As the world teeters between the dying fossil fuel era and an era of climate chaos, South Africa remains in thrall to the “fossil fuels drive development” myth.

As a key African BRICS economy, SA has a big influence on other African countries and remains excessively fossil fuel-dependent. Few South Africans clearly link climate change to the fossil fuel industry or understand the risks climate change poses to our society and their savings. Despite strong climate policies and international commitments, South Africa’s Department of Mineral Resources and Petroleum operates without restraint. Climate policies implemented without broad public support can backfire or be undermined, as we now see in the US or EU.