Alternative Fuels in South Africa

Back in 1994, South Africa was nowhere where it is today when it came to dealing with coal, carbon and alternative fuels. Clearly, new measures were needed to coordinate the various communities and businesses which dealt with fossil and alternative fuels. Fossil fuels were started to run low as use of them increased. Action was needed to cover all aspects of fuels, from discovery to extraction and eventual use. The environment also needed to be considered.

Fossil fuels are needed for electricity, heating homes, running our cars and many other activities in South Africa (and the entire world). There was plenty of fuel to go around -  until advances in technology caused people to rely less on animals and human labor and more on technology. Because fossil fuels are non-renewable, concerns rose about how to avoid running out of the limited supplies. A crisis needed to be avoided.

The answer? Alternative fuels, ones which could keep being produced with no danger of depleting supplies. However, it would take a coordinated effort from organizations to make sure that supplies of fossil fuels lasted while alternative sources of energy were being developed. One such organization which stepped in to help was the The Fossil Fuel Foundation of Africa.

What is the advantage of alternative fuels? Unlike fossil fuels, they can be sources of clean and renewable energy. When it comes to burning fossil fuels, North America leads the way, followed to China, Russia and Japan. Although South Africa doesn't produce nearly as much carbon dioxide, it is still responsible for nearly 50% of the continent's carbon dioxide emissions. South Africa's dependence on coal was reflected in emissions that have grown 6.5 times since 1950. Most of that, the vast majority, was due to burning coal products, followed by lesser amounts of oil and natural gas.

Luckily, South African people and company owners have become much more aware of eco-friendly and green issues. The issues include greenhouse gas and global warming. As a result, South Africa invests strongly in alternative fuels, ones that are renewable. Some crops, including maize, have produced bio-diesel and bio-ethanol fuels. Farmers are being encouraged to grown maize instead of other crops. Doing so could result in jobs connected to cultivating, harvesting and processing maize. The Fossil Fuel Foundation of Africa has been a great aid in helping to spread information about how to expedite this process.

Of course, alternative fuel production doesn't get up to to speed overnight. In the meantime, organizations such as the Fossil Fuel Foundation of Africa helps inform the public about how to save energy. Suggestions include using florescent light bulbs instead of traditional ones, wearing warmer clothes instead of turning up the heat, using public transportation instead of driving, walking or taking the stairs instead of using elevators, etc.

The three Rs of saving energy? Reduce, reuse and recycle. This not only helps protect the environment but keeps people from buying items that are disposable (but wasteful) when other options exist. Instead of using paper bags, for instance, cloth ones can be reused time and again. With efforts to both promote alternative energy while educating the public about what can be done now, The Fossil Fuel Foundation of Africa is making a huge difference. It encourages clean coal technologies and renewable energy options. They promote safe extracting of alternative fuel sources, including coal, carbon and other fossil fuels. In addition to promotion of efficient and beneficial ways to use fossil fuels, the foundation encourages practices which protect the environment and helps educate and coordinate these efforts.

For more information please go to Fossil Fuel.