NAME: SARAH ALOO OCHIENG

REG NO: DLIS/485J/2023

UNIT: ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY

1|Page
TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF MOMBASA -- ENVIRONMENT LITERACY---SARAH --DLIS/483J/2023
QUESTION 1
FIVE TYPES OF ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS

1. Chemical Hazards: refers to the release of harmful substances into the air, water, or
soil, which can negatively impact human health, ecosystems, and the environment.
Types of pollution include air pollution (from vehicle emissions, industrial activities)

2. Biological hazards: refers the presences of harmful biological agents such as

bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi.

3. Physical hazards: These include events such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods,

tsunamis, and wildfires. Natural disasters can cause widespread destruction to
property and infrastructure, as well as loss of life and displacement of populations.

4. Deforestation: is the clearing of forests for agriculture, logging, infrastructure

development, and urban expansion. Deforestation contributes to habitat loss,
biodiversity loss, soil erosion, and carbon emissions, exacerbating climate change and
disrupting ecosystems.

5. Climate Change: refers to long-term shifts in temperature, precipitation patterns,

and weather conditions, primarily driven by human activities such as the burning of
fossil fuels and deforestation. Climate change leads to rising global temperatures, sea
level rise, extreme weather events, and disruptions to ecosystems and biodiversity.

QUESTION 2
FIVE EMERGING ISSUES IN ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
1. Climate Change Health Impacts: Climate change is altering weather patterns,
increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events, and contributing to
rising global temperatures. This leads to a range of health impacts, including heat-
related illnesses, respiratory problems from air pollution, vector-borne diseases, and
food and waterborne illnesses.

2. Microplastics Pollution: Microplastics are tiny plastic particles less than 5

millimeters in size, which are pervasive in the environment, including water bodies,
soil, and even the air. These particles can be ingested by marine life, animals, and
humans, potentially leading to health risks such as inflammation, organ damage, and
the transfer of harmful chemicals.

3. Emerging Infectious Diseases: The emergence and spread of new infectious

diseases, such as zoonotic diseases (those transmitted between animals and humans),
pose significant threats to public health. Factors contributing to their emergence
include habitat destruction, wildlife trade, climate change, and increased global travel
and urbanization. Examples include Ebola, Zika virus, and COVID-19.

2|Page
TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF MOMBASA -- ENVIRONMENT LITERACY---SARAH --DLIS/483J/2023
 4. Chemical Exposures and Health Effects: There is growing concern about exposure
to a wide range of chemicals in the environment, including industrial chemicals,
pesticides, heavy metals, and pharmaceuticals. Many of these substances have been
linked to adverse health effects such as cancer, reproductive disorders, neurological
problems, and endocrine disruption.

5. Environmental Justice: Environmental justice focuses on the disproportionate

burden of environmental hazards and pollution on marginalized communities,
including low-income neighborhoods and minority populations. These communities
often face higher exposure to pollutants, inadequate access to clean air and water, and
limited resources for healthcare and environmental protection. Achieving
environmental justice requires addressing systemic inequalities, promoting
community involvement in decision-making processes, and ensuring equitable
distribution of environmental benefits and burdens.

QUESTION 3
AREAS OF IMPROVEMENT IN ENVIRONMENTAL LITERACY
1. Basic Environmental Concepts: Many people lack a fundamental understanding of
concepts like biodiversity, ecosystems, climate change, and the water cycle.
Improving knowledge in these areas is essential for grasping the complexities of
environmental issues.
2. Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Environmental literacy should
include the ability to critically evaluate information, analyze data, and apply problem-
solving skills to environmental challenges. This includes understanding the scientific
method and its application to environmental research.
3. Interdisciplinary Understanding: Environmental issues often involve multiple
disciplines, including science, economics, policy, and sociology. Enhancing literacy
requires an interdisciplinary approach that integrates knowledge from various fields to
address complex environmental problems holistically.
4. Local and Global Context: Understanding the interconnectedness of local
environmental issues with global phenomena like climate change is crucial. People
should be aware of how their actions contribute to larger environmental challenges
and how global issues impact their local environment.
5. Environmental Justice and Equity: Environmental literacy should encompass an
understanding of environmental justice issues, including how environmental burdens
disproportionately affect marginalized communities. This includes recognizing social,
economic, and political factors that contribute to environmental injustices and
advocating for equitable solutions.

