Climate change case in court

Earthlife Africa is asking the court to revoke the environmental impact assessment for the proposed privately run Thabametsi power station.

The coal-powered station is to be run by independent power producers who will sell electricity to Eskom. A favourable environmental assessment is necessary before the station can operate.

NGO Earthlife contends that the minister of environmental affairs gave the coal-fired station the green light without taking into account its effects on the climate.

Earthlife Africa's court papers say: "The Thabametsi power station is likely to contribute significant carbon dioxide emissions."

The NGO argues that the emissions would contribute to climate change, in contravention of section 24 of the constitution.