Environmental Literacy and Sustainability

Welcome to Section 2. In this section, we will be looking at Environmental Literacy and Sustainability. We will examine the relationship between humans and the physical environment and how this relationship promotes sustainable development.

Can you imagine a world where clean air, fresh water, and healthy forests are available for everyone today and for future generations? This dream can only come true if humans and the environment work together like best friends. In Ghana, our beautiful lands, rivers, and wildlife provide us with food, shelter, and jobs, but we must treat them carefully. Unfortunately, in Ghana, the rate at which we destroy our physical environment is bad, causing many challenges for the current generation and the future.

When we learn how to protect nature while using its resources wisely, we can preserve it for our generation and the next. So, how can we build this strong friendship with our environment?

KEY IDEAS

• The physical environment refers to everything around us that is part of the natural world.

• Environmental sustainability means protecting natural resources, such as water, air, and forests, to ensure their availability for future generations.

• Sustainable development is a way of meeting our present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

• Educating people about the importance of protecting the environment and the harmful effects of certain activities can lead to more responsible behaviour.

• Humans depend heavily on the physical environment for their survival.

The Concept of The Physical Environment

The physical environment refers to everything around us that is part of the natural world. It includes land, air, water, plants, animals, and all living and non-living things.

It also includes man-made structures, like buildings, roads, and parks, which impact how we live and interact with nature (see figure 2.1). Understanding the physical environment helps us learn how humans and nature affect each other and how we can protect and care for our planet.

Figure 2.1: A picture of the physical environment Sustainable Development Sustainable development involves managing natural resources responsibly to meet today’s needs while preserving them for future generations. It is about creating a world where people can live well today without harming the future. It means caring for the planet, growing the economy, and ensuring everyone can access basic needs like education, health, and equality. By balancing these three goals, namely, environment, economy, and society, we can build a future where people and nature can succeed.

The Relationship Between Humans and The

Physical Environment

The relationship between humans and the physical environment is essential for understanding how people interact with nature. In Ghana, this interaction is seen in various ways, ranging from dependence on natural resources to modifying the environment and dealing with its challenges. There are several ways by which humans interact with the environment. See figure 2.2

1. Humans depend on the environment for essential resources like food, water, and materials. Agriculture is a major activity in Ghana, with people relying on fertile soils and water bodies to grow crops such as cocoa, maize, and yams. For example, the Volta River supports farming and fishing while providing energy through the Akosombo Dam, which generates electricity for homes and industries. These resources are critical for livelihoods and national development.

2. Humans adapt to the physical environment to meet their needs and live comfortably.

In Ghana’s dry and hot northern regions, houses are built with mud to maintain cool temperatures. Along the coast, fishing communities adapt by crafting boats and nets suited to the local marine environment. These adaptations show how humans adjust their way of life to suit their conditions.

3. Humans modify the environment to make it more suitable for their activities, though this can have positive and negative consequences. For example, forests have been cleared in Ghana’s Ashanti Region to create space for cocoa plantations.

While this supports the economy and provides jobs, it also leads to deforestation and loss of biodiversity. Modifications like these highlight the need to carefully balance economic activities with environmental conservation.

4. Human activities sometimes harm the environment, creating challenges. In Ghana, illegal mining, locally known as “galamsey,” has caused severe environmental damage in areas like the Western Region. Rivers are polluted, and fertile lands are destroyed, making it difficult for local communities to farm or access clean water. This shows how unsustainable practices can lead to long-term problems for humans and the environment.

5. The environment can also risk human life and activities, requiring preparation and resilience. For example, flooding during heavy rains in our major cities like Accra, Kumasi and Takoradi often disrupts daily life, damages property, and leads to the loss of lives. Similarly, droughts in northern Ghana affect crop yields, leading to food insecurity. These events highlight the need for disaster management and climate adaptation strategies.

