PUB2606 ASSIGNMENT 3 PORTFOLIO 2026
DUE 19 MAY 2026
INTRODUCTION
This portfolio looks at environmental issues in Southern Africa and around the world.
The first section explains ten important environmental problems affecting Southern
Africa and gives practical examples from the region. The second section discusses five
international organisations and their role in protecting the environment globally, with
examples of how they work in practice. My discussion is based on the study guide and
shows how theory can be applied to real-life situations.
QUESTION 1: TEN ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN SOUTHERN AFRICA
1. Water Scarcity
Water scarcity represents one of the most critical environmental challenges facing
Southern Africa. As the study guide notes, fresh water essential for maintaining life on
earth is not present in unlimited quantities, and only a small amount of the world's water
is suitable for human use (PUB2606 Study Guide, p.34). South Africa, in particular, is
described as a dry country where available water must be managed with the greatest
circumspection.
, The Lesotho Highlands Water Scheme illustrates both the severity of water scarcity and
cooperative solutions. Under this treaty between South Africa and Lesotho, water from
the water-rich Senqu-Orange River system in Lesotho is pumped to the water-poor Vaal
river system in South Africa, serving six provinces, particularly Gauteng where
approximately 42 percent of South Africa's city dwellers reside (PUB2606 Study Guide,
p.67-68). This demonstrates how water scarcity has necessitated transboundary
cooperation.
2. Soil Loss and Erosion
Soil loss in South Africa is estimated at between 300 and 400 million tons annually, with
the rate of loss far exceeding the rate at which soil is formed (less than 0.1 ton of soil
per hectare each year) (PUB2606 Study Guide, p.33). This problem is exacerbated by
poor agricultural methods, overgrazing, and inappropriate farming practices.
The study guide highlights that pastures in former homeland areas are today
overgrazed, forests decimated, stream flow reduced, and soil erosion extreme
(PUB2606 Study Guide, p.77). The apartheid policy created overcrowding in designated
areas for non-whites, making environmentally destructive practices necessary for
ordinary people trying to satisfy basic needs.
DUE 19 MAY 2026
INTRODUCTION
This portfolio looks at environmental issues in Southern Africa and around the world.
The first section explains ten important environmental problems affecting Southern
Africa and gives practical examples from the region. The second section discusses five
international organisations and their role in protecting the environment globally, with
examples of how they work in practice. My discussion is based on the study guide and
shows how theory can be applied to real-life situations.
QUESTION 1: TEN ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES IN SOUTHERN AFRICA
1. Water Scarcity
Water scarcity represents one of the most critical environmental challenges facing
Southern Africa. As the study guide notes, fresh water essential for maintaining life on
earth is not present in unlimited quantities, and only a small amount of the world's water
is suitable for human use (PUB2606 Study Guide, p.34). South Africa, in particular, is
described as a dry country where available water must be managed with the greatest
circumspection.
, The Lesotho Highlands Water Scheme illustrates both the severity of water scarcity and
cooperative solutions. Under this treaty between South Africa and Lesotho, water from
the water-rich Senqu-Orange River system in Lesotho is pumped to the water-poor Vaal
river system in South Africa, serving six provinces, particularly Gauteng where
approximately 42 percent of South Africa's city dwellers reside (PUB2606 Study Guide,
p.67-68). This demonstrates how water scarcity has necessitated transboundary
cooperation.
2. Soil Loss and Erosion
Soil loss in South Africa is estimated at between 300 and 400 million tons annually, with
the rate of loss far exceeding the rate at which soil is formed (less than 0.1 ton of soil
per hectare each year) (PUB2606 Study Guide, p.33). This problem is exacerbated by
poor agricultural methods, overgrazing, and inappropriate farming practices.
The study guide highlights that pastures in former homeland areas are today
overgrazed, forests decimated, stream flow reduced, and soil erosion extreme
(PUB2606 Study Guide, p.77). The apartheid policy created overcrowding in designated
areas for non-whites, making environmentally destructive practices necessary for
ordinary people trying to satisfy basic needs.
