This 50-year-old SA town causes the worst air pollution in the world
Do you live in or near this South African town?
The South African town of Secunda in Mpumalanga has been named one of the worst polluters in the world.
According to BusinessTech, the town is the planet’s largest single-point source of emissions.
Sasol operations in the area currently generate more carbon dioxide than entire countries.
The cause of these emissions is linked to the town’s history, which is tied to South Africa’s energy needs.
Following the 1973 oil crisis, the country aimed to lower its reliance on imported oil, leading to the construction of a second coal liquefaction plant.
Sasol began developing the town in 1974, and by 1976, Secunda was officially proclaimed, with the first residents moving in that same year.
According to a report by MyBroadband, the town’s name was inspired by the Sasol II facility it was designed to support, marking the second such site after the original Sasolburg.
Today, Secunda has a population of more than 40,000 people.
The Sasol plant itself employs more than 28,000 staff.
In the neighbouring eMbalenhle township, which was established in the 1970s, the population is around 250,000.
The facility plays a vital role in keeping South Africa’s fuel production going, contributing roughly 30% of the country’s liquid fuel.
The process involves turning coal into carbon monoxide and hydrogen through gasification, which is then refined into synthetic fuel.
However, the environmental impact of this process is significant.
Bloomberg reported that Secunda’s reliance on coal makes it the world’s largest single-point emitter of carbon dioxide.
In 2023, Sasol’s emissions reached 64,000 kilotons of CO2.
Global data from Carbon Majors placed Sasol at number 56 on a list of 57 companies responsible for 80% of the world’s CO2 emissions between 2016 and 2022.
Bloomberg further highlighted that the town’s operations alone produced more emissions than those of more than 100 countries worldwide, including Norway, which is a major oil producer.
Tune in to the 'Breakfast with Martin Bester', weekdays from 06:00 – 09:00. Stream the show live here or download our mobile app here.
Listen to Jacaranda FM:
- 94.2
- Jacaranda FM App
- http://jacarandafm.com
- DStv 858/ OpenView 602
Follow us on social media:
Image: African Energy