Books

Permanent URI for this collection

http://hdl.handle.net/10204/11482

Browse

Now showing 1 - 9 of 9

A brief history of platinum mining with a focus on the Rustenburg region
(Nova Science Publishers, Inc: Hauppauge, New York, United States, 2021-06) Oranje, M; Nel, V; Van Huyssteen, Elsona; Marais, Lochner; e Campbell, Malene
A brief history of platinum mining traces the history of Rustenburg and its connection with platinum mining. Using secondary data from academic and media sources, it identifies the origin of many of the region’s conflicts and complexities. It describes the relations between the mining companies, their employees and the surrounding communities, and the intricate institutional relations between government tiers in the region. It shows how interregional dependencies and economic value chains strongly influence Rustenburg and suggests how the future could be shaped by role players such as multinational companies and national organs of government.
The Circular Economy as Development Opportunity: Exploring Circular Economy Opportunities across South Africa’s Economic Sectors
(CSIR, 2021-12) Godfrey, Linda K; Nahman, Anton; Oelofse, Suzanna HH; Trotter, Douglas; Khan, Sumaya; Nontso, Zintle; Magweregwede, Fleckson; Sereme, Busisiwe V; Okole, Blessed N; Gordon, Gregory ER; Brown, Bernadette; Pillay, Boyse; Schoeman, Chanel; Fazluddin, Shahed; Ojijo, Vincent O; Cooper, Antony K; Kruger, Daniel M; Napier, Mark; Mokoena, Refiloe; Steenkamp, Anton J; Msimanga, Xolile P; North, Brian C; Seetal, Ashwin R; Mathye, Salamina M; Godfrey, Linda K
The intention of this book is to present the CSIR’s position and interpretation of the circular economy, and to use it to drive discussions on where immediate circular economy opportunities are achievable in South Africa. Opportunities that can be harnessed by business, government and civil society. These circular economy opportunities are framed in this book within the context of the current challenges facing various economic sectors. The CSIR has selected seven, resource intensive sectors – mining, agriculture, manufacturing, human settlements, mobility, energy and water – for further assessment. Many of these economic sectors have seen significant declines over the past years, with agriculture, manufacturing, transport and construction all showing negative growth pre-COVID. These are all sectors under economic stress and in need of regeneration. South Africa stands on the threshold of profound choices regarding its future development path. Transitioning to a more circular economy provides the country with the opportunity to address many national priorities including manufacturing competitiveness, food security; sustainable, resilient and liveable cities; efficient transport and logistics systems; and energy and water security, while at the same time decarbonising the economy. The transition to a circular economy provides the country with an opportunity for green and inclusive development to be the cornerstone of a post-COVID economic recovery. The titles of this book chapters are the following: Chapter 1: Driving economic growth in South Africa through a low carbon, sustainable and inclusive circular economy. Chapter 2: Placing the South African mining sector in the context of a circular economy transition. Chapter 3: Supporting food security and economic development through circular agriculture. Chapter 4: Supporting the development of a globally competitive manufacturing sector through a more circular economy. Chapter 5: Creating resilient, inclusive, thriving human settlements through a more circular economy. Chapter 6: Facilitating sustainable economic development through circular mobility. Chapter 7: Decoupling South Africa’s development from energy demand through a more circular economy. Chapter 8: Decoupling South Africa’s development from water demand through a circular economy.
Measuring progress: Environment and the SDGs
(United Nations, 2021-01) Alva, IL; Brooks, T; Campbell, J; Comte, A; Coppens, L; Ekins, P; Elayouty, A; Fairbrass, A; Gemayel, TEI; Haywood, Lorren K
This Measuring Progress report serves two purposes. It explores the potential and limitations of using a statistical correlation analysis between indicator pairs (“state of the environment” and “drivers of change” indicators; “state of the environment” and “state of society” indicators) to improve the understanding of the interlinkages between SDG indicators. It also informs on progress being made for those SDG indicators UNEP identified as environment-related since December 2018, based on data from the SDG Global Indicators Database.
Net-positive water systems for schools in drought-stricken areas
(2021-12) Gibberd, Jeremy T
In many areas of the world, climate change is leading to higher temperatures and water scarcity. At the same time, rapid urbanisation is increasing the demand for existing water resources. As a result in many drought-stricken areas, water costs have rapidly increased and supplies are becoming more unreliable. Schools in drought-stricken areas are particularly vulnerable. Limited resources mean that schools struggle to pay additional costs for water. Health risks also mean that schools have to close when there is no water. Closing schools significantly affects the quality of education as teaching is disrupted and learning time is lost. It is, therefore, important to find alternative affordable and reliable water solutions for schools in drought-stricken areas. Rainwater harvesting offers a potential solution but there is limited research and guidance on how these systems work at schools. This paper addresses this gap by investigating whether a rainwater harvesting system can be developed that would enable schools to become more resilient to water scarcity and outages. Modelling carried out indicates that a rainwater harvesting system has the potential of generating sufficient water to exceed the water needs of the school and therefore enables it to be water net-positive. The study shows that the business case for rainwater harvesting appears weak where there is a reliable local municipalwater supply. However, this changes when schools are faced with punitive drought tariffs and increasing water outages which force closures.
