Flattening the climate change curve with coronavirus-type vigour is way to go

10th April 2020 By: Martin Creamer - Creamer Media Editor

Flattening the climate change curve with coronavirus-type vigour is way to go

It is right that health and safety have risen to the top of world agendas. The harsh impact of the coronavirus has correctly focused minds towards acting fast ahead of climate change impacting our grandchildren.

“If we don’t take climate change issues very, very seriously, and see it as being part of our responsibility to respond in very effectful and impactful ways, God help us,” Exxaro CEO Mxolisi Mgojo stated at the company’s latest presentation of 2019 results.

This from a coal-mining company is hugely praiseworthy. Following on from the coronavirus, one hopes that China’s 14th five-year plan will set national goals to tackle climate change. The overarching plan for economic and social development in the world’s largest emitter is to be finalised in early 2021.

The push for more coal power is at odds with global climate goals. Countries should flatten the climate change curve with the same vigour that they are flattening the coronavirus curve.