HUMAN CAUSES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHANGE

Biology EOCT Review

Resource Use

Renewable resources: resources that can be replaced through natural processes Forests, freshwater,

wind, sun Nonrenewable

resources: cannot be replaced by natural processes as fast as they are used Fossil fuels, minerals

Air Pollution

Pollution: the release of harmful substances into the air, water, or soil.

Main cause: burning of fossil fuels releasing pollutants such as smoke, dust, ash, carbon monoxide, etc.

Particulates: small particles of dust, soot, and other airborne solids. These can damage the respiratory systems of humans and other animals.

Air Pollution

Smog: a visible haze that forms when smoke and gases from burning fuels combined with fog.

Greenhouse effect: a natural process that keeps Earth at a temperature that is suitable for life.

Global Warming: an increase in Earth’s average temperatures.

Deforestation: the removal of all the trees in a forest.

Air Pollution

Deforestation Ozone layer: 10-50 km above

Earth’s surface; absorbs much of the harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun

Water Pollution

The release of harmful substances into bodies of water, including lakes, rivers, oceans, and groundwater, is water pollution.

Pollutants can make an aquatic ecosystem unfit for the organisms that normally live there.

How do we pollute the water? Industry, homes, farmers

contribute to build up of sewage, chemical wastes, fertilizers, pesticides, etc.

Effects on Biodiversity

Biodiversity: the total number and variety of living organisms

Organisms depend on each other to survive and reproduce. If human activities kill too many organisms at a certain level of the food chain then they can cause the extinction of a species which could cause other species in that food chain or web to become endangered.

Sustainable Practices

Action Effect

Recycle containers Reduces litter, saves landfill space, conserves metal and oil

Use less paper Conserves forests, saves energy, reduces water pollution

Lower thermostats in winter

Conserves energy, which reduces air pollution

Use less water for washing, lawns

Conserves limited freshwater supply