TOPIC 1:
ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE - PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE
Introduction
This topic explores environmental changes over
time, focusing on both global and local contexts. It includes historical
shifts, current issues, and projections for the future, with particular
emphasis on Papua New Guinea.
Summary
- Lesson 1: Types of Changes in Papua New Guinea
- Natural Changes:
Includes volcanic activity, tectonic movements, and climatic shifts.
- Human-Induced Changes:
Examines deforestation, land conversion for agriculture, and
urbanization. Discusses the impact of logging and mining on biodiversity
and ecosystems.
- Lesson 2: Global Warming
- Causes: Greenhouse gas emissions
from fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial activities.
- Effects: Rising temperatures,
melting ice caps, and sea level rise. Impacts on weather patterns,
ecosystems, and human societies.
- Implications:
Potential for increased natural disasters, shifts in biodiversity, and
challenges to food and water security.
- Lesson 3: El Niño and La Niña
- El Niño: Characterized by warmer
ocean temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific, leading to altered
weather patterns.
- La Niña: Opposite of El Niño,
with cooler ocean temperatures and different climatic effects.
- Global and Regional Effects:
Impact on precipitation patterns, agriculture, and weather extremes.
- Lesson 4: Case Study: El Niño in Papua New Guinea
- Impact Analysis:
Effects on agriculture, water resources, and health. Examines historical
data and recent El Niño events.
- Economic and Social Impacts:
Includes crop failures, increased disease prevalence, and economic
challenges.
TOPIC 2:
THE WAYS IN WHICH PEOPLE CHANGE AND INFLUENCE THEIR ENVIRONMENT
Introduction
This topic focuses on how human activities
have altered and influenced the environment. It includes both intentional and
unintentional impacts, with specific examples from different regions.
Summary
- Lesson 5: Overpopulation and Land Use
- Impact on Land:
Leads to increased deforestation, urban sprawl, and habitat loss.
- Consequences:
Strain on natural resources, loss of biodiversity, and increased
pollution.
- Lesson 6: Introduction of New Plants and Animals
- Consequences: Can
lead to invasive species that outcompete native species, disrupt
ecosystems, and cause economic damage.
- Examples: Introduction of European
rabbits to Australia and its impact on local flora and fauna.
- Lesson 7: Endangered and Threatened Species
- Factors: Habitat destruction,
poaching, climate change, and pollution.
- Conservation Needs:
Strategies include habitat protection, anti-poaching laws, and breeding
programs.
- Lesson 8: Deforestation
- Causes: Agricultural expansion,
logging, and infrastructure development.
- Consequences:
Loss of biodiversity, disruption of water cycles, and contribution to
climate change.
- Global Impact:
Effects on tropical rainforests and the broader climate system.
TOPIC 3:
LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Introduction
This topic explores specific environmental
issues at the local level, emphasizing various forms of pollution and their impacts.
Summary
- Lesson 9: Pollution of River Systems
- Causes: Industrial discharge,
agricultural runoff, and untreated sewage.
- Effects: Water quality
degradation, impacts on aquatic life, and health risks for communities.
- Case Studies:
Examples of polluted river systems and their remediation efforts.
- Lesson 10: Marine Pollution
- Sources: Plastic waste, oil
spills, and chemical runoff.
- Consequences:
Harm to marine life, disruption of marine ecosystems, and impacts on
human health and economies.
- Lesson 11: Industrial Pollution
- Types: Air pollution from
emissions, water pollution from effluents, and soil contamination from
hazardous waste.
- Impact: Health risks,
environmental damage, and the need for regulation and remediation.
TOPIC 4:
CONSERVATION AND THE PRESERVATION OF THE ENVIRONMENT
Introduction
This topic focuses on conservation efforts and
the importance of preserving the environment. It includes strategies for
maintaining ecological balance and restoring damaged ecosystems.
Summary
- Lesson 12: Conservation of the Environment
- Strategies:
Protected areas, sustainable resource use, and community involvement.
- Importance:
Ensures the long-term health of ecosystems and the services they provide.
- Lesson 13: The Green Revolution
- Impact: Increased agricultural
productivity through technology and improved practices.
- Benefits and Challenges:
Includes higher yields and reduced hunger but also environmental concerns
like soil degradation and pesticide use.
- Lesson 14: Conservation in Papua New Guinea
- Efforts: Includes community-based
conservation, traditional knowledge integration, and national policies.
- Challenges:
Balancing development with environmental protection, addressing
deforestation, and managing marine resources.
- Lesson 15: Environmental Repair and Protection
- Methods: Restoration projects,
pollution control measures, and sustainable practices.
- Focus Areas:
Includes reforestation, wetland restoration, and pollution cleanup.
- Lesson 16: Case Study: Conservation in Papua New Guinea
- Detailed Analysis:
Examines a specific conservation project, its objectives, outcomes, and
challenges faced.
- Successes and Lessons Learned:
Provides insights into effective conservation strategies and areas for
improvement.
Comments