Environmentalists against Cape Coast drilling: Oil & gas not the answer for SA's energy demand
Two environmental groups are taking government to court after it recently granted TotalEnergies authorisation for exploratory drilling in the ocean between Cape Town and Cape Agulhas.
- Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE)
- TotalEnergies
- Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE)
Picture: 123rf/jacquelinersa
CAPE TOWN - An environmental group that hauled government before the courts in a bid to stop exploratory drilling off the Cape Coast says oil and gas are not the answer to South Africa's energy demand.
The court action came after the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment recently granted TotalEnergies authorisation for exploratory drilling in the ocean between Cape Town and Cape Agulhas.
Two environmental groups - Natural Justice and the Green Connection - have now approached the Western Cape High Court to stop the drilling.
The Green Connection's community outreach coordinator, Neville van Rooy, said South Africa had other potential sources for renewable energy.
"We do not believe that oil and gas is the answer. Oil and gas exacerbate climate change and these profiteering companies keep pushing for profits instead of a healthy ocean."