Environmental Challenges in Sri Lanka

Environmental Challenges in Sri Lanka

Learning Objectives

At the end of the lesson you will understand the causes and effects of deforestation in Sri Lanka.
At the end of the lesson you will be able to explain the impact of water pollution on public health and ecosystems.
At the end of the lesson you will identify the sources and consequences of air pollution in Sri Lanka.
At the end of the lesson you will understand the challenges of waste management in rural areas.
At the end of the lesson you will recognize the importance of biodiversity and the threats it faces.
At the end of the lesson you will understand the impacts of climate change on Sri Lanka.
At the end of the lesson you will explain the significance of mangroves and coral reefs and the threats to these ecosystems.

What do you already know about environmental issues in Sri Lanka?

Deforestation and its Impact

Reduction of forest cover in Sri Lanka.
Consequences: soil erosion, biodiversity loss.
Key drivers: agriculture, timber production, infrastructure development.

Water Pollution Sources

Contamination from industrial discharge.
Agricultural runoff and waste disposal.
Effects on health and ecosystems illustrated by the Express Pearl incident.

Air Pollution Causes

Emissions from vehicles and industries.
Health implications: respiratory issues.
Major contributors to air quality degradation.

Challenges of Waste Management

Inadequate waste handling in rural areas.
Consequences: soil and water contamination.
Need for effective waste management strategies.

Biodiversity Loss

Decline in species variety.
Causes: habitat destruction, overexploitation.
Importance of preserving biodiversity.

Climate Change Impacts

Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns.
Effects on agriculture and coastal communities.
Increased frequency of extreme weather events.

Mangrove and Coral Reef Degradation

Loss of vital ecosystems due to development.
Threats from climate change and pollution.
Significance of mangroves and coral reefs for biodiversity.

Definition List

Deforestation: The reduction of forested areas due to agriculture, timber production, and infrastructure development, leading to environmental degradation.
Water Pollution: Contamination of water bodies from industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, and waste disposal, affecting health and ecosystems.
Air Pollution: Emission of harmful substances from vehicles and industries, causing health issues.
Waste Management: The process of handling waste materials inadequately, leading to environmental pollution.
Biodiversity Loss: The decline in species variety due to habitat destruction and overexploitation.
Climate Change: Long-term changes in temperature and weather patterns affecting agriculture, water resources, and coastal areas.
Mangrove Degradation: The loss of mangrove forests due to deforestation and coastal development.
Coral Reef

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.