Human Impacts on the Environment

Mrs. Harlin

2.2.1

Infer how human activities (including population growth, pollution, global warming, burning of fossil fuels, habitat destruction and introduction of nonnative species) may impact the environment.

Population Growth

Technology

Agricultural equipment is mass producing food.

Fertilizer allows great yield. Pesticides prevent crop destruction. Water filtration and heaters have cleaned up

contaminated water. Vaccinations are preventing people from

getting disease.

Consumption of Resources

Habitat Destruction-> Loss of biodiversity Waste dumping->Shortages of clean water Burning fossil fuels-> Global Warming Manufactured Chemicals->Ozone

Destruction Factories-> Acid Rain

N.C. Ecosystems

Urban development in the Piedmont has led to habitat destruction and water runoff

N.C. Ecosystems

Kudzu is an invasive plant

It is nonnative Kudzu originally

was introduced into the U.S. from Asia in the late 1800s for erosion control and as a livestock forage

Production of Waste

Law requires human waste to be treated; however animal waste is not treated.

More than 335 million tons of "dry matter" waste is produced annually on farms in the U.S.

During decomposition, manure emits harmful gases such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. Waste lagoons can leak or rupture, polluting the surrounding soil and water systems.

N.C. Ecosystems

Waste lagoons on hog farms

Hurricane Floyd in 1999 led to widespread water contamination.

Global Change

Carbon dioxide from fossil fuels is causing global warming.

Acid rain caused by sulfur dioxide emitted from factories is causing a loss plant life which will indirectly affect the entire food chain.

CFC’s (chlorofluorocarbons) are causing a hole in the ozone layer which is letting UV rays through.

Ozone hole above Antarctica

Ice Melting at the North Pole

N.C. Ecosystems

Beach erosion

N.C. Ecosystems

Acid Rain