Option C - Extreme environment futures

Question 1

Desertification

Answer 1

the degradation of land and vegetation, soil erosion and the loss of top soil and fertile land in humid and semi-arid areas, caused by primarily human activities and climatic variations

Question 2

Causes of desertification

Answer 2

overgrazing - vegetation is lost by grazing itself or being trampled in large numbers of livestock
overcultivation - diminishing returns, yield decreases season by season
deforestation - loss of vegetation cover increases rainsplash erosion and the absence of root systems allows easy removal of the soil by wind and water
irrational use of water resources

Question 3

What are the consequences of desertification? (environmental)

Answer 3

Environmental:
loss of soil nutrients through wind and water erosion
changes in composition of vegetation and loss of biodiversity as vegetation is removed
reduction in land available for cropping and pasture

Question 4

What are the consequences of desertification? (economic)

Answer 4

Economic: 
reduced income from traditional economy
decreased availability of fuelwood, necessitating purchase of oil/kerosene
increased dependence on food aid
increased rural poverty

Question 5

What are the consequences of desertification? (social/cultural)

Answer 5

Social/cultural:
loss of traditional knowledge and skills on farming
forced migration due to food scarcity
social tensions in reception areas for migrants

Question 6

How can desertification be managed?

Answer 6

Overgrazing

• Improved stock quality
• Better management: reducing herd sizes and grazing over wider areas would both reduce soil damage

Overcultivation

• Use of fertilizers
• Improved farming methods

Deforestation

• Agroforestry: combines agriculture with forestry
• Alternative fuels

Planting the “Great Green Wall”
15 km wide barrier of trees that crosses 11 countries (over 700 km long)
Provides food, jobs, and future for the millions of people who are suffering from desertification
To prevent from soil erosion

Eco-school program in Guede-Chantier
Children learn how to make compost, water trees they planted, and identify biodegradable garbage
Children plant trees at home and teach their families how to compost
Small trees are spreaded on the schoolyard with special trash cans

Question 7

What is desalination? What are its advantages and disadvantages?

Answer 7

Desalination: process of removing salts and minerals from seawater and from soil to produce fresh water suitable to be consumed by humans and for irrigation
Advantages of desalination
Provides accessible drinking water
Quality & habitat protection

Disadvantages of desalination
High costs to build & operate
Environmental impact

Question 8

What is solar power? What are its advantages and disadvantages?

Answer 8

Solar power: conversion of sunlight energy to electricity using solar panels

Advantages of solar power
Renewable energy source
Low maintenance costs
Diverse applications

Disadvantages of solar power
High cost
Weather dependent
Associated with pollution