PUB2606
PORTFOLIO OCT/NOV 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 31 OCTOBER 2025
,Environmental Affairs
Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................ 2
QUESTION 1: Top Five Environmental Concerns in the 21st Century and Global
Best Practices ............................................................................................................ 2
1.1 Climate Change ................................................................................................. 2
1.2 Biodiversity Loss .............................................................................................. 3
1.3 Water Scarcity and Pollution ........................................................................... 3
1.4 Waste Management and Plastic Pollution ...................................................... 4
1.5 Air Pollution and Energy Transition ................................................................ 5
QUESTION 2: Gaps Between Sustainability Policy and Implementation in South
Africa ........................................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Energy Sector: Eskom and Renewable Energy Transition ........................... 6
2.2 Water Sector: Governance and Infrastructure Failures ................................ 6
2.3 Waste Management: Municipal Solid Waste .................................................. 7
2.4 Mining Sector: Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) and Land Rehabilitation ............ 7
2.5 Biodiversity and Land Use Management ........................................................ 8
Conclusion ................................................................................................................. 8
List of Sources ........................................................................................................... 9
, Introduction
The 21st century is marked by unprecedented environmental challenges that threaten
human well-being, economic stability, and ecological integrity. Environmental
management has become a central concern in public administration, requiring
coordinated governance, sound policy implementation, and community participation.
This portfolio critically evaluates the leading environmental issues globally and their
implications for the public sector, with specific reference to South Africa. It also
examines the persistent gaps between environmental policy formulation and on-the-
ground implementation, offering practical examples and policy recommendations for
improvement.
QUESTION 1: Top Five Environmental Concerns in the 21st Century and Global
Best Practices
1.1 Climate Change
Description:
Climate change is arguably the most significant environmental threat of our era, driven
mainly by greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and
industrial activities. Rising global temperatures lead to extreme weather, sea-level rise,
and disruption of agricultural systems (IPCC, 2023).
Impact in South Africa:
South Africa experiences increased droughts, heatwaves, and floods. The Western
Cape’s 2018 “Day Zero” water crisis and the KwaZulu-Natal floods (2022) are stark
reminders of climate vulnerability.
Global Best Practices:
Mitigation strategies: The European Union’s Green Deal and carbon neutrality
targets illustrate integrated climate action.
PORTFOLIO OCT/NOV 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 31 OCTOBER 2025
,Environmental Affairs
Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................ 2
QUESTION 1: Top Five Environmental Concerns in the 21st Century and Global
Best Practices ............................................................................................................ 2
1.1 Climate Change ................................................................................................. 2
1.2 Biodiversity Loss .............................................................................................. 3
1.3 Water Scarcity and Pollution ........................................................................... 3
1.4 Waste Management and Plastic Pollution ...................................................... 4
1.5 Air Pollution and Energy Transition ................................................................ 5
QUESTION 2: Gaps Between Sustainability Policy and Implementation in South
Africa ........................................................................................................................... 5
2.1 Energy Sector: Eskom and Renewable Energy Transition ........................... 6
2.2 Water Sector: Governance and Infrastructure Failures ................................ 6
2.3 Waste Management: Municipal Solid Waste .................................................. 7
2.4 Mining Sector: Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) and Land Rehabilitation ............ 7
2.5 Biodiversity and Land Use Management ........................................................ 8
Conclusion ................................................................................................................. 8
List of Sources ........................................................................................................... 9
, Introduction
The 21st century is marked by unprecedented environmental challenges that threaten
human well-being, economic stability, and ecological integrity. Environmental
management has become a central concern in public administration, requiring
coordinated governance, sound policy implementation, and community participation.
This portfolio critically evaluates the leading environmental issues globally and their
implications for the public sector, with specific reference to South Africa. It also
examines the persistent gaps between environmental policy formulation and on-the-
ground implementation, offering practical examples and policy recommendations for
improvement.
QUESTION 1: Top Five Environmental Concerns in the 21st Century and Global
Best Practices
1.1 Climate Change
Description:
Climate change is arguably the most significant environmental threat of our era, driven
mainly by greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and
industrial activities. Rising global temperatures lead to extreme weather, sea-level rise,
and disruption of agricultural systems (IPCC, 2023).
Impact in South Africa:
South Africa experiences increased droughts, heatwaves, and floods. The Western
Cape’s 2018 “Day Zero” water crisis and the KwaZulu-Natal floods (2022) are stark
reminders of climate vulnerability.
Global Best Practices:
Mitigation strategies: The European Union’s Green Deal and carbon neutrality
targets illustrate integrated climate action.
