South Africa is host of the United Nations Climate Change Conference or COP17 . South Africa is the world 's fourth largest coal exporter , selling some $ 10 billion - worth in 2007 . At the last U.N. climate change conference , COP16 in Copenhagen , President Jacob Zuma committed to reducing 34 % of South Africa 's carbon emissions by 2020 and some progress is being made . Is one of the worst polluters on the planet ; SA under pressure to reduce its use . It says it has begun to use more sustainable energy .
South Africa is host of the United Nations Climate Change Conference or COP17 . South Africa is the world 's fourth largest coal exporter , selling some $ 10 billion - worth in 2007 . Is one of the worst polluters on the planet ; SA under pressure to reduce its use . It says it has begun to use more sustainable energy .