00:01South Africa could face a major health crisis if it delays phasing out coal power, according to a new report
00:07by environmental groups.
00:09Coal currently generates around 80% of the country's electricity and supports more than 90,000 jobs, making the transition
00:18away from it highly contentious.
00:20But the report warns that extending the lifespan of 14 coal-fired power plants, with two now expected to run
00:28until 2050, could have deadly consequences.
00:32Researchers estimate up to 32,000 preventable deaths between 2026 and 2050 due to air pollution.
00:42Gauteng province, despite having no coal plants, is projected to suffer the most with around 15,000 deaths linked to
00:50pollution drifting from nearby industrial regions.
00:56Economically, the delay could cost South Africa an estimated R721 billion, about US$38 billion, due to health care strain
01:06and lost productivity.
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