Scientists in South Africa will analyze 8.5 million death certificates to determine the health consequences of the country’s reliance on coal for electricity.
- This review is the first in Africa to use actual data, rather than modeling, to understand the effects of air pollution from coal-fired power plants.
- The study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of mortality, including all causes, respiratory diseases, and cardiovascular conditions.
- South Africa has the most carbon-intensive economy among nations with populations exceeding four million due to its dependence on coal.
- Previous studies estimated annual deaths from pollution caused by Eskom (power utility) to be over 2,000, while Eskom’s own research puts the toll at 330.
- The survey, funded by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, will examine deaths from 1997 to 2021.
- The study will investigate the correlation between pollutant emissions and health outcomes, such as respiratory illnesses and compromised immune systems.