In previous class lectures, we
spent a lot of time discussing why South Africa is and always has been
different than other countries on the African continent. An article was
recently published, showing once again, that South Africa is in fact once again
an exception, this time in relation to the environment, a topic we will be
discussing next week in class. Engineering
News published an article about how South Africa is “taking a continental
lead in the integration and implementation of a green economy” (Vermeulen).
South Africa is ultimately the
first African nation to acknowledge and address environmental concerns, and as
a nation that is extremely dependent on natural resources, this was a seriously
necessary action. Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
Resource-based Sustainable Development competency area manager Dr. Doug Trotter
explained that “the underlying principle is to reduce the reliance of economic
development on the increased consumption of, and damage to, natural resources
and the environment, while meeting social needs and understanding inequalities”
(Vermeulen). Research continues to be done in order to find the best ways to
reduce South Africa’s reliance on coal and invest in renewable energy sources.
Trotter further stressed that these new environmentally friendly practices
ultimately need to reduce poverty and enable socioeconomic development if the
programs ever want to truly take off across the continent.
I agree with Trotter in that Africa
has many other important issues to address regarding poverty and standard of
living, and that although environment friendly measures are important, the
people are the most important priority. I hope that this move towards a “green
economy” does help improve the lives of Africa’s people, through outlets such
as education, skills training, and providing new jobs. With time, we will see
whether these new programs are beneficial for the environment and the people,
or both, or neither.
Do you think this is a crucial
issue that South Africa should be addressing? How could a green economy benefit
the people of Africa? Do you think this movement will take off across the
continent?
Article and Photo: SA leading in implementation of green economy
I agree with your above comment that Africa has many other issues to address including stability, poverty, etc. I wonder if this is because of international pressure or a desire to look "good" on the international scene. As of now, green technology is in many aspects not as economical as traditional fuel sources, which may pose a difficulty for South Africa as well as any other African countries who move that way. I do think that sustainable use of resources (like trees, land) would benefit African countries in the long run, but as we talked about it class, it can be hard for policy makers to focus on the long term versus the immediate future. But as South Africa is a leader on the continent perhaps this movement will.
ReplyDeleteLike you, many question came up when i read this regarding wether going green is really what is best for African countries when they have many other fields they should concentrate on. This is part of a long argument on the balance between efficiency and economic well being over environmental concerns. Generally speaking there tends to be a big economic cost and sacrifice when going green. This is a cost few countries in Africa can afford considering that they have many other things they need to concentrate on. For this reason i believe that this movement will not catch on in Africa. Let us not forget how much of the west had to go through the environmentally damaging industrial revolution in order to get to where they are today. Also when we look at China, back when they signed the Kyoto protocol they were classified as a developing country and where given concessions on their CO2 emissions in order to get to where they are today. Unless going green can be made into a viable and thriving industry where the cost would be lowered and benefits maximized, i do not see it taking hold of africa in the near future.
ReplyDeleteSorry, i may have posted this comment twice, i re wrote it the second time because i didn't know if it posted that is why it looks so different.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Alex, it's interesting to think about this topic in regards to Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Environmentalism seems to fit in different tiers of Maslow's hierarchy depending on the level of threat and depletion-- if resources are seriously depleted, it becomes a fundamental need, and if not, it serves as a higher level need (fulfilling social and community needs). I think looking at this topic even further highlights the economic divide in South Africa. I think its interesting to look at this through the lens of the economic divide in South Africa-- who's pursuing these goals and for what reason? The economic elite for social ends or the poor as a means for survival?
ReplyDeleteMore on Maslow's theory in regards to environmentalism... www.iwu.edu/polisci/res-publica/2008/weier.pdf
This is a really intriguing look at something seemingly rare in the study of Sub-Saharan African countries; an investment in long term infrastructure. Too many times we see countries either destroying their natural resources for a short term gain for a few elites or the creation of institutions that only benefit the ruling regime instead of the people. The investment in green energy seems to be a step in the right direction since it could help the overall development of the country, and prosper the majority of the citizens instead of just the ones in power.
ReplyDeleteI see where everyone is coming from, but I share Andrew's view that it has a great potential to be beneficial. Along with the investment in infrastructure, which is key in development of a stronger country, the construction and operation of these new green facilities will put people to work in new sectors of the job force. It is an expensive investment by the government, but because of new international views on green energy, South Africa could be fishing for international help with purchasing the equipment. I feel that it won't catch on in the rest of Africa until they develop further and stabilize more.
ReplyDeleteAndrew you bring up a point that I never really thought about before in that South Africa is making an investment in its future by preserving its natural resources. I completely agree that this will ultimately benefit them in the long run.
ReplyDeleteI also thought the comments were interesting about "looking good" to the Western world as far as going green goes. It will be interesting to see how this plays out and whether it is a legitimate effort or if it is more for show.
I find it interesting that South Africa is Africa's leader in environmental issues. Being the most developed sub-saharan nation, I believe South Africa is doing the right thing. Yet, this article does not mention that the carbon footprints of the other sub-saharan nations are insignificant compared to developed countries. I am sure that the infrastructure, cars, and other carbon emitting things in the DRC contribute nothing to global warming when compared to America, Spain, England, Canada, Brazil, and even South Africa. So while South Africa is doing a great job bringing awareness and action to the issue of sustainability, I can't help but think about all of the people in sub-sarahan Africa who everyday face the ill effects of global warming yet do not contribute to the ongoing problem.
ReplyDelete