EED2601
Environmental Education
Student number:
Elective Assignment 2
Due date 21 June 2023
, Activity 1
1.1 Briefly explain the following concepts using your own understanding after reading
what literature says about them:
1.1.1 The Environment:
The environment refers to the natural, physical, and social surroundings in which organisms
interact with each other. It encompasses all living and non-living things that support life on
earth, including the air, water, land, and biodiversity. The environment exists in a delicate
balance, and human activities such as pollution and deforestation are disrupting this
balance, leading to environmental degradation and climate change.
1.1.2 Environmental Education:
Environmental education is a process that helps individuals understand the complex
relationships between the environment and human activities. It is designed to promote
environmental awareness and to instil responsible behaviour towards the environment.
Environmental education encompasses a variety of disciplines, including science, social
studies, and geography, and is aimed at all age levels.
1.1.3 The Anthropocene:
The Anthropocene is a proposed geological epoch that marks the period in which human
activities have significantly impacted the earth’s ecosystems. The term Anthropocene
highlights the fact that humans have become major drivers of environmental change,
affecting the planet in ways that are unprecedented in human history. The Anthropocene is
characterized by global warming, sea-level rise, and biodiversity loss, among other
environmental crises.
1.1.4 Sustainability:
Sustainability refers to the ability of systems, societies, and economies to maintain
themselves over time without degrading the natural environment. Sustainable development
seeks to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs. It involves balancing economic growth, social well-
being, and environmental protection to create a sustainable future for all.
1.1.5 The Holistic Environment:
The holistic environment refers to the interconnected nature of the environment, where all
living and non-living things are connected and dependent on each other for survival. This
view emphasizes the importance of considering the whole system rather than just individual
components. The holistic approach recognizes that environmental problems cannot be
Environmental Education
Student number:
Elective Assignment 2
Due date 21 June 2023
, Activity 1
1.1 Briefly explain the following concepts using your own understanding after reading
what literature says about them:
1.1.1 The Environment:
The environment refers to the natural, physical, and social surroundings in which organisms
interact with each other. It encompasses all living and non-living things that support life on
earth, including the air, water, land, and biodiversity. The environment exists in a delicate
balance, and human activities such as pollution and deforestation are disrupting this
balance, leading to environmental degradation and climate change.
1.1.2 Environmental Education:
Environmental education is a process that helps individuals understand the complex
relationships between the environment and human activities. It is designed to promote
environmental awareness and to instil responsible behaviour towards the environment.
Environmental education encompasses a variety of disciplines, including science, social
studies, and geography, and is aimed at all age levels.
1.1.3 The Anthropocene:
The Anthropocene is a proposed geological epoch that marks the period in which human
activities have significantly impacted the earth’s ecosystems. The term Anthropocene
highlights the fact that humans have become major drivers of environmental change,
affecting the planet in ways that are unprecedented in human history. The Anthropocene is
characterized by global warming, sea-level rise, and biodiversity loss, among other
environmental crises.
1.1.4 Sustainability:
Sustainability refers to the ability of systems, societies, and economies to maintain
themselves over time without degrading the natural environment. Sustainable development
seeks to meet the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs. It involves balancing economic growth, social well-
being, and environmental protection to create a sustainable future for all.
1.1.5 The Holistic Environment:
The holistic environment refers to the interconnected nature of the environment, where all
living and non-living things are connected and dependent on each other for survival. This
view emphasizes the importance of considering the whole system rather than just individual
components. The holistic approach recognizes that environmental problems cannot be
