The next decade of environmental science in South Africa: a horizon scan

Shackleton, Charlie M; Scholes, Robert J; Vogel, Coleen; Wynberg, Rachel; Abrahamse, Tanya; Shackleton, Sheona E; Ellery, William F N; Gambiza, James

Title: The next decade of environmental science in South Africa: a horizon scan
Creator: Shackleton, Charlie M, Scholes, Robert J, Vogel, Coleen, Wynberg, Rachel, Abrahamse, Tanya, Shackleton, Sheona E, Ellery, William F N, Gambiza, James
Date: 2011
Type: text
Type: article
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/157124
Identifier: vital:40088
Identifier: https://doi.org/10.1080/03736245.2011.563064
Description: Environmental systems are in constant flux, with feedbacks and non-linearities catalysed by natural trends and shocks as well as human actions. This poses challenges for sustainable management to promote human well-being. It requires environmental understanding and application that can accommodate such fluxes and pressures, as well as knowledge production systems and institutions that produce graduates with appropriate skills. In this article we consider these challenges in the South African context. Firstly, we summarise six significant environmental realisations from the last decade of environmental science internationally and question what they mean for the teaching of environmental science and research into environmental systems in South Africa in the near future. We then consider these lessons within the context of a horizon scan of near-term pressing environmental issues in South Africa. These include wateruse efficiency, poverty, food security, inequities in land and resource access, urbanisation, agrochemicals and water quality, promoting human well-being and economic adaptability in the face of climate change, and imbuing stronger environmental elements and stewardship into the integrated development planning processes and outcomes. Lastly, we consider the knowledge areas and skills that environmental graduates will require to be able to confront these problems in South Africa and simultaneously contribute to international debates and understandings around the complexity of environmental systems and how to manage them.
Format: 15 pages, pdf
Language: English
Relation: South African Geographical Journal, Shackleton, C.M., Scholes, B.J., Vogel, C., Wynberg, R., Abrahamse, T., Shackleton, S.E., Ellery, F. and Gambiza, J., 2011. The next decade of environmental science in South Africa: a horizon scan. South African Geographical Journal, 93(1), pp.1-14, South African Geographical Journal volume 93 number 1 1 14 June 2011 2151-2418
Rights: Publisher
Rights: Use of this resource is governed by the terms and conditions of the Taylor and Francis Online Terms and Conditions Statement (https://www.tandfonline.com/terms-and-conditions)

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