6. The cultural connection between humans and the environment is significant. In Ghana, some natural sites are considered sacred and play a role in spiritual and cultural practices. For example, the Tano Sacred Grove in the Brong-Ahafo Region is a religious site that helps conserve biodiversity. These cultural ties influence how people perceive and interact with the environment, promoting its protection in many cases.

Fig.2.2: A picture shows humans’ relationships and the physical environment The Relationship Between Humans and The Physical Environment and How They Promote Sustainable Development Humans rely completely on the physical environment for essential life-sustaining services such as clean air, fresh water, a stable climate, and food. These resources are vital for our health and survival. However, our activities increasingly harm the environment, putting nature at risk and threatening our survival. Therefore, developing a sustainable relationship with the physical environment is important to ensure we can continue to benefit from its resources for future generations.

A. The Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3-R) approach This is a fundamental strategy for promoting the sustainable use of our physical environment. This method encourages us to make thoughtful decisions about using resources, particularly non-renewable or difficult to replenish.

i. Reduce Reducing involves using fewer resources daily to minimise waste and lessen environmental impact. One effective way is through mindful purchasing

- questioning whether you truly need an item before buying helps avoid unnecessary purchases and curb impulse buying. Choosing products with minimal packaging is another strategy, as it reduces waste and conserves materials used for packaging. Additionally, conserving energy by turning off lights when leaving a room, unplugging unused chargers, and opting for energy- efficient appliances can lead to significant energy savings over time. Small, deliberate actions collectively make a meaningful difference.

ii. Reuse Reusing is a practical way to conserve the environment by giving items a second life instead of dumping them (see figure 2.3). It helps reduce waste, conserve resources, and minimise pollution. Simple habits like reusable shopping bags, water bottles, and food containers can significantly reduce single-use plastics.

Turning items, such as glass jars, into storage containers or old clothes into cleaning rags reduces the need to buy new products, saving energy and materials required for manufacturing. Integrating reuse into our daily routines can reduce the strain on natural resources and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Figure 2.3: Pictures showing Reuse

iii. Recycle Recycling is a vital process that helps conserve the environment by turning waste materials into new products, reducing the need for raw resources and minimising landfill waste. Recycling materials like paper, plastic, glass, and metal saves energy, reduces pollution, and decreases greenhouse gas emissions.

We can do this by properly sorting recyclables, supporting recycling programs, and purchasing products made from recycled materials. Recycling does not only preserve natural resources but also plays a key role in building a sustainable and circular economy. See figure 2.4

Figure 2.4: Pictures of recycling process B. Promoting Environmental Education and Awareness Environmental education is key in helping people understand the importance of the environment, the threats it faces, and how to address them (see figure 2.5). In Ghana, for example, education can highlight the importance of clean water sources like the Volta River and the need to protect forests such as Atiwa from deforestation.

Learning about the harmful effects of pollution, such as plastic waste in cities like Accra, can inspire individuals to adopt sustainable practices, like recycling or tree planting initiatives. By understanding these issues, we can make informed choices to protect the environment and ensure a sustainable future.

Fig 2.5: Environmental Education and Awareness

C. Avoiding Over-Utilisation of the Physical Environment

To protect the environment, it’s important not to overuse natural resources so they can regenerate faster than we consume them. In Ghana, over-utilising resources like water, forests, and minerals can lead to problems like deforestation, water shortages, and soil erosion. For example, illegal logging in forests like the Ankasa forests has caused damage to ecosystems and endangered wildlife. Over-exploitation of fossil fuels also contributes to pollution. To help, you can join local community programs like tree planting in Accra or participate in clean-up campaigns along the beaches in Takoradi. These actions can protect natural resources, reduce waste, and encourage everyone to take environmental responsibility.

D. Promoting the Use of Public Transport Instead of Individual Cars Encouraging public transport like buses, boats, and trains is essential for creating a cleaner and more sustainable environment. Public transport helps reduce the number of vehicles on the road. Fewer cars mean less traffic congestion, which leads to lower greenhouse gas emissions and cleaner air. We can help combat air pollution and its harmful emissions by choosing public transport. Using public transport can also be more economical as their fares are cheaper. See figure 2.6.

