COVER PAGE FOR GGH2604 ASSIGNMENTS

STUDENT NUMBER: 15876934

SURNAME AND INITIALS: NKWANYANA NE
ASSIGNMENT NUMBER: 02
UNIQUE NUMBER: 835596
DUE DATE: 09/09/2024

I declare that:
• I am familiar with the contents of the UNISA Policy for Copyright Infringement and
Plagiarism and I am aware that the University may constitute disciplinary action for
the contravention of this policy;
• this assignment is my own work; and
• all sources consulted have been properly acknowledged according to the Harvard
referencing style.

Signature: NE NKWANYANA
 1. Developed countries, historically have been the major contributors to greenhouse
gas emissions due to their industrialization, higher per capita energy consumption,
and reliance on fossil fuels. These countries have built infrastructure, industries,
and economies that heavily rely on carbon intensive energy sources. As a result,
they have contributed significantly to the accumulation of greenhouse gasses in the
atmosphere leading to global warming and climate change.
• On the other hand, developing countries, though they have contributed relatively
less to historical emissions, are experiencing rapid economic growth and
industrialization. As they strive to improve living standards and meet the needs of
growing populations, their energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions
are also increasing. However, it is important to note that developing countries
often face a dilemma as they try to balance economic development with
environmental concerns.

To address global warming effectively, cooperation and assistance between developed and
developing countries are crucial. Here are some ways developed countries can assist
developing countries in mitigating global warming:

1.1Financial Assistance

•Developed countries can provide financial resources to support developing

countries in adopting clean sustainable technologies, improving energy efficiency
and investing in renewable energy projects. This can be done through
international funds, development aid, or climate finance mechanisms.
• Technology Transfer
• Developed countries can facilitate the transfer of clean technologies and
expertise to developing countries. This can involve sharing knowledge, providing
technical assistance, and supporting capacity building programs to help
developing countries adopt and implement climate-friendly technologies.
• Capacity Building
• Developed countries can assist developing countries in building institutional
capacity and human resource to address climate change challenges effectively.
This can include training programs, workshops, and knowledge-sharing initiatives
to enhance the skills and capabilities of individuals and institution in developing
countries.

2. Standards play a crucial role in controlling pollution in the environment by providing a

framework that set limits, guidelines, and regulations for various activities and
 industries. While they can be seen as limiting freedom in terms of polluting sources,
they are essential for protecting public health, promoting sustainability, and ensuring a
cleaner environment. However, it is important to critically analyze their role and
consider potential challenge and limitations.
2.1. Environmental Protection
• Standards act as a tool to protect the environment by establishing limits on
pollutants emissions, waste disposal, and resource usage. They can help prevent
and reduce pollution, which can have adverse effects on ecosystems, air quality,
water bodies, and biodiversity. By mandating changes in behaviour, standards
encourage industries and individuals to adopt cleaner technologies, practices
and processes, ultimately leading to improved environmental conditions.
2.2. Public Health and Safety
• Pollution can have severe health implications e.g. respiratory disease, cancer,
and other adverse health effects. Standards aim to safeguard public health by,
setting emissions limits for pollutants, regulating hazardous substances, and
ensuring safe working conditions. By enforcing these standards, government can
reduce the exposure of individuals to harmful pollutants, protecting their well-
being and quality of life.
2.3. Market Transformation and Innovation
• Standards can drive market transformation and stimulate innovation. By setting
benchmarks and requirements for pollution control, they create a level playing
field for businesses and industries. This encourages the development of cleaner
technologies, products and services, as companies strive to meet the standards
and gain a competitive advantage. Standards can spur research and
development, leading to technological advancement that contribute to pollution
reduction and sustainable practices.
2.4. Compliance and Enforcement Challenges
• One critical challenge with standards is ensuring compliance and effective
enforcement. Without proper monitoring, penalties and oversight, standards may
not achieve their intended outcomes. Weak enforcement mechanisms can
undermine the effectiveness of standards, allowing polluters to evade
compliance and continue harmful practices. It is vital to have robust monitoring
systems and regulatory bodies to ensure that standards are followed and
violations are appropriately addressed.
2.5. Economic Implications

The implementation of standards can have economic implications, particularly for

industries that rely on polluting practices or technologies. Transitioning to cleaner
 alternatives may require significant investments, which can pose challenges,
especially for small businesses and developing economies. It is important to
consider the long-term economic benefits of pollution control, e.g. improved public
health, reduced health care costs, and the potential for green job creation and
sustainable economic growth.

