(a) What is Environmental Intervention? (b) List two types each of (I) natural intervention; (ii) human intervention (c) Highlight any five effects of natur...

Answer Details

(a) Environmental intervention

Environmental intervention refers to the actions, forces or processes (natural or human) that interfere with, alter or modify the natural environment. It is any deliberate or natural interference that changes the condition of the land, water, air or ecosystems.

(b) Types

(i) Natural intervention (two):

• Earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
• Flooding, drought, erosion or storms.

(ii) Human intervention (two):

• Deforestation and bush burning.
• Mining, dam construction, farming and industrialisation.

(c) Five effects of natural and human interventions on the environment

• Soil erosion and land degradation, for example gully erosion from deforestation and heavy rain.
• Loss of vegetation and wildlife (loss of biodiversity) through clearing, burning and habitat destruction.
• Pollution of air, water and land from industries, mining and waste.
• Flooding and displacement of settlements from heavy rain, dam failure or blocked drainage.
• Desertification and climate change (drought, global warming), plus destruction of property and loss of lives from disasters such as earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.