Cement production and greenhouse gas emission : implications for mitigating climate change

摘要

In this research, the greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies of a cement producingudcompany, Pretoria Portland Cement (PPC) in South Africa are examined. The implications ofudthe various greenhouse gas emission reduction strategies for climate change mitigation areudalso analysed. Climate change has become an issue of global prominence and is possibly theudgreatest environmental challenge facing the world today. The study shows that PPC hasudgreenhouse gas emission reduction strategies and this has positive implications for climateudchange mitigation. These strategies include the Secondary Materials Co-ProcessingudProgramme, retrofitting of some of its old plants to reduce air pollution etc. The results of theudstudy also indicate that the company has taken a proactive approach to greenhouse gasudemissions.udGreenhouse gas emission reduction presents certain challenges and the company has identifiedudthe use of huge financial resources and lack of clear guidance and regulations with regards toudgreenhouse gas emissions as some of the major challenges. However, the relevant governmentuddepartment, the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (DEAT), which is the leadudagency for climate change response in South Africa has stated that a number of projectsudtargeted at achieving sustainable development and climate change mitigation (directly orudindirectly) have been developed and some implemented by the various governmentuddepartments which include the Department of Minerals and Energy (DME). However, theudDEAT also stated that there are numerous barriers to climate change mitigation. These challenges include lack of skilled personnel, financial constraints and pressing social andudeconomic challenges which are prioritised over environmental issues and lack of co-operationudbetween industry and government with regards to environmental protection. The DEAT statedudthat efforts are being made to intensify co-operation between government and industry withudregards to climate change mitigation and the achievement of sustainable development.