Figure 2.6: Public transport E. Supporting Green Initiatives Supporting green initiatives means taking steps to protect the environment and promote sustainability. In Ghana, you can join clean-up campaigns like the “National Sanitation Day” to help remove waste from streets, beaches, and rivers.

Taking part in tree-planting activities, such as the “Green Ghana Day”, those in your communities can improve air quality, provide shade, and create homes for wildlife. Also, creating small gardens at home, schools, or community spaces can support biodiversity by offering food and shelter for local plants and animals (see

figure 2.7). Learning about issues like deforestation in the Atiwa Forest or plastic pollution in Accra can help you share knowledge with others and encourage them to take action. Together, these small efforts can make a big difference.

Figure 2.7: People planting trees F. Supporting businesses prioritising eco-friendly practices is a powerful way to contribute to environmental sustainability.

When you shop, consider supporting companies that prioritise sustainable practices. For example, businesses like Kantanka Automobile, which produces eco-friendly cars, focus on using renewable materials and reducing emissions (see figure 2.8). You can also choose products from companies that sustainably source materials and support fair labour practices. Also, look for companies that use solar energy and have invested in solar power to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

By supporting these green businesses, you encourage more companies to follow sustainable practices, helping reduce waste, promote clean energy, and protect the environment in Ghana.

Figure 2.8: Kantaka Automobile

Now, let us explore further with some activities!

Activity 2.1

Essay Challenge

Topic: Why is the physical environment important to modern Ghanaians?

1. In groups, look for reference materials from the library, the internet or the environmental office in your community. The materials can be articles, videos, and newspapers.

2. While reading the reference materials on the physical environment, focus on the following:

a. What constitutes the physical environment?

b. The resources produced by the physical environment

c. How the resource produced by the physical environment contributes to development

d. Write examples of some of the developments in Ghana that are directly related to the physical environment. (e.g. Housing, manufacturing, ornaments etc.)

3. Write your points or findings on a sheet of paper.

4. Discuss your points with your group members.

5. Compare your points with your friends to ensure you are on the right path.

6. Put your points together in essay form.

7. Present your essay to your class.

8. Write down the comments from the other group and compare them with your points.

9. After the presentation, ask yourself the following questions

a. Did I explain the physical environment?

b. Was I able to explain the importance of the physical environment?

c. What have l learnt today?

d. How will this help me in my daily life

e. How can I protect the physical environment

Activity 2.2

Case Study: The Gold Mining Industry in Obuasi, Ghana Read the Case Study Obuasi, located in the Ashanti Region of Ghana, is a major hub for gold mining.

Mining has contributed significantly to the region’s economy for decades, generating employment and fostering infrastructure development. However, these benefits have come at significant social, environmental, and health costs.

Positive Impacts

i. Economic Growth: The gold mining industry has contributed significantly to the local and national economy, providing jobs, increasing government revenue through taxes and royalties, and attracting foreign investment.

The mining sector in Ghana as a whole contributes approximately 4% to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and accounts for about 42% of total export earnings, highlighting its significance in the national economy.

The gold mining industry also provides direct employment to thousands of people. For instance, AngloGold Ashanti, which operates in Obuasi, has employed over 5,000 people directly, with many more in indirect jobs associated with the mining supply chain.

ii. Infrastructure Development: Mining activities have led to improvements in local infrastructure, including roads, schools, and healthcare facilities, benefiting the surrounding communities.

iii. Community Investments: Mining companies often engage in corporate social responsibility initiatives, funding community development projects such as water supply systems, educational programs, and health services.

