LCP4805
Assignment 1 Semester 2 2024
Detailed Solutions, References & Explanations
Unique number:
Due Date: 10 September 2024
QUESTION 1 (2 ANSWERS PROVIDED)
The National Environmental Management Act, 107 of 1998 (NEMA), provides a comprehensive
framework for environmental governance in South Africa. Section 24O of NEMA outlines the
criteria that competent authorities must consider when evaluating applications for environmental
authorizations. While NEMA does not explicitly list climate change impacts as a criterion, a close
examination of Section 24O and relevant case law, particularly the ruling in Earthlife Africa
Johannesburg v Minister of Environmental Affairs and Others (2017), reveals that the impacts
of climate change are inherently included within the broader environmental considerations
mandated by the Act.
Section 24O and Climate Change
Section 24O(1) requires competent authorities to take into account all relevant factors when
considering an application for environmental authorization. Among these factors are:
1. Pollution, Environmental Impacts, or Environmental Degradation (Section
24O(1)(b)(i)):
Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
o This criterion encompasses any form of pollution or degradation likely to be
• Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
• Not toby
caused duplicate, reproduce and/or
the proposed misrepresent
activity. Climate the contents
change of this document
impacts, such asas your own work,
increased
• Fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
greenhouse gas emissions, fall under environmental impacts and degradation.
These emissions contribute to global warming, which in turn leads to Disclaimer
severe
Extreme care has been used to create this document, however the contents are provided “as is” without
environmental consequences like extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and
any representations or warranties, express or implied. The author assumes no liability as a result of
reliance and usedisruptions.
ecosystem of the contents of this document. This document is to be used for comparison, research
and reference purposes ONLY. No part of this document may be reproduced, resold or transmitted in any
form or by any means.
Assignment 1 Semester 2 2024
Detailed Solutions, References & Explanations
Unique number:
Due Date: 10 September 2024
QUESTION 1 (2 ANSWERS PROVIDED)
The National Environmental Management Act, 107 of 1998 (NEMA), provides a comprehensive
framework for environmental governance in South Africa. Section 24O of NEMA outlines the
criteria that competent authorities must consider when evaluating applications for environmental
authorizations. While NEMA does not explicitly list climate change impacts as a criterion, a close
examination of Section 24O and relevant case law, particularly the ruling in Earthlife Africa
Johannesburg v Minister of Environmental Affairs and Others (2017), reveals that the impacts
of climate change are inherently included within the broader environmental considerations
mandated by the Act.
Section 24O and Climate Change
Section 24O(1) requires competent authorities to take into account all relevant factors when
considering an application for environmental authorization. Among these factors are:
1. Pollution, Environmental Impacts, or Environmental Degradation (Section
24O(1)(b)(i)):
Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
o This criterion encompasses any form of pollution or degradation likely to be
• Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
• Not toby
caused duplicate, reproduce and/or
the proposed misrepresent
activity. Climate the contents
change of this document
impacts, such asas your own work,
increased
• Fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
greenhouse gas emissions, fall under environmental impacts and degradation.
These emissions contribute to global warming, which in turn leads to Disclaimer
severe
Extreme care has been used to create this document, however the contents are provided “as is” without
environmental consequences like extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and
any representations or warranties, express or implied. The author assumes no liability as a result of
reliance and usedisruptions.
ecosystem of the contents of this document. This document is to be used for comparison, research
and reference purposes ONLY. No part of this document may be reproduced, resold or transmitted in any
form or by any means.
