Energy Sustainability and Your Money

The Intersectionality of Environmental Law and The Effect On The South African Trade Economy?

Picture this… a country with more sunshine than you can shake a solar panel at, bustling cities powered by dancing zebras, and a national anthem that’s a remix of “We Will, We Will Watt You.” Welcome to South Africa, where energy sustainability is not just a buzzword, but a power move that keeps the lights on and the smiles brighter than a supernova.

In this article, I will be taking you all on a light-hearted journey into why energy sustainability is a big deal. So, sit, back, relax, and prepare for me to shed some wattage on the importance of keeping it sustainable. Environmental law is important in fostering sustainable development in the trade economy. How environmental regulations are formed is important, as unintended consequences should be avoided. Identifying different policy options are vital, as it could create threats or opportunities for the South African trade economy.

Environmental Law and Economic Transformation in South Africa’s Climate Era:

Environmental law is what creates environmental justice for the South African trade economy. Environmental justice is of paramount importance in an era of climate change. One of the biggest concerns among many is that South Africa faces with resources: the coal supply for electricity consumption. The issue of load shedding, and coal supply has been an issue for many years in South Africa. Bringing forth the importance of environmental law to regulate the coal supply and electricity consumption. This would then change the South African trade economy field and how businesses perform, in what we call now the ‘Cyril Ramaphosa economy.’ An economy where inflation is hitting many pockets of SouthAfricans.

Environmental law and Energy Sustainability for South African Trade economy:

So, what is Environmental Law and why is it so important in the context of the South African trade economy? Environmental law is a policy and regulatory framework of resources. Looking at the buzzword, ‘energy sustainability’ the coal sector has seen legislative interventions to try and ensure that all South Africans benefit from exploiting the country’s mineral resources and attracting investment into the country. The National Development Plan (NDP) envisages that by 2030, South Africa will have an energy sector that promotes economic growth and development through adequate investment in energy infrastructure. South Africa has been grappling with load-shedding for more than 10 years, although there seems to be no implementation in regulating energy infrastructure. Ayan Ghosh, an investment strategist at Investec, pointed out, “According to the latest reserve bank estimates, load shedding has had a negative impact of 2,1% on the quarterly GDP in the third quarter of last year, with agriculture, forestry, and fishing the most impacted.” This was in the first quarter of the year, the change of season has not been yet taken into consideration. For example, when the country approaches Autumn and Winter, there is a greater demand for energy resources to keep a million homes lit, and businesses across the country running functionally. Subsequently, energy sustainability is needed with the environmental law regulatory framework, that is regularly monitored and implemented to avoid harsh consequences.

Water Crisis and Environmental Law: Safeguarding South Africa’s Agricultural Sector

A second energy crisis that the country faces is water, many homes and businesses face water outages that can last for hours or even weeks. The Republic of South Africa's government is subsequently depriving South African Citizens of one of their basic human rights. As it is set out section 27 (1)(b) outlines, “everyone has the right to have access to sufficient food and water.” The State has a duty as the Constitution dictates to respect, protect, promote, and fulfil the rights listed in the Bill of Rights. The role of disciplined and monitored use of environmental law ensures that there is a reliable regulatory framework that can ensure that there is a consistent supply of water despite the water crisis present in the country. South Africa is an agricultural country as well as a mineral-rich country. Water outages can and are affecting established and emerging agricultural sectors. Jepthas Swanepoel outlines in a journal, “Due to the time constraints and high implementation cost involved in the environmental impact assessment process, it can harm development taking place on the farm level. In contrast, it can protect farmers and the agricultural sector from large developments that are taking place that have a negative influence on the agricultural sector.” The Government should aim to protect farmers and the agricultural sector and uphold and promote the spirit and purport of section 9(2) of the Constitution which states, “equality includes the full and equal enjoyment of all rights and freedoms. To promote the achievement equality, legislative and other measures designed to protect or advance persons, or categories of persons, disadvantaged by unfair discrimination may be taken.” This subsequently means that the agricultural sector and emerging farmers should have access to sufficient water, as outlined in section 27(1)(b) of the Constitution. 7 Enjoying the right enshrined in Chapter 2 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. The water crisis can put emerging farmers out of work which could present unintended consequences for the trade economy. The lack of water for production means no work and no work would mean no employment. Employment cannot be afforded in a ‘Cyril Ramaphosa economy.’ An economy where inflation is hitting many pockets of normal South African citizens. To big corporations that reside in the Republic of South Africa.

Conclusion:

The importance of Environmental law in fostering sustainable development and energy sustainability in the South African trade economy cannot be overstated. As the country grapples with energy crises, particularly in the coal sector leading to load shedding and its detrimental impact on the economy, it becomes evident that effective environmental regulations are crucial for ensuring stable energy supply and economic growth. The Cyril Ramaphosa Economy, as envisioned, needs a consistent and monitored regulatory framework to avoid unintended consequences that may arise from policy interventions. In addition to energy, the water crisis poses another significant challenge to the agricultural sector in South Africa. The government’s failure to address water outages deprives citizens of their basic human rights and hampers the agricultural industry, affecting both established and emerging farmers. The protection of farmers and the agricultural sector through appropriate environmental law measures becomes essential for sustaining employment and economic stability. With the looming threat of inflation and its impact on all levels of society, including ordinary citizens and corporations, South Africa must take comprehensive measures to uphold environmental laws and promote economic equality. Balancing the need for sustainable resource exploitation with the protection of human rights and the environment will be crucial in safeguarding the nation’s trade economy and securing a brighter and more prosperous future for all South Africans.