Negative Impacts

i. Environmental Degradation: Mining activities have resulted in deforestation, soil erosion, and water pollution, which harm local ecosystems and affect agricultural productivity.

ii. Social Displacement: The mining industry can lead to the displacement of local communities, disrupting livelihoods and housing, and sometimes causing conflicts over land use. In some cases, mining in the Obuasi area has led to the relocation of over 1,500 people due to land acquisition and the expansion of mining operations.

iii. Health Risks: Workers and nearby residents may face health risks associated with mining operations, including exposure to hazardous materials and the effects of pollution, which can lead to long-term health issues.

Overall, while the gold mining industry has brought economic benefits to Obuasi, it has also brought significant social and environmental challenges.

1. As you read, ask your friend or family member to read as well. Focus on the key points as follows.

a. Which part of Ghana is the physical environment being described?

b. What resources is the physical environment producing?

c. How is the physical environment benefiting society?

d. What are the negative effects of the physical environment on society?

2. Write down your points on a piece of paper.

3. Share your points with your friend, and the two of you should agree on the correct points.

4. While discussing with your friend, please respect her perspective, communicate clearly, and accept any divergent views.

5. Design two posters, one showing the benefits the environment provides for humans and one showing the harmful effects of the physical environment on humans.

6. Present your poster friends, community or family member and get feedback from them.

Activity 2.3

Humans’ Relationship with Sustainable Development

1. Watch the video using the link provided: https://youtu.be/bF7wQRmN-Xk.

For those who cannot watch the video, listen to the commentary.

2. Write down the key points in the video

3. Share the problems you have seen with your friends

4. Write down some of the strategies or ways that you think can be adopted to solve the environmental problem identified in the video

5. Research again on what people have said or done to address the problem

6. Design a presentation which shows some of the ways by which this problem could be addressed in your community

7. As you design the poster, ask yourself the following questions:

a. Are my proposed solutions implementable

b. Will my community members accept it?

c. Will key stakeholders accept it?

d. Will it make an impact?

8. Present your poster to the class, friends or family member and get feedback from them.

9. Use the feedback to design another poster that can be shared on social media or at a social function.

Environmental Problems in Our Communities

Environmental problems occur when there is a change in the quality or quantity of any part of the natural world, which negatively affects humans and other living beings.

These issues can arise from pollution, deforestation, climate change, or the overuse of natural resources. When harmful substances are released into the air, water, or soil, they can make people sick, harm plants and animals, and even disrupt entire ecosystems (see figure 2.9). For example, air pollution can cause respiratory illnesses, while water pollution can make drinking water unsafe, affecting human health and livelihoods.

Changes in the environment don’t just affect our physical health; they also impact our mental well-being. Natural disasters, like floods and wildfires, are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change, causing stress and anxiety for many people.

Understanding and addressing these environmental issues is important to protect the health and future of all living things on Earth.

Figure 2.9: Harmful substances released into air, land and water bodies Sources of Environmental Problems There are several sources of environmental problems in Ghana. Let us analyse them!

A. Rapid population growth: impacts the environment and communities by creating overcrowded slums with poor sanitation and waste management. This leads to increased disease spread, limited access to clean water, and strained healthcare services. Sustainable urban planning and improved sanitation and healthcare are essential to mitigate these challenges and support healthier, more balanced communities.

B. Illegal Mining Activities in Water Bodies: water is essential in all human life, from drinking and cooking to washing and industrial use. However, many water bodies in Ghana, including Rivers Prah, Offin, Tano, and Ankobra, have been heavily polluted due to illegal mining, known locally as “galamsey.” This activity has degraded water quality and harmed aquatic life and the surrounding environment (see figure 2.10). Trees that prevent erosion and provide shade along these rivers have been removed, worsening the ecological impact. Addressing this pollution is crucial to restoring clean water and protecting human health and the environment.

A B C D

Figure 2.10: People engaging in illegal mining/galamsey (A), the current state of River Prah (B), the terrible situation with Fena River (C) as reported on October 7, 2023 in Ghana and (D) River Ankobra in 2016 and 2017 due to illegal mining activities.

