1.1 Briefly explain the following concepts using your own understanding after
reading what literature says about them:
1.1.1 The Environment (2)
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 instill responsible behavior 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
had a significant impact on 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