Despite Johannesburg's reputation of being South Africa’s wealthiest city, pockets of poverty and environmental degradation persist. In the past, the city has developed strategies to deal with these, but significant challenges still remain. The council is one of two metropolitan councils identified as needing assistance in establishing viable local government under Project Consolidate. Environmental concerns have generally enjoyed a low profile in Johannesburg until very recently.

Institutionally environmental planning, planning and environmental health are split across Directorates and Portfolio Committees making integrated sustainable development planning harder to achieve. There is, however, a general increase in interest in the strategic importance of UEM issues in Johannesburg that is being driven by the leadership of both officials and politicians. Johannesburg City Council has selected to focus on environmental health and planning and has indicated a future preference for a focus on energy.

The city has the following priorities in the Programme:

The implementation of the Human Development Agenda project will facilitate a better quality of life for specifically the poor woman in the city. This project focuses on environmental design and safety and security for women on public transport and in public spaces. Strategic, responsive and accountable UEM in City Development Strategy is encouraged.

The development of a city energy strategy is considered by all relevant departments including transport, electricity, housing and environment.

Training and capacity development of Environmental Health Officers (EHO) but also training of city hawkers and ward committees is the focus. An emphasis on good governance in Environmental Health is important here.

Air Quality:

The city is establishing a pilot project of smokeless imbawulas in townships which will diminish indoor air pollution and result in a substantial improvement in the health of people.