JOHN PAUL’S JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

DAILY TEST 03 – ANSWER KEY

Answer the following questions:

1. Describe two (2) actions of TNCs that can damage the environment! [4 pts]
Answer:
The two (2) actions of TNC that can damage the environment are:
1) Farming: TNCs use the best agricultural land for cash crop production. Cash
crops are produced to sell on the global market for profit, often to developed
countries, rather than to feed people in the country itself. They include cocoa,
coffee and tea. This pushes small farmers onto marginal, less fertile land. TNCs
may also use pesticides and other chemicals that pollute the ground.
2) Plastics: Some TNCs manufacture plastics, while others use large amounts of
plastic in packaging and for goods they make. The production of plastics
depletes natural resources. Pollution from plastics is now affecting life in seas
and rivers. It also affects the livelihoods of people who rely on fishing.
3) Fossil fuels: The continued use of oil, coal and gas by TNCs in their production
of products such as cars and airplanes is contributing to global warming.
4) Oil: Spills and leaks pollute air, land, and water.
5) Mining: Mining often leads to chemical pollution, acid in water, soil erosion
and exposure to hazardous materials.
6) Deforestation: Logging for timber and land clearance for construction reduces
forests. This affects wildlife and contributes to climate change.
7) Fishing: Large-scale fishing by TNC-owned factory ships is reducing the
diversity of ocean life. It also leaves few fish to be caught by people who have
traditionally fished from small boats. This contributed to the problem of piracy
off the coast of Somalia: Somali fishermen could no longer make a living
because so many fish had been taken by factory ships, so they began holding
ships to ransom instead.
8) Consumer lifestyle: TNCs seek profits by persuading people to continually buy
new products, and to get rid of items that can still be used. This ‘throwaway’
culture puts more pressure on the world’s resources and increases the number of
products which go to landfill sites, causing more environmental damage.
 9) Waste. When the goods made by TNCs are no longer useful, they are often
exported as waste to developing countries. For example, many old computers
and other digital devices are sent to Agbogbloshie in Ghana. Here, some
materials are extracted and recycled. However, toxic chemicals are released at
the same time; these damage the health of the people taking the devices apart
and pollute the ground and water.

2. Describe two (2) effects of climate change on societies! [4 pts]

Answer:
The two (2) effects of climate change on societies are:
1) Changing rainfall patterns: Farmers rely on predictable weather; for example,
in West Africa, the arrival of rain is essential for growing crops. The start of the
rainy season has become less predictable, so farmers are unsure when to plant
crops.
2) Desertification (the growth of deserts): This occurs as climate change and soil
erosion make it more difficult for vegetation to grow.
3) Loss of biodiversity: Species become extinct or at risk of extinction due to
changes in their ecosystems.
4) Weather events: Changes in global climate lead to more violent and less
predictable storms and other weather events.
5) Natural disasters: Many people live in areas at risk of mudslides, flooding or
wildfires, all of which occur more often with global warming. The people most
at risk are often the poorest and most disadvantaged, for example those living in
shanty towns where homes are built from whatever is available.
6) Rising sea levels: Some small island states in the Pacific and Indian Oceans,
such as the Maldives, Kiribati and Tuvalu, are very low-lying. As polar ice melts
and sea levels rise, these lands will be submerged. Some large cities are also at
risk, including Kolkata and Bangkok in Thailand.

3. Explain Marxist view of capitalist exploitation! [6 pts]

Answer:
The Marxist view is that inequalities between richer and poorer countries are
caused by the capitalist economic system. Capitalism creates inequalities between
social classes, both within countries and on a global scale. The inequalities between
 the developed world and poorer countries are a global version of the division
between the ruling class and the working class.
Inequalities are created by exploitation. Developed countries use their greater
wealth and power to take advantage of poorer countries. This process began in the
past, with colonialism, and continues today with trade and capitalism.

4. What are some of the health risks in a shanty town like Kibera? [4 pts]
Answer:
Some of the health risks in a shanty town like Kibera are overcrowded living
condition and lack of basic services. There are no adequate healthcare facilities
which lead diseases to untreated. They do not have safe drinking water as the water
is contaminated with toxic chemical waste which may cause diseases.
The overcrowded environment makes diseases spread more easily. The poorly
constructed buildings are prone to collapse and may lead to injuries. The area is
often exposed to pollution and toxic waste which may lead to long-term illnesses. In
addition, the youth are vulnerable of taking illegal alcohol since it is cheap and easy
to get.

5. Some people living in Kibera might not want to be rehoused. Why might this be? [3
pts]
Answer:
Residents of Kibera might not want to be rehoused because in the city there are
public facilities, such as a railway station, several schools, youth organizations and a
football team. They might think that there will be no facilities as mentioned above in
the place where they will be rehoused.
They might also fear they would lose contact with each other if they were to be
rehoused. They might also lose their jobs that are near to their home. Residents are
uncertain of where they are going to be rehoused and if they could get used to their
new living conditions and situation.

Sir Bento