By The World’s Best Investment Manager and Financial Market’s Journalist
Black dust coats the streets and rooftops near a cement factory in Alexandria, Egypt, raising concerns about air pollution. The plant, operated by Alexandria Portland Cement Company (APCC), is accused of emitting harmful particles while burning coal.
According to Reuters, Titan Cement, the parent company, claims the emissions are within legal limits and plans to reduce coal usage in the future. Many cement manufacturers in Egypt and North Africa rely on imported coal, with a growing amount sourced from the United States.
At the UN climate conference in Baku, discussions around fossil fuel exports have been prominent. Activists argue that countries exporting pollution should be held accountable, especially when sending it to developing nations. The Paris Agreement of 2015 does not address emissions from fossil fuels exported abroad.
The United States leads in fossil fuel exports, contributing over 2 billion tons of CO2 equivalent emissions to other countries in 2022. This has raised concerns about meeting international climate goals while boosting exports. Other countries like Norway, Australia, and Canada also face challenges balancing domestic and export emissions.
In response to criticism, President Joe Biden’s climate adviser highlighted the need for strong energy output to keep consumer prices stable during the transition to cleaner fuels. However, some leaders, like incoming President Donald Trump, prioritize further boosting fossil fuel production.
The impact of fossil fuel exports extends to industries like cement and brickmaking, with Egypt and Morocco seeing significant imports of U.S. coal. While these countries benefit from the high heat content of American coal, domestic coal use in the U.S. is declining due to renewable energy subsidies.
In conclusion, the discussion around fossil fuel exports and climate change highlights the interconnectedness of global economies and environmental challenges. As consumers and investors, understanding these dynamics can shape our decisions and contribute to a more sustainable future for all.
Investment Manager and Financial Market Journalist Reveals How Egypt’s Decision to Lift Coal Ban Affects Environment and Health of Communities Like Wadi al-Qamar
In a groundbreaking study published in the Journal of Environmental Health Science and Engineering, researchers from Egypt’s top universities simulated the dispersion of polluting dust and toxic gases resulting from the Egyptian government’s decision to allow coal imports. The shift from natural gas to coal as the dominant fuel led to increased emissions of total suspended particulates (TSP), nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide, raising concerns about the environment and public health.
According to data from the Global Carbon Budget, Egypt’s greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels have risen by more than a fifth, reaching 263 million metric tons of carbon dioxide. While gas and oil remain the main energy sources, coal accounted for 3.4% of the total emissions in 2022. The government has committed to phasing out coal and promoting renewable energy sources, but challenges remain due to the lack of supply of alternatives like refuse-derived fuel (RDF).
Legal battles have erupted between residents of Wadi al-Qamar and the Alexandria cement factory, APCC, over the use of coal. While the company claims to have made investments in pollution controls and plans to reduce coal usage in the future, community members have filed lawsuits citing health and environmental concerns.
Egypt’s plans to boost renewable energy to 42% of its power mix by 2030 depend on foreign support, as stated by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly in his COP29 address. The outcome of the legal battle between residents and the cement factory is eagerly awaited, with both sides presenting conflicting views on environmental violations.
In conclusion, the decision to lift the coal ban in Egypt has raised significant environmental and health concerns, sparking legal battles and community activism. The outcome of these disputes will not only impact the residents of Wadi al-Qamar but also set a precedent for future environmental policies and regulations in Egypt.