Section B: Case study – (compulsory) [50 MARKS] Refer to the following article and answer the questions that follow: Wright, C.Y., Mathee, A., Kapwata, T. and Street, R., 2024. The impact of rolling blackouts on environmental health in South Africa. Journal of Health and Pollution, 14(1), pp. 1–12. Available at: University of Pretoria Research Repository [Accessed 10 October 2026]. doi:10.1289/JHP1090. Question 1 [10] With reference to the article The Impact of Rolling Blackouts on Environmental Health in South Africa, analyse the environmental, social and economic consequences of load shedding in South Africa. Your answer must demonstrate how disruptions to electricity supply can affect environmental quality, human well-being and the operations of businesses. (5

Environmental Consequences:
Disruptions to electricity supply lead to increased reliance on alternative energy sources such as diesel generators, paraffin, and coal fires. This results in elevated air pollution due to the emission of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide, contributing to respiratory illnesses. Furthermore, power outages can disrupt water and wastewater treatment plants, leading to the discharge of untreated sewage into rivers and oceans, thereby polluting water sources and impacting aquatic ecosystems. Improper waste management can also occur if facilities lack consistent power, leading to environmental contamination.

Social Consequences (Human Well-being):
Load shedding severely impacts human well-being. Health facilities face challenges in maintaining critical equipment, sterilizing instruments, and ensuring cold chain integrity for medicines and vaccines, potentially compromising patient care. Food safety is jeopardized due to refrigeration failures, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Access to clean water can be interrupted, affecting hygiene and health. The use of alternative lighting and heating sources, such as candles and paraffin stoves, increases the risk of fires and indoor air pollution, leading to burns and respiratory problems. Mental health is also affected by the stress, anxiety, and disruption to daily routines caused by unpredictable power cuts. Education is hampered as students struggle to study and schools face operational difficulties.

Economic Consequences (Business Operations):
Businesses across all sectors suffer significant economic losses. Manufacturing and industrial operations experience production halts, equipment damage from power surges, and increased operational costs due to generator fuel. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are particularly vulnerable, often lacking the resources for backup power, leading to reduced productivity, loss of perishable stock, and decreased profitability. The retail and hospitality sectors face disruptions in service delivery, loss of customers, and damage to reputation. Overall, load shedding deters investment, leads to job losses, and hinders economic growth, contributing to a decline in national productivity and competitiveness.