What is Cancel Coal Case?

Moving Away from Coal: South Africa’s ‘Cancel Coal’ Case

Historic Judgement:

• On December 4, 2024, the High Court in Pretoria ruled against the South African government’s plan to add more coal-fired power stations to the national grid.
• South Africa’s High Court declared the government’s plan to add 1,500 MW of coal-fired power as unlawful and invalid.

Reason for Judgement: Failure to consider the impact on children’s constitutional rights, particularly their right to a healthy environment.

Context:

• Coal and Climate Change:
  • South Africa is the 7th largest coal producer globally, with 80% of its electricity from coal.
  • The country has the most carbon-intensive economy in the G20.
  • Coal-fired power is a significant contributor to climate change and air/water pollution.
  • Annual health impacts include over 2,200 deaths and thousands of cases of bronchitis and asthma.

✅Theme: IR

Topic: Region in News 📰

Question: The "Cancel Coal" case, a landmark climate case, is related to which country?

A) 🇮🇳 India
B) 🇿🇦 South Africa
C) 🇦🇺 Australia
D) 🇧🇷 Brazil

🔖this to revisit later + like, repost & follow#UPSC #upscprelims2025 #BPSC pic.twitter.com/goTqaYVg71

— Insightsful PYQs (@InsightfulPYQs) December 30, 2024

References: The Hindu, Euro News