The Studies in Poverty and Inequality Institute (SPII) is an independent research think tank that focuses on generating new knowledge, information and analysis in the field of poverty and inequality studies. This working paper has been undertaken as part of the Monitoring the Socio-Economic Rights Monitoring Tool Project conducted by SPII in partnership with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). Through a combination of policy and budget analysis and statistical indicators, the objective of the project is to provide a comprehensive constitutional and human rights based framework and set of tools to monitor the progressive realisation of socio-economic rights. It is hoped that this project will be a useful tool for policy makers, for those that exercise oversight over the executive, including Parliament and the Chapter Nine institutions (particularly the SAHRC), and civil society. This paper in particular seeks to influence discussion and debate in relation to the fulfilment of Section 24 of the South African Constitution: the right to a healthy environment.