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Environmental systems are in constant flux, with feedbacks and non-linearities catalysed by natural trends and shocks as well as human actions. This poses challenges for sustainable management to promote human well-being. It requires environmental understanding and application that can accommodate such fluxes and pressures, as well as knowledge production systems and institutions that produce graduates with appropriate skills. In this article we consider these challenges in the South African context. Firstly, we summarise six significant environmental realisations from the last decade of environmental science internationally and question what they mean for the teaching of environmental science and research into environmental systems in South Africa in the near future. We then consider these lessons within the context of a horizon scan of near-term pressing environmental issues in South Africa. These include wateruse efficiency, poverty, food security, inequities in land and resource access, urbanisation, agrochemicals and water quality, promoting human well-being and economic adaptability in the face of climate change, and imbuing stronger environmental elements and stewardship into the integrated development planning processes and outcomes. Lastly, we consider the knowledge areas and skills that environmental graduates will require to be able to confront these problems in South Africa and simultaneously contribute to international debates and understandings around the complexity of environmental systems and how to manage them.

This study investigated Zambian importation, distribution and use of agricultural pesticides. Data was collected by interviews, questionnaires and direct observation at international, national, warehouse and user levels. A wide range of pesticides is available. Imports and distribution are controlled by a few multinational companies (MNC's). No government control exists on types or amounts imported, and on distribution, packaging or labelling. Safety information is virtually non-existent. Some Zambianused pesticides are under restriction in the West. The total amount used seems to be increasing. Harmful health effects have been observed. The number of involved MNC's appears to be increasing.The largest amount of imported pesticides is used by government in large scale medical and agricultural control schemes. In agriculture, large-scale farmers use most pesticides, but small-scale farmers are now beginning to use greater amounts and more types.Most MNC's see this latter sector as a large future market. Most fanners get pesticide information only from MNC's. By comparison, the Extension Service is inadequate. Consequently, the authors suggest that the following are needed: A broad based Zambian advisory committee on pesticides; government legislation of importation, distribution, packaging, labelling and safety; and Extension Service expansion.

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