Section 2 – Setting the Scene

This section establishes the global and local context for the circular economy by linking concepts such as planetary boundaries, ecological footprints, and South Africa’s socio-economic vulnerabilities. It highlights the environmental and social pressures facing our planet and shows why continuing with a business-as-usual approach is no longer viable. 

Learning Objectives 

• By the end of this section, learners will be able to: 
• Explain Earth as a system and describe how natural cycles support life. 
• Identify the environmental and socio-economic pressures that are placing the planet under strain. 
• Describe the global response to these challenges and understand the roles of key frameworks such as Sustainability, the Green Economy, and the Circular Economy. 
• Connect global insights to South Africa’s journey toward a just and regenerative future and explain why the country urgently needs circular solutions.