South Africa, which is often identified as Africa’s worst polluter, saw a 1.5% increase in carbon emissions last year, says a study published this month. Africa’s most advanced economy contributes about 33% of the continent’s steadily rising air pollution from fossil fuel combustion, oxidation, and cement production. South Africa tops Africa’s big carbon emitters, with 471.6 billion metric tons of carbon (MtC) emitted in 2019, up from 464.4 billion MtC. Due to the global pandemic and subsequent lockdowns around the world, global emissions declined by 7% in early 2020, say the researchers. Pollution from Egypt declined last year to 241.2 million MtC from 248.4 million MtC in 2018.

Source: The North Africa Journal December 15, 2020 12:56 UTC