3|Page
TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF MOMBASA -- ENVIRONMENT LITERACY---SARAH --DLIS/483J/2023
QUESTION 4
GOALS OF ENVIRONMENTAL LITRACY

1. Understanding the interconnectedness of ecosystems: This involves comprehending

how various environmental factors interact and influence one another within
ecosystems.
2. Awareness of environmental issues: Individuals should be knowledgeable about
environmental challenges such as pollution, habitat destruction, climate change, and
loss of biodiversity.
3. Promotion of sustainable practices: Encouraging behaviours that reduce ecological
footprints, conserve resources, and support the long-term health of the environment.
4. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills: Developing the ability to analyse
environmental problems, evaluate solutions, and make informed decisions to address
them.
5. Appreciation of nature and biodiversity: Fostering a sense of connection and
appreciation for the natural world and its diverse ecosystems, species, and landscapes.
6. Advocacy and action: Empowering individuals to advocate for environmental
protection and take action to address environmental issues in their communities and
beyond.

QUESTION 5
FIVE WAYS OF SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT

1. Source Reduction: Also known as waste prevention or waste minimization, this

approach focuses on reducing the amount of waste generated at its source. It involves
promoting practices such as product redesign, packaging reduction, and encouraging
the use of reusable items.
2. Recycling and Composting: Recycling involves the collection, sorting, and
processing of materials like paper, glass, metal, and plastic to manufacture new
products.
3. Waste to energy: Waste-to-energy facilities combust solid waste to generate
electricity or heat. This method reduces the volume of waste and can provide a source
of renewable energy.
4. Landfilling: Landfills are engineered sites designed to contain and isolate waste from
the surrounding environment.
5. Waste Segregation and Disposal: Proper waste segregation at the source is essential
for efficient waste management. Segregation involves separating waste into different

4|Page
TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF MOMBASA -- ENVIRONMENT LITERACY---SARAH --DLIS/483J/2023
 categories such as recyclables, organic waste, hazardous waste, and
non-recyclable/non-biodegradable waste.

QUESTIONS 6
FIVE FORMS OF ENVIRONMENT POLLUTION
1. Air Pollution: This occurs when harmful substances, such as particulate matter,
sulphur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and volatile organic compounds, are released into
the atmosphere.
2. Water Pollution: Water pollution involves the contamination of water bodies such as
rivers, lakes, oceans, and groundwater with harmful substances. Common pollutants
include sewage, industrial effluents, agricultural runoff (pesticides and fertilizers), oil
spills, and plastic waste.
3. Soil Pollution: Soil pollution occurs when contaminants are introduced into the soil,
either through direct dumping, agricultural practices, industrial activities, or improper
waste disposal.
4. Noise Pollution: This type of pollution results from excessive noise levels in the
environment, often generated by transportation (road traffic, airplanes, trains),
industrial activities, construction, and recreational activities. Prolonged exposure to
high levels of noise pollution can lead to hearing loss, stress, sleep disturbances, and
adverse effects on wildlife.
5. Light pollution: occurs when artificial light interferes with the natural light of the
environment, affecting the behavior of animals and plants, causing disruption to
ecosystem.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, enhancing environmental literacy is crucial for fostering a deeper
understanding of our planet's ecosystems, promoting sustainable practices, and
empowering individuals to advocate for environmental protection. By achieving these
goals, we can work towards a more resilient and harmonious relationship with the
natural world, ensuring a healthier future for generations to come.

RECOMMENDATION
Investing in comprehensive environmental education programs from an early age,
integrating experiential learning opportunities, promoting interdisciplinary
approaches, and fostering collaboration between educators, policymakers, and
communities are key recommendations to advance environmental literacy effectively.
REFERENCE
Online resources.

5|Page
TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY OF MOMBASA -- ENVIRONMENT LITERACY---SARAH --DLIS/483J/2023