EED2601
ASSIGNMENT 3
DUE DATE: 2 SEPTEMBER 2025
,EED2601 ASSIGNMENT 3 2025
SEMESTER 2 2025 EXAMINATION PORTFOLIO
DUE 2 SEPTEMBER 2025
1.1 Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow:
Climate Change
Over the years we have seen communities being severely affected by the effects of
climate change, which has depleted Africa’s natural resource base over time. Climate
change in Africa now poses a real threat that could potentially reverse the
developmental gains achieved by African countries over the years. Most of Africa’s
population is highly vulnerable to climate change effects.
1.1. State any five (5) negative effects of climate change (5)
Prolonged droughts and water scarcity (Learning Unit 1, p.16).
Food insecurity (reduced crop yields, rising food prices) (Learning Unit 1, p.16).
Increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events (floods, storms,
wildfires) (Learning Unit 1, p.15).
Biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation (Learning Unit 1, p.15).
Spread and emergence of disease (vector range expansion, water-borne disease
outbreaks) (Learning Unit 1, p.17).
1.2. From the answers provided in question 1.1 above, write an essay that
focuses on the negative effects of climate change on the environment and
human health. Structure your essay as a mini essay which requires an
introduction, body, and conclusion.
, MINI ESSAY
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature, precipitation and weather
patterns driven largely by increased greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere;
these shifts manifest as higher average temperatures, more frequent extreme weather
events, altered rainfall patterns, and rising incidence of droughts and floods (Learning
Unit 1, p.15). Climate change education aims to give learners the knowledge, skills and
attitudes needed to understand the causes and impacts of climate change, and to
adopt mitigation and adaptation behaviours; it links scientific concepts to local impacts
and practical action so students can participate in sustainable decision-making
(Learning Unit 1, pp.15–16).
Negative effects on the environment. Climate change is already degrading the
environment through prolonged droughts and widespread water scarcity that reduce
river flows, deplete groundwater and stress wetlands, with serious consequences for
both people and ecosystems (Learning Unit 1, p.16). Changing rainfall patterns, heat
extremes and more frequent veld fires and storms increase soil erosion and land
degradation, reduce the productivity of the limited arable land, and undermine
agricultural systems (Learning Unit 1, pp.15–16). Extreme weather events such as
floods and intense storms destroy habitat structure and fragment landscapes, while
rising temperatures and altered moisture regimes shift climatic zones and make it
harder for many species to survive; together these processes accelerate biodiversity
loss and reduce the ecosystem services like pollination, water purification and natural
flood control that humans depend on (Learning Unit 1, p.15). In addition, climate stress
interacts with other pressures such as invasive alien plants and pollution (e.g., acid
mine drainage and agricultural runoff), compounding ecosystem decline and reducing
resilience (Learning Unit 1, pp.15–16).
ASSIGNMENT 3
DUE DATE: 2 SEPTEMBER 2025
,EED2601 ASSIGNMENT 3 2025
SEMESTER 2 2025 EXAMINATION PORTFOLIO
DUE 2 SEPTEMBER 2025
1.1 Read the extract below and answer the questions that follow:
Climate Change
Over the years we have seen communities being severely affected by the effects of
climate change, which has depleted Africa’s natural resource base over time. Climate
change in Africa now poses a real threat that could potentially reverse the
developmental gains achieved by African countries over the years. Most of Africa’s
population is highly vulnerable to climate change effects.
1.1. State any five (5) negative effects of climate change (5)
Prolonged droughts and water scarcity (Learning Unit 1, p.16).
Food insecurity (reduced crop yields, rising food prices) (Learning Unit 1, p.16).
Increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events (floods, storms,
wildfires) (Learning Unit 1, p.15).
Biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation (Learning Unit 1, p.15).
Spread and emergence of disease (vector range expansion, water-borne disease
outbreaks) (Learning Unit 1, p.17).
1.2. From the answers provided in question 1.1 above, write an essay that
focuses on the negative effects of climate change on the environment and
human health. Structure your essay as a mini essay which requires an
introduction, body, and conclusion.
, MINI ESSAY
Climate change refers to long-term shifts in temperature, precipitation and weather
patterns driven largely by increased greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere;
these shifts manifest as higher average temperatures, more frequent extreme weather
events, altered rainfall patterns, and rising incidence of droughts and floods (Learning
Unit 1, p.15). Climate change education aims to give learners the knowledge, skills and
attitudes needed to understand the causes and impacts of climate change, and to
adopt mitigation and adaptation behaviours; it links scientific concepts to local impacts
and practical action so students can participate in sustainable decision-making
(Learning Unit 1, pp.15–16).
Negative effects on the environment. Climate change is already degrading the
environment through prolonged droughts and widespread water scarcity that reduce
river flows, deplete groundwater and stress wetlands, with serious consequences for
both people and ecosystems (Learning Unit 1, p.16). Changing rainfall patterns, heat
extremes and more frequent veld fires and storms increase soil erosion and land
degradation, reduce the productivity of the limited arable land, and undermine
agricultural systems (Learning Unit 1, pp.15–16). Extreme weather events such as
floods and intense storms destroy habitat structure and fragment landscapes, while
rising temperatures and altered moisture regimes shift climatic zones and make it
harder for many species to survive; together these processes accelerate biodiversity
loss and reduce the ecosystem services like pollination, water purification and natural
flood control that humans depend on (Learning Unit 1, p.15). In addition, climate stress
interacts with other pressures such as invasive alien plants and pollution (e.g., acid
mine drainage and agricultural runoff), compounding ecosystem decline and reducing
resilience (Learning Unit 1, pp.15–16).
