Sustainability Handbook Volume 3

Abstract

The coronavirus pandemic took the world by surprise in 2020. The virus created a dire need for new processes and interventions that needed to be adapted, adopted and proven. Although Covid-19 has been dominating all local and global news headlines with its centrefold positioning on vaccines, restrictions, and containment, issues of sustainability were not completely kicked off mainstream media’s centre stage. The recent Glasgow climate pact shone a brighter spotlight on relevant sustainability narratives concluding in the unforeseen phasing down of coal reliance. Robust, optimistic participation and progress were celebrated at the summit for a few days only to be quenched by a last-minute phrasing adjustment that witnessed a quick sudden migration from “phasing out” to “phasing down” of coal. This echoed widespread dissatisfaction by most COP 26 delegates who felt that transparency and procedural consistency has been compromised by great haste. The summit followed the ground-breaking announcement by some EU member states, United Kingdom and the United States of America, for a new ambitious, long-term Just Energy Transition Partnership, complete with funding commitments to support South Africa’s decarbonisation efforts. Meanwhile, on South Africa’s eastern seaboard, Shell is preparing to continue prospecting for off-shore oil and gas, amidst mounting heightened attention, as well as both watchdog and public criticism and a failed interdict.