The Natural, Built, and Socio-Economic Environments are described under distinct themes, each of which have highlighted specific ISSUES pertaining to the State of the Environment for the Cape Metropolitan Area.

Environment Theme Issues   Air Quality Frequency and intensity of air pollution events Potential for health risks due to air pollution Water Health of rivers, vleis and wetlands Water demand for industrial, residential and commercial use Soil Loss of soils and agricultural potential due to urban expansion and sprawl Loss of soils due to the mining of minerals, sand and clay Biota State of habitat and biodiversity of terrestrial ecosystems Alteration of marine and coastal habitats and the increased exploitation of resources Discharge of industrial and domestic wastewater effluent into the sea Environment Theme Issues Urbanisation Need for housing for low- and middle-income residents   Urban sprawl   Urban structure   Metropolitan Open Space Infrastructure Provision of basic services and infrastructure Transportation Private vehicle usage resulting in traffic congestion   Inadequate public transport services   Need to expand metropolitan airport and harbours to meet growing demand   Traffic safety Energy Continued use of wood and paraffin fuels by a large sector of the population   Location of the Koeberg nuclear power station within the CMA   Demand for energy Waste Need for an integrated waste management strategy for the CMA   Licensing and safe operation of solid waste disposal facilities   The safe transport and disposal of hazardous wastes   The safe transport and disposal of medical wastes   The management and reduction of litter and illegal dumping Environment Theme Issues Economy Realising the potential for global competitiveness and economic growth   Growing need for jobs in the formal economy   Reducing levels of poverty Environmental Health Health problems resulting from inadequate provision and access to basic infrastructure and services   Health risks resulting from air and water pollution   Potential health risks associated with food production Education The need to improve access to education opportunities to ensure appropriate skills development Safety and Security Incidence of crime Environmental Governance The effectiveness of the environmental management function in local government [ SoE Home |  Sources | Contextual  Info | Indicators | Responses | Glossary ]