The Environment in South Africa
South Africa has the third highest level of biological diversity in the world and is one of the countries most sensitive to climate change. Furthermore, bad government policies and the historic introduction of non-native species have led to inappropriate land use and placed an additional burden on scarce resources such as water.
Today, national policies ensure that all significant new developments are required to undertake Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA's) before they are approved. International conventions and community-based initiatives have also improved conservation by keeping pressure on the government.
Although it has one of the highest per capita levels of carbon dioxide emissions in the world, South Africa is not required under the Kyoto protocol to implement reductions. It is nevertheless under pressure to restructure the energy industry and respond to climate change.
Despite considerable efforts, it is the poor who continue to bear the brunt of environmental degradation. They are the first to be affected by industrial and agricultural pollution, floods, droughts and food shortages. The government needs to keep a strong focus on the environment if it seriously wishes to eradicate poverty and ensure sustainable economic development.
Today, national policies ensure that all significant new developments are required to undertake Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA's) before they are approved. International conventions and community-based initiatives have also improved conservation by keeping pressure on the government.
Although it has one of the highest per capita levels of carbon dioxide emissions in the world, South Africa is not required under the Kyoto protocol to implement reductions. It is nevertheless under pressure to restructure the energy industry and respond to climate change.
Despite considerable efforts, it is the poor who continue to bear the brunt of environmental degradation. They are the first to be affected by industrial and agricultural pollution, floods, droughts and food shortages. The government needs to keep a strong focus on the environment if it seriously wishes to eradicate poverty and ensure sustainable economic development.
As coal and wood still remain an important fuel source at domestic level, the need for alternative energy sources is crucial to tackle climate change. The development of renewable energy sources is a priority in the new national strategy to guide South Africa's response to climate change.
Leer másOrganización: SciDev.Net Temas relacionados: [Sudáfrica] [Energía] [Ambiente] [Cambio Climático] [Energía Renovable] |
Drought conditions have affected many parts of South Africa for decades. Food shortages have endangered millions of South Africans and their livestock. Neighbouring countries with more severe shortages who depend on affordable maize grown in South Africa are under even more stressed conditions.
Leer másOrganización: ReliefWeb UN OCHA Temas relacionados: [Sudáfrica] [África del Sur] [Alimentos] [Ambiente] [Desnutrición] |
South Africa has lost over 65% of its wetlands which play a key role in ecosystem survival. Wetland drainage or destruction has often been associated with large-scale agriculture development. Sustainable use of wetlands is key in ensuring agricultural development and food security.
Leer másFrom: The Mondi Wetlands Project |
By the year 2007, for the first time in history, humanity will be primarily an urban species: homo sapiens urbanis. Unless cities drastically shrink their ecological footprints, the planet may not be able to carry the weight of this urban sprawl. But new inspiration for the task ahead is taking root in unlikely places - in this case, in the brown dirt of a South African slum called Ivory Park.
Leer másOrganización: International Development and Environment Article Service Temas relacionados: [Sudáfrica] [Desarrollo] [Ciudades] [Cooperación Internacional] [Pobreza] [Economía] [Ambiente] [Gobierno] |
Despite political pressure during public hearings, South African communities, in cooperation with environmental health experts and environmental NGOs, succeed in holding back a "polluter-friendly" bill. Effective pollution measures in South Africa have been attributable to community action rather than government.
Leer másFrom: Groundwork |
The newsletter of a South African environmental organisation reflects its commitment to global events, despite the feelings of impotence in the real politics.
Leer másOrganización: Environmental Monitoring Group Temas relacionados: [Sudáfrica] [Activismo Ambiental] |
This paper investigates the origins and current operation of the Amadiba Horse and Hiking Trail, a community-based initiative located on South Africa's Wild Coast. The trail project presents itself as a people-centred, designed to involve the Amadiba people in all aspects of running a project including planning, implementation, management and decision making. The benefits from the project are intended to accrue primarily to the Amadiba community.
Leer másOrganización: ELDIS Temas relacionados: [África del Sur] [Sudáfrica] [Ambiente] |
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