Fossil Fuels
latest news & developments
Youth Month: 1976 echoes in 2026 – no to a future without consent
As South Africa marks Youth Month, the government's opaque energy loan agreements, including a deal with Opec, raise concerns about fossil fuel dependency and lack of public…
How the US-Israel-Iran conflict is reshaping South Africa’s coal exports
Middle East tension has pushed up energy prices and boosted demand for South African coal, raising questions about climate commitments and exports
UN climate chief calls for faster action as Bonn climate talks begin
Opening the UN’s mid-year climate talks in Bonn, Simon Stiell urged governments to focus on implementing climate commitments, warning that fossil fuel dependence was driving…
Iran war triggers global shockwaves across energy, food and finance systems, analysts warn
The US-Israel war on Iran is sending shockwaves through global energy, food and financial systems, exposing deep structural vulnerabilities in the world economy, according to the…
South Africa’s major climate threats — from drought to deadly heatwaves
From collapsing maize yields to a possible cyclone hitting Richards Bay, a Wits expert warns that South Africa’s climate future is fast becoming hotter, drier and more dangerous
Mozambique: Gas is not part of Africa’s solution to climate change
The effects of offshore gas projects contribute to a humanitarian crisis, and mainly only the companies and countries of the north benefit from the profits and commodities
Is South Africa ready for a green hydrogen economy?
Water scarcity is the most pressing problem in developing a green hydrogen economy
G20’s youth forum split over wording and accountability structure
For the first time in 14 years, the G20 youth engagement group (Y20) closed its summit last week without issuing a communiqué — the set of recommendations that usually feeds into…
Brics talks green, acts dirty
Countries like Brazil and Ethiopia push for development that is led by renewable energy but other members of the Brics block are protecting their fossil fuel interests
G20 must act to stop greenwashing by fossil fuel companies
Misleading marketing allows companies such as Astron Energy, BP, Engen, Sasol, Shell and TotalEnergies to avoid taking measures to address the climate crisis
A new currency backed by minerals? Africa is gambling on its energy transition
The continent must use energy minerals for its development rather than feeding them to industrialised countries
Confluence of geopolitics, energy and trade can drive change in Africa’s mining industry
The theme of the February 2025 Mining Indaba, Futureproofing Mining Today, underscores the urgency of aligning policy, investment and local development to secure sustainable growth
Free State’s helium gamble: A new energy frontier?
The province is home to the biggest gas and helium project in the country. Will it speed up the shift towards renewable energy sources, or could it potentially hinder progress?…
How Africa can shift to renewable energy without leaving fossil fuel workers behind
A multifaceted training approach involving the state and private sector is required to ensure continued employment
Dismantle green colonialism and stop the greed of corporates and Northern governments
The fight for climate justice must include the people who are most affected, including those in the Arab region