Impact on South Africa (Grade 11 NSC Matric Economics): Revision Notes

Impact on South Africa

Introduction

South Africa faces significant environmental challenges that affect both its natural resources and its people. Understanding these challenges and the responses to them is crucial for sustainable development. This note explores how environmental deterioration affects South Africa and examines the actions taken by both local government and the international community to address these issues.

Environmental deterioration in South Africa

Environmental deterioration refers to the worsening condition of the natural environment through the depletion of resources and destruction of ecosystems. In South Africa, this problem is caused by several human activities that harm the land, air, and water.

Main causes of environmental deterioration

South Africa experiences environmental damage from three primary sources:

• Pollution from mining: Mining operations release harmful chemicals and waste products into the soil and water systems. This contamination can make land unusable for farming and poison water supplies that communities depend on.

• Overgrazing: When too many livestock animals feed on the same land, they eat plants faster than the vegetation can grow back. This removes the protective plant cover from the soil, leading to erosion and turning productive land into barren areas.

• Air pollution from coal burning: Many township areas rely on coal for cooking and heating. Burning coal releases harmful smoke and particles into the air, creating serious health problems for residents and contributing to poor air quality in urban areas.

These activities reflect the economic challenges South Africa faces. Mining is a major industry, livestock farming supports rural communities, and coal provides affordable energy for those without access to electricity. However, these economic activities come with serious environmental costs that must be addressed.

Government actions

The South African government has recognised the urgency of environmental protection and has established various programmes, departments, and laws to combat deterioration.

Key government initiatives and legislation

The government's response includes several important measures:

• The reconstruction and development programme: This broad initiative aims to address past inequalities whilst promoting sustainable development practices. It recognises that economic growth must not come at the expense of environmental health.

• Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism: This government department has the specific responsibility of managing and protecting South Africa's natural resources. It develops policies, enforces regulations, and coordinates conservation efforts across the country.

• National Environmental Management Act of 1998: This comprehensive law provides the legal framework for environmental protection in South Africa. It sets out principles for sustainable development and establishes procedures for environmental impact assessments before major projects can proceed.

• The Bill of Rights: South Africa's Constitution includes environmental rights, recognising that every citizen has the right to an environment that is not harmful to their health or wellbeing. This makes environmental protection a fundamental human right.

• The Marine Living Resources Act of 1998: This legislation specifically protects South Africa's ocean resources. It regulates fishing activities to prevent overfishing and ensures that marine ecosystems remain healthy for future generations.

• The National Strategy for Sustainable Development: This strategy provides a roadmap for balancing economic development with environmental protection. It sets goals and outlines approaches for achieving long-term sustainability.

Global actions

Environmental problems do not respect national borders, so international cooperation is essential. South Africa participates in global efforts to protect the environment and promote sustainable development.

International initiatives and their impact

Several major global actions have influenced South Africa's environmental policies:

The World Summit on Sustainable Development (2012): Johannesburg hosted this important international conference, bringing world leaders together to address environmental challenges. The summit produced several positive outcomes for South Africa and the world:

• Improved access to electricity and clean water for poor communities
• Removal of lead from petrol, reducing harmful emissions that damage human health and the environment
• Greater emphasis on biodiversity conservation to prevent species extinction
• Recognition that protecting natural habitats is essential for maintaining ecological balance

The National Strategy for Sustainable Development (NSSD): Established in 2006, this strategy helps South Africa meet its development objectives whilst protecting the environment. It promotes environmentally sustainable tourism, which allows the country to benefit economically from its natural beauty without destroying it. The strategy carefully manages the impact of tourists on sensitive ecosystems. Many businesses now support "green" projects that benefit rather than harm the environment, showing how economic activity and environmental protection can work together.

The Kyoto Treaty: This international agreement involves up to 170 countries committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, leading to climate change with serious consequences like droughts, floods, and extreme weather events. By participating in the Kyoto Treaty, South Africa joins a global effort to slow climate change. It is worth noting that some major economies, including the United States, have not signed this treaty, limiting its effectiveness.

The Millennium Development Goals (MDGs): These eight international development goals were agreed upon by 193 United Nations member states and at least 23 international organisations, with a target date of 2015. The seventh goal specifically addresses environmental sustainability, recognising that a healthy environment is essential for human development.

Targets for environmental sustainability

The seventh Millennium Development Goal aims to achieve environmental sustainability through four specific targets:

• Integrating sustainable development principles: Countries must incorporate environmental considerations into their national policies and programmes. This reverses the loss of environmental resources by making conservation a priority in government planning.

• Reducing biodiversity loss: By 2010, countries aimed to significantly slow the rate at which plant and animal species are disappearing. Biodiversity is crucial because different species play important roles in ecosystems, and losing them can cause entire systems to collapse.

• Improving access to safe water and sanitation: The goal was to reduce by half the proportion of people without sustainable access to clean drinking water and basic sanitation facilities. Safe water and sanitation prevent disease and are fundamental to human dignity and health.

• Improving slum conditions: Countries committed to achieving significant improvements in the lives of at least 100 million slum dwellers by 2020. Better living conditions in informal settlements include improved housing, water access, and waste management, all of which have environmental benefits.

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