Effects of human activities on ecosystems I

Effects of human activities on Ecosystems

What is the main cause of habitat destruction in our country?

Intensification of Agriculture

Corn

Wheat

Soybeans

Expansion of agricultural zone

What factors enable its expansion?

Technology

Pesticides and fertilizers

Oh oh

GM crops

List all the consequences you think that this practice can have in the environment and in our population.

Pesticides linked to bee deaths

http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/pesticides-linked-to-bee-deaths-must-be-banned-scientists-say-1.2685492

Pesticides often don't just kill the target pest.

Beneficial insects in and around the fields can be poisoned or killed, as can other animals eating poisoned insects.

Pestcides can also kill soil microorganisms.

90% of pesticides and fertilizers goes into environment, not crop

These chemicals don't just stay on the fields they are applied to. Some application methods – such as pesticide spraying by aeroplane – lead to pollution of land and rivers. 

Excess nutrients Fertilizers are not directly toxic. Their

most dramatic effect is eutrophication  – resulting in an explosive growth of algae due to excess nutrients. This depletes water of dissolved oxygen, which in turn can kill fish and other aquatic life.

Human Health

Pesticides have been linked to a wide range of human health problems, ranging from short-term impacts such as headaches and nausea to chronic impacts like cancer.

Children are particularly susceptible.

Solutions?

We need to make our food, our air, our water, and our soil free from toxic chemicals.

Organically grown foods and sustainable methods of pest control.

Protect our children.

Pesticide use should be prohibited in places where our children live and play, including schools, parks, and playgrounds. Require strict non-toxic pest management programs for such places.

Pesticide Use Reduction. 

Provide non-toxic alternatives to pesticide use.

Right to know. 

Provide free and universal notification to residents about pesticide use.

Protect workers. 

Provide protection to workers and farmers to prevent acute and chronic pesticide poisoning.