A recent study reveals that air pollution from South African coal plants contributes to a 6% rise in mortality rates in surrounding areas. Utilizing real data, the research highlights severe health impacts, particularly on children’s health, and calls for a transition to renewable energy while addressing air quality management.
A study by the South African Medical Research Council revealed that air pollution from coal-fired power plants in South Africa increases the annual death rate by 6% in nearby communities. This significant research is the first in Africa to utilize actual data rather than theoretical modeling to assess the impacts of air pollution on health, examining death certificates, child pneumonia cases, and air quality data provided by the government.
The research focuses on the health implications of South Africa’s 14 large coal power plants, which generate over 80% of the nation’s electricity. Due to the nation’s reliance on coal, South Africa’s economy is the most carbon-intensive among countries with populations exceeding four million, affecting approximately 63 million residents.
The report highlights that cardiovascular diseases pose a major risk in municipalities near coal plants operated by Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd. The council emphasized that children under five are particularly susceptible, experiencing a direct rise in pneumonia cases caused by this pollution.
Earlier studies estimated pollution-related deaths to exceed 2,000 annually, whereas Eskom’s research claimed only 330 fatalities. These deaths result from various pollutants including particulate matter, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide. The study was directed by Caradee Wright, from the Climate Change and Health Research Programme, and was backed by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Additional health issues related to coal combustion include pulmonary disease and tuberculosis, along with a notable 60% increase in birth anomalies such as cleft lips and palates in areas surrounding the plants, based on 14 years of data up to 2020.
The researchers advocate for the closure of coal-fired plants, urging a transition to renewable energy sources, raising awareness of health risks, and enhancing air quality management from the government. Although South Africa is undergoing a shift away from coal, the timeline for plant closures remains contentious, especially in the eastern province of Mpumalanga, where coal mining supports 90,000 jobs.
The study from the South African Medical Research Council highlights the serious health threats posed by coal-fired power plants, including a 6% increase in mortality among nearby residents. It underscores the urgent need for energy transition strategies to reduce reliance on coal and improve public health. The findings call for governmental action and public awareness regarding air quality management, emphasizing the transition to renewable energy sources amidst ongoing debates about coal power’s future in South Africa.
Original Source: financialpost.com
