Green Economy Journal Issue 62

SKILLS
Higher education
institutions must take
THE SUSTAINABILITY
LEAD
in 2024
Environmental and water sustainability are among the most pressing challenges of our
time. Access to quality water in SA has reached critical levels.* While Government must act
decisively to turn around this state of affairs, higher education institutions must harness all
available resources to address this dire situation.
impacts of climate change, pollution, overexploitation
and degradation of natural resources threaten the wellbeing
of current and future generations. To address
“The
these issues, we need not only technological innovations but also
social and cultural transformations that foster a more sustainable
and equitable world,” says Louise Wiseman, managing director
at The Independent Institute of Education’s Varsity College, IIE
MSA and Vega.
“Higher education institutions (HEIs) have a vital role and duty
in ensuring environmental and water sustainability. They are the
places where knowledge is created, disseminated and applied to
solve real-world problems. They are also the places where future
leaders, professionals and citizens are educated and empowered
to take action for a better future,” she adds.
At IIE MSA, several initiatives have been put in motion to contribute
to the building of capacity to address water challenges in South Africa.
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