by Shane Henson — December 21, 2011—In its efforts to combat climate change and promote energy efficiency, South Africa has become the first African nation to undertake a comprehensive national phaseout transition from inefficient incandescent lighting. According to government officials, the plan is linked to the en.lighten initiative, a global initiative by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) with the support of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), aimed at assisting countries to combat climate change through the transition to energy-efficient lighting.
The phaseout of inefficient lighting is one of the quickest, easiest and most effective ways to save energy and combat climate change, notes the South African announcement. Electricity for lighting accounts for close to 20 percent of total global electricity production and six percent of worldwide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, according to the International Energy Agency.
South Africa will phase out incandescent lamps following an integrated approach, including the development of collection and recycling systems. It is estimated that the country will be able to electrify over four million homes with the electricity saved from phasing out incandescent lamps.
