1. Identify the three natural resources which, according to the text, are not utilised in a sustainable way, and describe their meanings:

2. Why do half of South Africa’s population rely on fuel-wood as a source of energy?

3. Explain the following:

Synthetic fuel

Global warming

Sustainability

Human-induced climate change

A major environmental problem is the fact that an estimated half of South Africa’s population currently still rely on the non-sustainable use of fuel-wood for their energy requirements. If current consumption rates continue, all natural woodlands in the former ‘homeland’ areas could be denuded by 2020.

Although nuclear power does enjoy some support, electricity generated at the Koeberg power station is more expensive that other power in the national network.

Moreover, a number of major environmental and social problems relating to the disposal of dangerous nuclear waste have not yet been solved.

1. Discuss the following statement:

More emphasis should be given to the provision of efficient and accessible public transport, while there should be incentives for making less use of private transport.

Key words: air pollution, fuel consumption (wastage and conservation), maintenance of roads; environmental destruction.

2. Discuss the following statement:

Solar-powered geysers should be made compulsory.

Explain what you understand under solar heating.

How does solar heating work?

For what purpose can solar heating be applied?

Is it less or more expensive than electricity?

W ater

All life on Earth depends on water. South Africa is an arid country and water is the most important factor limiting future development. Yet the productivity and diversity of this country’s vital fresh water systems were allowed to deteriorate, or even to be destroyed.

Reasons for the above include unwise aforrestation, agricultural development, industrial and municipal pollution, urbanisation, the introduction of alien species, and the clearing of natural vegetation.

While the water supply in most formal urban areas is of high quality and effective water-borne sewerage systems are the norm, many people in both rural and informal settlements do not have adequate access to water. Where water is available, the poor quality often causes serious health problems.

Most South African rivers are impounded or regulated at one or more points along their length, radically altering their ecological status. So much water is now extracted from previously perennial rivers, such as the Letaba and Levuvhu (supplying water to the Kruger National Park), that they have ceased to flow for long periods, despite good rains.

The demand for water is still increasing exponentially and it is estimated that huge parts of South Africa will experience a permanent drought somewhere between 2002 and 2040. It is obvious that water conservation measures must be implemented in all spheres of life as a matter of urgency.

1. Plan an efficient advertising campaign to inform the public about the necessity of water conservation and the sustainable use of water.

First decide on what kind of people you are going to target (rural or urban people; any other specific groups?).

Decide which media you are going to use (radio, TV, magazines, newspapers, posters, a play, poems, songs, a calendar, etc.)

When you have clarity on the above, you can decide on the content (of the text of copy which you are going to write) and visual material or costumes and props (which you might also like to make yourself) to bring the message across.

2. Plan an educational programme to make learners in grade 1 aware of the need for water conservation. If possible, implement the programme yourselves, or pass it on to learners in other classes or schools, and write a report to evaluate their efforts.

Wetlands play an important role in maintaining biodiversity. These systems also serve as an important source of water for many rural communities. However, many wetlands have been reclaimed or affected by drainage programmes for agricultural crops, the production of wood, or by filling up the area for roads and houses.

Wetlands play an important role in maintaining biodiversity. These systems are also an important water source for many rural communities. Despite this many wetlands are drained or disturbed by drainage programmes relating to agricultural crops, wood production and reclaiming land for roads and houses.

1. What is a wetland? See how much you can find out.

2. Why is it important to protect wetlands?