Ocean colour and detecting phytoplankton biomass and community dynamics
(International Ocean Colour Coordinating Group, 2021-01) Robertson, Lain, L; Bernard, S; Smith, Marie E
Harmful algal blooms (HABs) occur in virtually all coastal regions of the world as well as many lakes, and are typically associated with a rapid proliferation of phytoplankton cells, but even low cell numbers of high toxic species may cause harmful effects in the ecosystem and/or the surrounding environment.
Planning for a post-mining future in the Rustenburg region and the transition towards it?
(Nova Science Publishers, Inc, 2021-06) Maritz, Johan; Oranje, Mark; Van Huyssteen, Elsona; Nel, Verna; Marais, Lochner; Campbell, Malene
Over the past 150 years, mining has been one of the most influential shapers of economic activities, social relations, spatial development patterns, power tussles and structures, political questions and debates, institutional structures, and legal and policy frameworks in South Africa. Even though the sector's influence has waned significantly over the last three to four decades, and personal, community and financial services, as well as retail activities, have become more prominent economic players, it is still a major contributor to the national economy and fiscus (Minerals Council South Africa (MCSA) 2019; South Africa, Department of Rural Development and Land Reform 2019).
Sustainability Handbook Volume 8
(Alive2Green, 2024-01) De Jager, Peta
Given that cement is the third most utilized material following sand and water and its manufacture contributes an estimated 6% of global anthropogenic carbon dioxide emissions, there is a need to consider recyclability, life cycle environmental impact, and economic feasibility. Materials science takes front stage in this volume with research and industry investigating technologies which can reduce its negative impacts. Amongst contemporary challenges faced by concrete, is the durability of the material in infrastructure. Geopolymers represent a valuable addition to the expanding array of cementitious materials, which serve as primary inputs in concrete production. UCT joins hands with the CSIR to build on international research in this field, testing mineral acid resistance in both static and dynamic conditions, for - amongst others - sewer applications. Dumani and Mapiravana report on their cradle-to-gate environmental life cycle assessment of limestone calcined clay cement (LC3), which shows it to be a very promising alternative to Ordinary Portland Cement. In other work, in quantifying the environmental impacts of a sustainable concrete mix for a block paving system, researchers find that replacing cement with fly ash, beyond 35%, as stipulated in the national cement specification for common cements, presents a significant opportunity to reduce environmental impacts without (necessarily) compromising strength.
The Sustainability Handbook. Volume 6
(Alive2Green, 2023-03) De Jager, Peta; De Jager, Peta
Climate change mitigation and adaptation is at the forefront of the reasons why cities need to refocus environmental sustainability to cater for the foreseeable impacts. With the need to move towards sustainable cities, the world is shifting towards the space of digitisation. The aim of this transition in the built environment is to collect sufficient data to measure, track and improve performance of the built environment, be it existing or new developments. Without the measurement and tracking of building performance, there is no basis for improvement in terms of the sustainability of the built environment. Performance can be measured in terms of efficiency in energy usage, water consumption, materials and their embodied energy, waste minimization, transportation and it's marked carbon footprint, etc. The World Bank Group defines sustainable cities as cities that are resilient, with a level of adaptability, mitigation, and promotion of social, economic, and environmental change. These aspects define the health of a city and should be measured and monitored. The agenda of sustainable development has been around since the seventies. South Africa adopted the National Framework for Sustainable Development in 2008, followed by the National Strategy for Sustainable Development (NSSD) in 2011. Many cities are working towards addressing the issues of climate change in accordance with 2030 and 2050 net-zero carbon commitments. Five South African cities have joined the global community of C40 Cities to work towards these targets. Amongst other initiatives, this is being achieved through the promotion of green buildings standards and adoption of best practices in the built environment.
Sustainability Handbook. Volume 7
(Alive2Green, 2023-09) De Jager, Peta; De Jager, Peta
Polycrisis, a term initially coined by the French philosopher Edgar Morin and later popularised by historian Adam Tooze, haracterises a situation where multiple crises converge and interact, creating a complex and interconnected challenge. The daily news reminds us of a palpable, seemingly ever-present polycrisis. It manifests itself as economic woes, social disparities, environmental strains, and political dilemmas, all interwoven into a multifaceted tapestry that tests our resilience. An analysis underscores the depth of our local challenges. The energy crisis, primarily due to the struggles of Eskom, our state-owned power utility, disrupts daily life. Load-shedding, water shortages, and service delivery disruptions are stark examples of its impact. The food insecurity crisis, worsened by droughts and floods induced by climate change, leads to hunger and malnutrition. The far-reaching effects of corruption and state capture have eroded trust in government institutions. Infrastructure (and pride) crumbles under neglect, as exemplified by the Lilian Ngoyi Street belch. Discontent bubbles in the ugly face of inequality and unemployment.

Browse

Browsing Books by browse.metadata.cluster "Smart Places"

Results Per Page

Sort Options