The Green Connection welcomes TotalEnergies' move to abandon 2 oil operations of SA's coast

CAPE TOWN - Eco-justice organisation, The Green Connection, has welcomed TotalEnergies’ announcement to abandon two offshore oil and gas operations along the south and west coast.

Green Connection said that Total’s decision was a significant victory for the socio-economic and environmental rights of coastal communities and the planet.

The organisation's advocacy officer, Lisa Makaula, said that investments in fossil fuels that caused climate change must become a thing of the past as there were sufficient reserves for the transition to sustainable energy.

"We hope that the multi-national gas company will divert its investments to renewable energy projects that will not come at a cost of people's livelihoods and marine ecosystems."

Makaula said that at a time when South Africa recently signed climate commitments, companies should be investing in sustainable energy projects.

TotalEnergies said that after making two gas discoveries at one of the offshore sites, it could not be turned into a commercial development as it appeared too challenging to monetize for the South African market.

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