In conclusion, while standards may limit the freedom of sources to pollute, their role in
controlling pollution and protecting the environment cannot be overstated. They provide a
necessary framework for regulating activities, promoting innovation, and safeguarding
public health.

3. Subsidies are government financial support given to industries, businesses, or

consumers to promote specific activities or outcomes, while transfer payments made
to individuals or households to address social or economic needs. Subsidies aim
incentivize certain behaviour or foster economic growth, while transfer payments are
intended to provide social welfare or income redistribution.
3.1. Purpose
Subsidies
• Subsidies are financial assistance provided by the government to promote certain
activities that are considered important for overall economic development or
public welfare. They often used to support specific sectors e.g. agriculture,
renewable energy, education or health care. The goal of subsidies is to encourage
or incentivize desired behaviour or outcomes by the cost burden for the recipient.

Transfer Payments

• Transfer payments, on the other hand, are direct payments made by the
government to individuals or households to address social or economic needs.
These payments are typically intended to assist individuals who are in need or to
redistribute income and reduce inequalities. For example, they include social
security benefits, welfare payments, unemployment benefits and pensions.

3.2. Recipients

Subsidies

• Subsidies are typically provided to specific industries, businesses or

organizations. For example, agricultural subsidies may be given to farmers to
support their production or income, while renewable energy subsidies are aimed
at promoting the use of clean sources. Subsidies can be also given to consumers
 to make certain goods or services more affordable, e.g. housing subsidies or
subsidies for public transportation.

Transfer Payments

• Transfer payments are directly provided to individuals or households. They often

means tested, meaning that eligibility and the amount received are based on the
recipient’s income level, assets or specific circumstances. Transfer payments
aim to assist those who may be disadvantaged, unemployed, elderly, disabled, or
facing financial hardships.

3.3. Implementation

Subsidies

• Subsidies are typically provided through various mechanisms e.g. tax breaks,
grants, low interest loans, price supports or direct financial assistance. The
government set specific criteria and conditions for eligibility, and recipients are
required to meet certain requirements or fulfil specific obligations.

Transfer Payments

• Transfer payments are usually distributed through government

programs/agencies. Eligibility criteria are established based on factors e.g.
income, age, disability, or employment status. The payments are often recurring
and provided on regular basis, e.g. monthly welfare payments or quarterly
pension disbursements.

4. Sustainable development refers to the concept of meeting the needs of the present
generation without compromising the ability of future generation to meet their own
needs. Here are several different approaches to achieving sustainable development:
4.1. Environmental Sustainability
• This approach focuses on protecting and preserving the natural environment and
its resources. It emphasizes the conservation of ecosystem, biodiversity and the
reduction of pollution and waste. Environmental sustainability recognizes the
interdependence between human well-being and a healthy environment and
seeks to ensure that development activities do not harm or deplete natural
resources beyond their regenerative capacity.

4.2. Social Sustainability

 • Social sustainability emphasizes the well-being and equity of people, both with
the current generation and across generations. It prioritizes social justice, human
rights, and equal access to resources, opportunities, and services. Socially
sustainable development seeks to address poverty, inequality, and exclusion, and
ensure that all individuals have a decent standard of living, access to education,
health care and basic services.

4.3. Economic Sustainability

• This approach focuses on fostering economic growth and development that is

financially viable and does not deplete resources or degradation. It promotes
responsible resource management, efficient use of energy and materials, and the
adoption of green technologies. Economic sustainability seeks to balance
economic prosperity with environmental and social considerations, recognizing
that long-term economic stability depends on the health of the environment and
the well-being of society.

It is important to note that these approaches are not mutually exclusive, and they often
intersect and complement each other. Achieving sustainable development requires a
holistic approach that integrates environmental, social, and economic considerations into
decision-making processes at all levels, from local to global.