• أولمبياد لندن 2012

South Africa

South Africa is part of a continent that collectively has contributed only around 3% of historical emissions. In contrast, South Africa is now the world’s 13th largest emitter of greenhouse gases and without a change of course, its emissions will quadruple by 2050.

The highly energy-intensive South African economy makes the country one of the highest emitters of greenhouse gasses in Africa but while it produces more than 40% of Africa's fossil fuel-related carbon dioxide emissions, it is currently responsible for only about 1% of the world's total. 

It is, at the same time, very exposed to climate change, directly affecting millions of vulnerable people living on marginal land and threatening the pockets of agricultural production.

Key Facts

• Surface area (square kms): 1,219,090
• Population in 2009: 49,052,489
• Population density in 2007 (per square km): 39
• CO2 emission estimates: 9.2 tonnes/person/year  

Energy production:

• Electricity (kW-hr; 2005): 244,920,000,000
• Coal (metric tons; 2005): 244,500,000  
• Crude petroleum (barrels; 2004): 4,800,000
• Petroleum products (metric tons; 2004): 23,825,000  
• Natural gas (cu m; 2004): 1,978,000,000

Energy consumption:

• Electricity (kW-hr; 2005): 223,257,000,000
• Coal (metric tons 2004): 180,287,000)
• Crude petroleum (barrels; 2004): 206,900,000
• Petroleum products (metric tons; 2004): 19,750,000
• Natural gas (cu m; 2004): 1,978,000,000