IED1501
Assignment 4 PORTFOLIO 2026
Unique number:
Due date: 16 October 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1 Definitions of key environmental concepts
1.1.1 Climate change
Climate change refers to a long term shift in the normal patterns of temperature,
rainfall and other weather conditions. It is strongly linked to the increase of
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which traps more heat and changes the way
the climate system works. In South Africa, these changes can be seen in hotter
conditions, changing rainfall patterns, longer dry periods and more pressure on
water and food systems. Climate change is therefore not only about a warmer day or
one unusual season, but about a lasting change that affects people, ecosystems and
economic activities over time (IED1501 Study guide, 2026, p. 43).
, QUESTION 1
1.1 Definitions of key environmental concepts
1.1.1 Climate change
Climate change refers to a long term shift in the normal patterns of temperature,
rainfall and other weather conditions. It is strongly linked to the increase of
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which traps more heat and changes the way
the climate system works. In South Africa, these changes can be seen in hotter
conditions, changing rainfall patterns, longer dry periods and more pressure on water
and food systems. Climate change is therefore not only about a warmer day or one
unusual season, but about a lasting change that affects people, ecosystems and
economic activities over time (IED1501 Study guide, 2026, p. 43).
1.1.2 Biodiversity
Biodiversity means the variety of living things found in an area, including plants,
animals, microorganisms and the ecosystems in which they live. It also includes the
differences within species and between different species. Biodiversity is important
because people depend on nature for food, medicine, clean water, raw materials and
many other needs. When natural habitats are cleared or polluted, species can
decline and the balance of the ecosystem can be damaged (IED1501 Study guide,
2026, pp. 41–42).
1.1.3 Land pollution
Land pollution happens when waste or harmful substances are placed on or enter
the soil in a way that reduces the quality and usefulness of the land. Common
causes include illegal dumping, poorly managed landfill sites, mining waste,
industrial activities, agricultural chemicals and electronic waste. Polluted land can
become unsafe for farming, damage plants and animals and also contaminate
nearby surface water or underground water. Poor waste management remains an
important cause of this problem in many South African communities (IED1501 Study
guide, 2026, p. 41).
Assignment 4 PORTFOLIO 2026
Unique number:
Due date: 16 October 2026
QUESTION 1
1.1 Definitions of key environmental concepts
1.1.1 Climate change
Climate change refers to a long term shift in the normal patterns of temperature,
rainfall and other weather conditions. It is strongly linked to the increase of
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which traps more heat and changes the way
the climate system works. In South Africa, these changes can be seen in hotter
conditions, changing rainfall patterns, longer dry periods and more pressure on
water and food systems. Climate change is therefore not only about a warmer day or
one unusual season, but about a lasting change that affects people, ecosystems and
economic activities over time (IED1501 Study guide, 2026, p. 43).
, QUESTION 1
1.1 Definitions of key environmental concepts
1.1.1 Climate change
Climate change refers to a long term shift in the normal patterns of temperature,
rainfall and other weather conditions. It is strongly linked to the increase of
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, which traps more heat and changes the way
the climate system works. In South Africa, these changes can be seen in hotter
conditions, changing rainfall patterns, longer dry periods and more pressure on water
and food systems. Climate change is therefore not only about a warmer day or one
unusual season, but about a lasting change that affects people, ecosystems and
economic activities over time (IED1501 Study guide, 2026, p. 43).
1.1.2 Biodiversity
Biodiversity means the variety of living things found in an area, including plants,
animals, microorganisms and the ecosystems in which they live. It also includes the
differences within species and between different species. Biodiversity is important
because people depend on nature for food, medicine, clean water, raw materials and
many other needs. When natural habitats are cleared or polluted, species can
decline and the balance of the ecosystem can be damaged (IED1501 Study guide,
2026, pp. 41–42).
1.1.3 Land pollution
Land pollution happens when waste or harmful substances are placed on or enter
the soil in a way that reduces the quality and usefulness of the land. Common
causes include illegal dumping, poorly managed landfill sites, mining waste,
industrial activities, agricultural chemicals and electronic waste. Polluted land can
become unsafe for farming, damage plants and animals and also contaminate
nearby surface water or underground water. Poor waste management remains an
important cause of this problem in many South African communities (IED1501 Study
guide, 2026, p. 41).
