Johannesburg, August 2, 2024— Greenpeace Africa celebrates TotalEnergies’ recent decision to cease its gas exploration activities in South Africa’s offshore Blocks. This move marks a significant victory in the fight against fossil fuel extraction and its detrimental impact on the planet.
Sherelee Odayar, Greenpeace Africa’s Oil and Gas Campaigner, said:
“The withdrawal of TotalEnergies underscores the economic and technical challenges of fossil fuel exploration and presents a critical opportunity for South Africa to pivot towards cleaner, renewable energy sources. This decision is a win for the climate and the climate-vulnerable population forced to contend with intensifying extreme weather events.”
This victory aligns with President Ramaphosa’s recent ratification of the Climate Change Act. While the political landscape still supports ongoing oil and gas exploration, such actions starkly contrast South Africa’s commitments to mitigate climate change.
Amos Wemanya, Greenpeace Africa’s Responsive Lead, emphasised the urgency of this transition.
“South Africa has experienced a devastating extreme weather season, including tornadoes, wildfires, and extreme flooding, displacing over 4500 people. These extreme weather events are projected to increase in frequency, severity and intensity. Between 2030 and 2050, climate change is expected to cause approximately 250,000 additional deaths per year from undernutrition, malaria, diarrhoea and heat stress alone; areas with weak health infrastructure. It’s time to make polluters pay for their actions and move away from gas exploration to reduce our Greenhouse gas (GHG) contributions, and protect vulnerable communities from further harm”.
Despite TotalEnergies’ decision to exit these blocks, the company still holds interests in the West Coast of South Africa, specifically in the Deep Water Orange Basin and Block 3B/4B. Greenpeace Africa remains vigilant and committed to challenging these ventures.
“Offshore drilling poses significant threats to marine ecosystems, which can devastate the livelihoods of fishers who depend on these waters,” said Odayar.
“The economic benefits of renewable energy over fossil fuels are clear. Renewable energy projects like solar and wind can create more decent jobs and foster a healthier environment for all South Africans. Sustainable development and using South Africa’s renewable energy sources can change our current realities, including load shedding rapidly,” concluded Wemanya.
For more information, please contact:
Ferdinand Omondi, Communication and Story Manager, Greenpeace Africa
[email protected] / Cell: +254 722 505 233
Greenpeace Africa Press Desk
[email protected]