C. Improper disposal of untreated industrial and metropolitan wastes:

Industrialisation and population growth have led to untreated industrial and metropolitan sewage being discharged into canals, rivers, and sometimes the sea.

These wastes create severe environmental hazards, threatening human health and aquatic ecosystems (see figure 2.11). Contaminated water harms the food supply, as polluted water sources may be used to irrigate crops, leading to groundwater contamination and further spreading pollutants through the food chain. Addressing this issue is vital for ensuring safe water, sustainable food production, and human and ecological health protection.

Figure 2.11: An unhygienic environment due to improper waste disposal D. Open defecation: particularly in coastal areas, is a significant environmental issue. Many people relieve themselves in open spaces, unaware of the harmful consequences. When it rains, faecal matter is washed into nearby water bodies, including the sea, contaminating water. This practice also contributes to air pollution, as the stench affects air quality and the physical environment. Addressing open defecation is essential to improve sanitation, protect water sources, and maintain a cleaner, healthier environment.

Fig. 2.12: An open defecation Effects of Environmental Problems When the sources of environmental problems are left unchecked for too long, they can have serious effects on both humans and the environment. Let us examine some of these effects!

A. Desertification: Refers to the permanent loss of land productivity, where soil can no longer support the plant growth it once did (see figure 2.13). This irreversible change reduces the ability to grow cash crops, a key source of national revenue, and hinders agricultural production. In regions like northern Ghana, desertification threatens food security by contributing to crop shortages. Combating desertification is crucial to sustaining agricultural output and supporting economic stability.

Figure 2.13: A picture of a desert B. Deforestation: Clearing land for agriculture, livestock, construction, and industry has led to significant environmental challenges, especially in Ghana. Deforestation changes the landscape and contributes to climate change and global warming by reducing the forests’ ability to absorb and store carbon dioxide (see figure 2.14). This loss of trees also leads to soil erosion, degrading land quality, destroying ecosystems and wildlife habitats, and threatening biodiversity. Controlling deforestation is essential to protect the environment, combat climate change, and preserve natural habitats.

Figure 2.14: Deforestation

C. Climate Change: Environmental problems alter the world’s climate system, causing unusual weather patterns. Regions that once had low rainfall may now experience heavy rains, while areas that typically received ample rain may face dry spells. These shifts lead to flooding in some parts of the country and droughts in others, severely affecting agriculture. Crops suffer damage from both dry conditions and excessive rainfall, leading to food shortages and impacting food security. Addressing climate change is crucial to stabilising weather patterns and ensuring a reliable food supply.

D. Sea-level change: Human-caused global warming is driving sea level rise, primarily due to melting glaciers and polar ice, which add water to the oceans, and the thermal expansion of seawater as it warms. Ghana’s coastal regions face significant risks from this phenomenon, as rising sea levels threaten infrastructure, livelihoods, and natural habitats through coastal flooding. Coastal businesses, ecosystems, and communities, such as those in Keta, Elmina, Saltpond, and Moree, are particularly vulnerable. Protecting these areas requires urgent action to mitigate climate change and adapt to rising sea levels to safeguard communities and ecosystems.

Want to explore more? Then use:

• this link (https://youtu.be/WF-GNL3KfrY) to watch video on desertification,

• this link (https://youtu.be/iSwjsyGsG5A) for deforestation,

• this link (https://youtu.be/jhN_r0IISZk) for climate change

• this link (https://youtu.be/j9d6n_uUfFo ) for sea level change.

You can also surf the internet to watch documentary to get a deeper understanding of each term Measures of Addressing Environmental Problems in Ghana Having explored the negative effects of environmental problems, it is time to turn our focus to solutions! Let us dive into creative ways to tackle these challenges and remember: every action we take can help save our planet and safeguard humanity’s future!

