5.3% More Emissions in Mauritius, Time to Step Up

Official environmental statistics for 2023 were released on Wednesday, July 31, revealing significant findings that call for increased accountability not only from government authorities and private operators but also from every citizen.

One alarming statistic is the 5.3% rise in greenhouse gas emissions from 2022 to 2023. Gross emissions increased from 5,642 to 5,940 thousand tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.

In terms of net emissions—after accounting for absorption by forests and land use practices—there was an increase from 5,308 to 5,644 thousand tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.

The energy sector was the largest contributor, accounting for 78.8% of total emissions, followed by the waste sector at 10.2%.

Additionally, the amount of solid waste sent to the Mare-Chicose landfill saw a significant increase of 9.5%, climbing to 541,141 tons compared to 494,073 tons in 2022.

On a more positive note, the number of complaints processed by the Division of Pollution Prevention and Control at the Ministry of Environment, Waste Management, and Climate Change has decreased by 42.4%, falling from 757 in 2022 to 436 in 2023.

The primary reasons for these complaints included noise pollution (17%), vacant lot issues (15%), and air pollution (10%).

These statistics are highlighting urgent environmental challenges that necessitate a collective response from all members of society to foster a more sustainable future.

Source: l’Express