Question 1
Holistic Environment (5): The environment as a whole. Not just that around you- but
that which is all around everyone. Global Environment- the effects chopping down a
rainforest will have on the rest of the world, Physical environment – that which is immediately
around us, Cultural environment – what your culture is as does to influence the world,
internal environment – what WE feel and think, political environment- ideology, freedom and
equality, and social environment- how people relate to one another. Destroy one of these,
and we will have no future, as this is what we strive and live on. Page 35
Environmental education (4): Environmental education deals with education, creating
positive attitudes towards the environment. It is concerned with actions taken or skills
learned to prevent environmental problems. The International Union for the Conservation of
Natural Resources definition reads “Environmental education is a process during which
values are discovered and concepts explained in order to develop skills and attitudes
pertaining to an appreciation of the relationship between man, his culture and his biophysical
environment. Environmental education also includes the practice of decision making and the
formulation of a personal code of conduct on matters affecting the quality of the
environment.” – environmental education- values and concepts which are taught and
explained in order for everyone to understand the importance of the environment, and how
to keep their environment safe and clean. Page 39
Sustainable development (2): Development that takes place in such a way that it
does not compromise the needs of future generations Page 13
Ecosystem (2): an ecosystem is a complex set of relationships among the living
resources, habitats, and residents of an area. It includes plants, trees, animals, fish, birds,
microorganisms, water, soil and people. Page 44-45 SG
Pages 51 - 56
Biodiversity (2): The variety among living organisms and the ecological communities they
inhabit. It describes the variety of life in an area, including the number of different species,
the genetic wealth within each species, the interrelationships between them, and the natural
areas where they occur. Biodiversity is often defined as the variety among living organisms
and the ecological communities they inhabit More than 1.4 million different species have
been discovered on planet earth. SA has the third highest level on diversity in the world.
Many species are disappearing as a result of *loss of habitat *pollution of soil, water and air *
industrial agriculture + forestry * alien species * wildlife trade * poaching + hunting *
government policies (encouraging urban development + agriculture) All living things depend
on each othe
Overpopulation (2): Having too many people living in an area or city. It is estimated that
the world population will increase to 10 billion before stabilizing. Too many people put strain
on the environment because they need food, shelter and clothing. Destruction of the natural
environment, poverty and famine are serious problems in many countries. Biggest challenge
is eliminating poverty. WSSD met in 2002 and richer countries pledged to halving the
number of people without drinking water and sanitization by 2015. This is an excessive