Coal Imports: Experts Accuse Europeans Union Of Double Standards

In the first five months of this year, European countries imported more than 3.24 million tons of coal from South Africa, up over 40 percent from the total of 2021. South Africa has the largest coal resources in Africa.

Most of the thermal coal mined in South Africa is used for domestic electricity consumption, and only a small part is exported overseas, as the country relies on coal to generate electricity.

Developed European countries have long been able to consume more environmentally friendly energy sources such as natural gas because of their economic advantages.

Less developed African countries are relying more on local sources, as generating electricity with coal costs is lower.

However, in dealing with climate change and reducing carbon emissions, rich European countries, regardless of the practical problems of developing or less developed countries, frequently put pressure on African countries and imposed high “carbon tariffs” on African export products, hindering the economic development of African countries.