sasol co2 emissions
This South African company ranks in the top 60 for CO2 emissions globally. Image: File

Home » Global CO2 emissions: SA entity ranks in top 60

Global CO2 emissions: SA entity ranks in top 60

A new report reveals that a prominent South African energy company ranks in the top 60 for CO2 emissions globally. Here’s more …

By Ray Leathern
22-04-24 10:52
in Environment
sasol co2 emissions
This South African company ranks in the top 60 for CO2 emissions globally. Image: File

When it comes to CO2 emissions globally, a major South African energy producer ranks in the top 60, according to a new report. Called the Carbon Majors’ Database, the top 60 producers of CO2 emissions globally account for more than 80% of the harmful gas in the atmosphere, reports GroundUp.

Following record rains and flooding from extreme cut-off lows in South Africa in 2024, who can argue against the escalation of climate change in Mzansi. More specifically, SASOL ranks 56th on the new list of highest CO2 emissions globally. The non-for-profit organisation looks at historic output from 122 of the world’s largest oil, gas, coal, and cement producers.

CO2 EMISSIONS GLOBALLY

CO2 emissions globally
*Graphic: Carbon Majors’ Database

Looking at the top five of the full list, which you can download HERE, here’s how the top emitters stack up. Interestingly, all belong to the BRICS+ group of nations:

  • Chinese state-owned coal companies (they are grouped as one entity in the report).
  • Saudi Arabian Aramco.
  • Russian Gazprom.
  • Coal India.
  • National Iranian Oil Company.

Worryingly, the report explains that despite the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change, most fossil fuel companies have increased their emissions in the last seven years. SASOL’s output increased from 2022 by 64 000 kilotons of CO2. However, despite this increase, the South African company has in fact improved its position compared to two years ago, when it was ranked 47th.

STILL COMMITTED TO CO2 REDUCTION

CO2 emissions globally
SASOL is one of South Africa’s most valuable companies. Image: File

SASOL says this increase in total emissions was due to process inefficiencies and external power interruptions (presumably from ESKOM’s load-shedding). Nevertheless, SASOL maintains it is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 and reach Net Zero emissions by 2050, in line with the Paris Agreement.

Activist organisations like JustShare have raised concerns that the South African energy producer will not be able to meet its commitments in time. It says it has made no discernible progress on its targets over the last two decades. Moreover, areas where SASOL operates rank as some of the dirtiest air in the world, which can escalate various respiratory and heart illnesses.

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