Social And Environmental Responsibility Flashcards
(12 cards)
Define the term “climate change” and state TWO activities that can contribute
to it.
Climate change is the gradual increase in the overall temperature of the earth’s atmosphere
which results in regular change in temperatures and weather patterns.
• burning of coal/fossil fuels/gas/poisonous substances
• deforestation
• increase in livestock farming
• using fertilisers that contain nitrogen
Discuss FOUR negative effects that climate change could have on the
wellbeing of communities.
• Rising temperatures can lead to an increase in heat-related illnesses such as heatstroke and dehydration. It can also lead to respiratory problems like asthma and cardiovascular disease.
• Extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, fires, gale-force winds can result in the loss of lives, displacement of populations, destruction of infrastructure, and disruption of essential services
• Changes in temperature and precipitation patterns can affect agricultural productivity leading to crop failures, reduced yields, high food prices,malnutrition.
• Climate change can exacerbate water scarcity in many regions through changes in precipitation patterns which leads to competition for water resources, conflicts over water, and reduced access to clean drinking
water for communities.
Evaluate TWO strategies that South African citizens might consider to alleviate the impacts of climate change within the country.
• South Africans can promote renewable energy sources by installing solar panels, which will reduce fossil fuels and decrease carbon emissions however, the initial cost of installing solar panels may prohibit many citizens
of utilising this option especially those in low-income communities, which could widen the socio-economic gap in access to clean energy solutions
• Citizens can implement water conservation practices such as rainwater harvesting and efficient irrigation techniques that can help mitigate the impacts of water scarcity caused by climate change, yet water conservation efforts may face challenges due to inadequate infrastructure and water management practices in some areas that may not address
the growing water stress that is worsened by climate change.
Define the term ‘pollution’ and provide TWO types of pollution.
Pollution is the action or process of making land, water, air dirty and unsuitable for human and animal use.
Water pollution, Air pollution, Noise pollution, Land pollution
Discuss the causes of the THREE main types of pollution.
Land pollution
Pollution is caused by people producing excessive waste which is dumped anywhere, this waste is non-degradable or takes time to breakdown
Air-pollution
It is caused by toxic waste released to the atmosphere, as industries release toxins that contaminate the atmosphere.
Water pollution
They spoil our water resources by spilling dangerous substances in our waters, rivers and dams; like oil spills from ship vessels could contaminate the ocean.
Dumping is increasingly becoming a serious problem in South Africa critically evaluate, at least, TWO factors that lead to this problem.
Inefficiencies of local municipalities
Municipalities seem lacking in skills to do proper waste management in their area of jurisdiction. This leads to unnecessary dumping and spoilage of the landscape. Moreover, municipalities in SA cannot control waste disposal as there is laxity and no recourse.
Industrialization
Companies produce and dump waste anywhere. This dumping of large quantities of waste spoils the environment in bigger proportions. Moreover, such waste is dangerous to the health of those staying in the precinct of the industry and causes
ill health
Suggest FOUR strategies that Local municipalities could consider to
control dumping in community areas.
Make enforceable by-laws on dumping
Apprehend and prosecute perpetrators
Run a campaign on environmental health
Provide adequate refuse removal services
List FOUR (4) effects of climate change that influence food production in Africa
People will have less access to food.
Health of people will decline.
People will suffer financial difficulties.
Farming land will be lost.
Explain how farming land can be lost due to climate change.
When climate change results in floods, arable land rich with needed agricultural nutrients are washed away, leading to the scarcity of food in the market
When there is no rain due to climate change, the land could be too dry for agricultural purposes If that happens, agricultural yields are affected and there would be less food in the market.
Illustrate in THREE ways, how these conditions, caused by climate change may affect peoples’ way of living
If less food is produced, prices will go up and people will need to pay more for their basic food stocks.
If ploughing is done on affected land, the yields will be affected leading to wastages.
The infrastructure that could be affected by turbulent weather patterns could cost a
lot to repair. Too much rain will cause floods that will result in loss of lives and property
Suggests THREE practical strategies which the citizens can contribute to reduce
Climate change
Drive efficiently – go easy on the gas and breaks, along with using cruise control and regularly servicing your car to make sure that it’s running more efficiently.
Turn off lights and appliances when you are not using them. Unplug if possible, to reduce even more energy.
Replace lights with LED lights since they use up to 85% less energy and last up to 25% longer
Explain how these conditions of climate change will negatively affect peoples’
health
Climate change may affect food production and crops ‘turnover may suffer leading to losses in income with resultant effect that farmers may be affected in
various ways
When food prices rise as a result of depleted food stocks people tend to each cheaper food and that has a potential to affect their lives
