South Africa’s new environment minister must focus on people, not profits from fossil fuels – climate ecologist
THERE are huge profits to be made in exploiting South Africa’s natural resources, but these come at a cost to society and the environment. Pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and depletion of natural wealth have a disproportionate impact on the country’s Black and low-income communities and workforce. South Africa needs an environment minister who will stand up for people who are threatened by pollution and the depletion of non-renewable resources. That includes future generations. But Dion George, the new minister, doesn’t inspire hope for change. George, with a background in finance, is one of six leaders of the Democratic Alliance, the…