South Africa’s greenhouse gas emissions are projected to stay below its 2030 target of 420 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, according to new analysis of government data.
The country reported net emissions of 435 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent in 2022. More than 80 percent came from the energy sector, which relies heavily on coal.
A R3.8-billion loan from Germany, announced in April as part of the Just Energy Transition Partnership, aims to support the shift to solar and wind power.
Trend calculations based on data from 2000 to 2022 show emissions could reach 470 million tonnes by 2030. Shorter recent periods point to lower figures, all within the national target.
In 2024, South Africa accounted for 1 percent of global emissions, the same share as several other nations including Australia.