South Africa, a prominent emitter of greenhouse gases, is exploring alternatives to its coal dependency. A study suggests that the nation could transition its coal-rich Mpumalanga province, responsible for a significant portion of its coal output and power generation, towards citrus and marijuana plantations for hemp production. This region, grappling with a 38% unemployment rate, faces the potential loss of up to 24,000 jobs by 2030 due to the closure of coal mines and power plants. The Presidential Climate Commission's study also proposes the production of aviation fuel from sugarcane and enhancing revenue through tourism as viable options for economic diversification. The transition away from coal presents both challenges and opportunities for addressing socio-economic issues in the face of low growth and high unemployment.
Source: BNN Bloomberg