened by pollution and the depletion of non-renewable resources. That includes future generations.

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