A. Public Education

Public education is a key strategy for addressing environmental issues. Educating people about the importance of protecting the environment and the harmful effects of certain activities can lead to more responsible behaviour (see figure 2.15).

Raising awareness through various channels, such as television, radio, newspapers, door-to-door campaigns, information vans, public lectures, symposia, posters, and religious organisations, can encourage communities to adopt environmentally friendly practices. By increasing environmental awareness, public education motivates individuals to take preventive actions to safeguard the environment for future generations.

B. Law enforcement Strengthening environmental laws and ensuring strict enforcement by both traditional and national agencies are essential to managing waste disposal effectively.

Without proper enforcement, laws alone cannot protect the environment. Effective regulation and compliance are key to preserving natural resources and promoting a healthier environment. See figure 2.15.

Fig. 2.15: Sanitary inspectors performing their duties C. Provision of sanitary facilities at vantage places Providing sanitary facilities like toilets, public urinals, hand sanitisers, bathrooms, and handwashing stations at key locations can significantly reduce issues caused by poor sanitation (See figure 2.16). Encouraging the public to include these facilities when constructing buildings further supports a healthier environment.

These measures are essential for improving hygiene and reducing the spread of sanitation-related diseases.

Handwashing station Public toilet and urinal

Figure 2.16: Sanitary facilities D. Proper waste disposal systems Improper waste disposal harms people, plants, and animals, making waste management essential in communities. Solutions include providing public dumping sites, placing waste bins in inaccessible areas, and ensuring regular waste collection (see figure 2.17). Recycling is also crucial, as it allows waste to be repurposed, reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability. Waste management improves public health, protects ecosystems, and supports a cleaner environment.

Figure 2.17: Proper waste disposal and waste collection Our Sense of Responsibility Towards the Physical Environment A sense of responsibility towards the physical environment refers to an individual or group’s awareness and commitment to protect, preserve, and sustain the natural surroundings. It involves recognising the impact of human actions on the environment and actively making choices that reduce harm while promoting ecological health and balance. This sense of responsibility can manifest through A. Volunteering towards environmental sanitation:

Youth volunteering for environmental sanitation is a powerful way to improve community cleanliness. Young people can initiate clean-up exercises in their surroundings, working individually or in groups. Activities may include clearing weeds, desilting clogged gutters, collecting solid waste, and ensuring proper sewage disposal. Such efforts contribute significantly to public health and foster a culture of environmental responsibility B. Developing a sense of greening the physical environment:

Greening the environment by planting trees is essential, as trees produce oxygen and reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide. By increasing tree cover, we can lower CO₂ levels and purify the air. It is crucial for the youth to respect nature, appreciate its beauty, and recognise the rights of all living beings, including plants and animals.

This sense of responsibility helps create a healthier, more sustainable environment for future generations.

C. A sense of environmental protection:

Protecting the physical environment and its natural resources is a key responsibility for everyone. Awareness of environmental protection means understanding its essential role in human survival. This includes preserving land, water, air, and the diverse plants and animals that share our environment. Reducing waste, using renewable resources, and maintaining good sanitation practices are vital for safeguarding our planet’s health and ensuring a sustainable future.

D. Awareness of environmental problems and their impact on human life:

Community members should understand the causes of ecological problems and their impact on human life. This awareness fosters a sense of responsibility for protecting the environment from harm, encouraging actions that preserve and sustain our natural surroundings for the well-being of all.

E. Developing a sense of conservation of resources in the physical environment:

Basic resources like water, air, and soil are crucial for human survival and must be conserved. The youth should adopt habits that control resource use and prioritise preservation to ensure these resources remain abundant. Simple actions, such as turning off taps when not in use, avoiding water pollution, and switching off electrical devices when idle, contribute to resource conservation and environmental sustainability.

