Unit 17 – Health, social and environmental responsibility

Wellbeing of the environment Laws and policies to protect environment Everyone has the right to: An environment that is not harmful to their health and well-being. Environmental protection for this generation and those to come Note: Different government departments are responsible for protecting different aspects of the environment

Health of the environment SA – environmental protection protocols that are binding (there are checks and balances which must be adhered to). Africa – world leader in prevention of exposure to environmental tobacco smoke.

National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) Air Quality Act Waste Act Biodiversity Act Coastal Management Act Protected Areas Act The Environmental Conservation Act Marine Living Resources Act

Health of the environment Environmental crime Can have serious social and economic impacts. Can destroy resources and threaten sustainability. Examples: Dumping hazardous waste Hunting endangered species (rhino) Mining in protected areas *Can you think of other examples? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ta8HaHP_9rE

Waste http://www.upworthy.com/once-you-look-at-these-7-satellite-photos-you-will-discover-a-very-uncomfortable-truth What is waste? Unwanted materials that are discarded of because they are no longer needed. It can be solid, liquid or gas. Types of waste: Municipal waste Industrial waste Hazardous waste Human waste

What do we do with our waste? Dumping on land Developing countries– empty pieces of land Developed countries – landfill sites Dumping in water and space Causes water pollution Toxins kill plants, fish and aquatic biodiversity Human waste in water causes diseases

What do we do with our waste? Incineration Rubbish is burnt in incinerators when there is not enough space to build landfill sites. Problems with incinerators: Expensive Gives off toxic ash and gasses Large amounts of ash left behind

National Earth Day Earth Day – 22 April First Earth Day was on 22 April 1970. General and community involvement Wear a green ribbon and clothing Environmental awareness information Community clean-ups Plant an indigenous tree *What else could you do?

National Earth Day At home At school Solar water heater Turn off plugs/lights when not being used Energy efficient bulbs Put used water into garden At school Reusable container for school lunch School food garden Litter awareness campaign at school