CENTRE NAME: GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL HARARE

CENTRE NUMBER: 010064

CANDIDATE NAME: JOYCE SAUNYAMA

CANDIDATE NUMBER: 5009

LEARNING AREA: A-LEVEL LITERATURE IN ENGLISH 6089

COMPONENT: 03

LEVEL: FORM 6

SYLLABUS TOPIC: POETRY

SUB-TOPIC: ENVIRONEMENTAL DEGRADATION

Definition of terms

Environment is the totality of surrounding conditions

Degradation refers to changing to a lower state

Dynamite is an explosive containing nitrate on wood

Environmental awareness means being aware of the natural environment and

making choices that benefit the earth.

Environmental degradation is a process through which the natural

environment is compromised in some way, reducing biological diversity and the
general health of the environment.
Background of environmental degradation
In the 19th centuries the industrial revolution mechanized the production and
manufacturing of goods and introduced the use of machinery and other heavy
equipment. Environmental degradation is a concept that touches various aspects such
as biodiversity, animal extinction, global warming, desertification and deforestation.
Zimbabwe is experiencing high temperatures and other problems like deforestation and
desertification. Environmental degradation affects the whole world negatively.
Observations
1. People are clearing the land for farming and every year they are changing the
lands for farming so they are almost finishing all the land.

2. The land is polluted. People are not placing litter in bins; they are throwing
rubbish everywhere making the environment dirty.

3. Trees are being cut unnecessarily. Some cut trees for firewood, so for timber and
other reasons and they are not replacing those trees.
4. People are killing animals unnecessarily affecting the ecosystem.

5. People are farming along the riverbanks.

6. Veld fires are a threat to the environment.

Essay: Environmental awareness
The environment has become less useful because of several causes such as cultivating
along riverbanks, cutting down of trees unnecessarily, veld fires and clearing of land for
farming. To solve all these problems there are measures which can be taken. These
include planting of trees, soil conservation, waste management and terracing.

First of all, planting trees should be given massive attention. Above all, a tree is the
source of oxygen. Unfortunately, due to construction, many trees have been cut down.
This certainly reduces the amount of oxygen in the environment. Growing more trees
means more oxygen. Hence, growing more trees would mean better life quality. This
shows a way of conserving the environment.

Similarly, people must give attention to forest conservation. Forests are vital to the
environment. However, deforestation certainly reduces the area of forests around the
world. The government must launch programs to conserve the forests. The government
must make harming forests a criminal offense. This will help reduce waste of resources.

Soil conservation is yet another important way to save the environment. For this, there
must be control of landslides, floods, and soil erosion. Furthermore, there should be
afforestation and tree plantation to conserve the soil. Also, terrace farming and using
natural fertilizers are some more ways to conserve soil in order to save the
environment.

Lastly waste management is a powerful way of protecting the environment. There must
be proper disposal of wastes. This would help to keep the surroundings healthy. The
government must maintain clean streets and other land areas. There's need to ensure
that there are health workers who must inspect every house. This is another way is
saving the environment.

In conclusion, environment is a precious gift on this planet. The environment is facing

a big danger. Saving the environment is the need of the hour. Probably, it is the biggest
concern of humanity right now. Any delay in this regard could be disastrous as
environment is the key to life.