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UN Special Rapporteur: Toxic Pollution in SA Fueled by Corporate Greed and Government Inaction

Summary

UN Special Rapporteur Marcos Orellana's recent report condemns the severe environmental pollution in South Africa, attributing it to corporate greed and governmental negligence. Orellana's investigation, which focused on issues like air pollution, mining, hazardous waste management, and the just energy transition, highlights the disproportionate impact on marginalized communities, exacerbated by outdated laws and poor enforcement. The report criticizes South Africa's failure to enforce environmental regulations, granting major polluters like Eskom and Sasol postponements on emissions standards. Orellana recommends stronger enforcement of environmental laws, the prohibition of emissions standard exemptions, and greater investment in environmental justice to protect vulnerable populations.

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