Fig. 2.18: Pictures showing a tree planting to protect the environment Communities in Ghana That are Most Affected by a Changing Physical Environment Like many countries, Ghana is weak to the impacts of a changing physical environment driven by climate change and other environmental factors. Some communities are particularly at risk due to location, socio-economic status, and dependence on natural resources. Here are ways these communities can be most affected:

A. Coastal communities Coastal communities in Ghana, such as Keta, Elmina, Saltpond, and Moree, are particularly vulnerable to the changing physical environment. The rising sea level poses significant risks, including coastal flooding and saltwater intrusion, which can devastate local ecosystems, agriculture, and infrastructure. These challenges threaten residents’ livelihoods and highlight the urgent need for adaptive measures to protect these communities from the impacts of climate change.

B. Low-lying areas Coastal communities in Ghana are prone to flooding due to their low-lying terrain, which prevents effective rainwater drainage. Inadequate drainage systems tarred concrete surfaces, and floodplains exacerbate water accumulation, especially during the rainy season. These factors highlight the urgent need for improved drainage infrastructure and flood management strategies to protect these vulnerable areas.

C. Arid and semi-arid regions Climate change is causing a significant decrease in rainfall in northern Ghana, potentially dropping below 25 centimetres per year. This leads to low humidity, high evaporation rates, and extreme temperature fluctuations. The resulting limited water supply increases the risk of desertification and the emergence of dry savannas, threatening agriculture and livelihoods in the region.

D. Mountainous region Mountainous regions in Ghana, particularly Kwahu and Akuapem, are at risk of landslides and mudslides due to heavy rainfall. The removal of topsoil and rocks during storms worsens these risks. Human activities, such as construction, mining, and drilling, can also create vibrations that increase the likelihood of landslides.

These factors highlight the need for sustainable land management to mitigate environmental impacts in these areas.

E. Agricultural regions Agricultural regions in Ghana are at risk due to climate change, experiencing either excessive rainfall that causes soil erosion or drought conditions that impede farming. These environmental changes threaten agricultural production and could lead to food shortages in the country, highlighting the need for strategies to address these challenges and ensure food security.

Great! Now, get ready to undertake some activities to build deeper understanding of the concepts explored so far.

Activity 2.4

Environmental Problem, Causes, Effects and Solutions

1. Go around your community, school, village, town or suburb.

2. Identify some of the environmental challenges in the community and pick one. (poor drainage, poor waste disposal, water pollution, plastic pollution, open defecation etc.)

3. Research the challenge by observing, interviewing, and listening to people on the radio or watching television. Based on your findings, do the following:

a. Find out the causes of the challenge

b. Find out the effects of the challenge

c. Propose solutions to the challenge

4. Write your findings and share them with a friend and your group

5. Present your findings to the class for discussion.

6. Based on the feedback, design a poster, create a poem, or compose a song to educate the members of your community on the need to protect the environment.

7. Ask yourself the following questions:

a. Was I able to choose the best solutions to the challenge identified?

b. What have l learned from the report?

c. How will this help me in protecting my physical environment?

Activity 2.5

A Documentary on Environmental Issues in Ghana

Watch the documentary using the link https://youtu.be/ap78QZF5E38

1. As you watch, write down the answers to the following questions:

a. What message is the video sending?

b. How do I feel watching the video?

c. How did we get to this stage?

2. Share your feelings with a friend who also watched the video by writing them on paper.

3. Compare and discuss your feelings and share them with your group.

4. Discuss with your group how this problem can be addressed.

5. Put your points and those of your group on paper or PowerPoint

6. Present your key ideas for the whole class discussion.

7. After the discussion, you and your group should think of a project or design a poster to educate the community on responsible behaviour towards the physical environment.

8. In designing your poster or embarking on your project, reflect on the following questions:

a. What exciting project/ content/message(s) can we use to educate the people?

b. How effectively will our project/content/poster positively affect the people in my community’s attitudes towards the physical environment?

9. Share your experiences on the following;

a. How can I sustain this education and protect my physical environment?

b. What benefit will I get from this action?