According to the Department of Environmental Affairs of the Republic of South Africa (2011), climate change is a shift in the earth’s weather conditions whereby the most noticeable change is increased global temperature which directly affects the global ecosystem, known as global warming. This affects and therefore alters rainfall patterns resulting in severe weather episodes such as flooding and droughts. In this research document climate change will be explored and analysed. The impact of climate change on health, weather, food security and water resources in South Africa will be discussed, and predictions regarding the future of climate change impact within South Africa will be assessed.
Table of Contents
1. Abbreviations and acronyms
2. The impact of climate change in South Africa
3. Initiatives undertaken by the South African government to address climate change
4. The impact of climate change on business leaders in South Africa
5. The need, role and requirements of the environmental manager
6. The benefits of United Nations Global Compact membership
7. References
Objectives & Key Themes
This work examines the multifaceted implications of climate change in South Africa, focusing on its environmental, socio-economic, and health-related impacts. It aims to evaluate government responses and the crucial role of environmental management in enabling businesses to navigate these challenges while leveraging participation in the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC).
- Analysis of climate change impacts on health, food security, and water resources in South Africa.
- Evaluation of government climate response policies and initiatives like the Green Economy Accord.
- Identification of climate-related business risks and adaptation strategies for organizational success.
- Defining the professional requirements and duties of an environmental manager in modern business.
- Assessment of the strategic value and benefits of UNGC membership for organizations.
Excerpt from the Book
The Impact of Climate Change in South Africa
According to the Department of Environmental Affairs of the Republic of South Africa (Hereafter referred to as “RSA”) (2011), climate change is a shift in the earth’s weather conditions whereby the most noticeable change is increased global temperature which directly affects the global ecosystem, known as global warming. This affects and therefore alters rainfall patterns resulting in severe weather episodes such as flooding and droughts. In this section climate change will be explored and analysed. The impact of climate change on health, weather, food security and water resources in South Africa will be discussed, and predictions regarding the future of climate change impact within South Africa will be assessed.
To date climate change has resulted in an increase in global temperature, an increase in the global sea level, decreased snow cover in the northern hemisphere, and an increase in rainfall is certain areas, such as North and South America and Northern and Central Asia. The increase in rainfall is alternated with severe and extended droughts in the tropics and subtropics, and in South Africa air temperature has increased greatly since the 1950s.
According to the Department of Environmental Affairs of RSA (2011) the escalation of industrial enterprises has heightened the amount of greenhouse gases within the atmosphere therefore accelerating the natural process of climate change to a point where the earth’s ecosystem is unable to keep up. Such gases are released when fossil fuels like coal, oil, diesel and natural gas are burned for energy purposes. The combination of gases, such as carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide, creates a blanket effect that prevents heat from leaving the atmosphere. This results in heat being returned to the earth, therefore increasing its temperature. According to the National Climate Change Response White Paper (2011), this is known as the greenhouse effect.
Summary of Chapters
1. Abbreviations and acronyms: This section provides a list of essential acronyms used throughout the study for clarity.
2. The impact of climate change in South Africa: This chapter analyzes the physical and socio-economic effects of climate change, specifically focusing on water resources, health, and agriculture.
3. Initiatives undertaken by the South African government to address climate change: This chapter reviews the national response policies, including the Green Economy Accord and international climate negotiations.
4. The impact of climate change on business leaders in South Africa: This chapter discusses the physical, operational, and regulatory risks businesses face and explores adaptation solutions for leadership.
5. The need, role and requirements of the environmental manager: This chapter provides a detailed job description and explores the responsibilities and ethical requirements for an environmental manager.
6. The benefits of United Nations Global Compact membership: This chapter explores the significance of the UNGC and the value for organizations joining this network for corporate sustainability.
7. References: This section lists the scholarly sources and institutional documents cited in the text.
Keywords
Climate Change, South Africa, Green Economy, Greenhouse Gases, Environmental Management, ISO 14001, United Nations Global Compact, Corporate Sustainability, Risk Management, Food Security, Water Resources, Adaptation, Environmental Policy, Industrial Impact, Greenhouse Effect.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary focus of this work?
This work explores the effects of climate change on South Africa, the government's response, and the role of businesses in adapting to these environmental shifts.
What are the key themes addressed?
The key themes include climate impacts on health and resources, governmental policy, business risk management, the role of environmental managers, and the benefits of UNGC membership.
What is the main objective of the study?
The primary objective is to evaluate how South African organizations can leverage environmental management and global networks to remain sustainable amidst the challenges posed by climate change.
Which methodology is used in the work?
The work utilizes a literature and policy review methodology, synthesizing data from government reports, scientific research, and global initiatives.
What does the main body cover?
The main body covers the physical impact of climate change, government initiatives, specific business risks, the function of environmental managers, and the strategic advantages of corporate sustainability networks.
Which keywords define this document?
Key terms include Climate Change, Green Economy, Corporate Sustainability, Environmental Management, and United Nations Global Compact.
How does climate change specifically impact South African businesses?
Businesses face operational risks such as supply chain disruptions, energy instability, increased costs of raw materials, and reputational risks if they fail to align with sustainability standards.
What are the core requirements of an environmental manager?
An environmental manager must possess technical knowledge of EMS (ISO 14001), risk assessment skills, budget management abilities, and strong leadership to integrate sustainability into company strategy.
Why is membership in the UNGC beneficial?
It provides a platform for dialogue, promotes universal social and environmental principles, and helps organizations demonstrate commitment to sustainability, enhancing their corporate reputation.
Does the government mandate specific actions for businesses?
The government encourages energy efficiency and sustainable practices through policies like the Green Economy Accord and incentivizes compliance with environmental standards to mitigate climate change risks.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Samantha Worthington (Autor:in), 2015, South Africa’s Green Economy. Effects, Challenges, and Successes, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/439162
