Global Change and the Human Impact

Environmental services and goodsQ: What are some services you get from the

environment?Renewable

They can be used over again or replenishedThere is not always an unlimited supplyEx: trees, fresh water, grass

NonrenewableThey can not be brought back via natural processesEx: coal, oil, The tragedy of the commonsThe free resources may eventually be destroyed

Land Resources

The services we getFertile soil is good for agriculture

ProblemOvergrazing Plowing digs up roots

SolutionsPlot rotations to keep minerals highVarious forms of plowing practices

Forest Resources

The services we getHabitats, fuel, oxygen and removal of carbon dioxide, food, medicines, climate control

ProblemDeforestation or loss of forestsLoss of species of animals and plants

Solutions Replant tree farmsGenetically alter trees to grow faster

Air Resources

The services we getClean air to breathe

ProblemPollution-- harmful materials enter the environment

SolutionsStricter rules and regulations of pollutants in the airBetter technologies to help clean smokestacks

Global Change

Changes in the environment caused by human interactions with the ecosystemThese changes can affect every ecosystem on EarthAcid RainOzone DestructionGlobal Warming

Acid Rain

Sulfur is put into the atmosphere when fossil fuels (coal,oil…) are burned

It is also emitted from smokestacks of industrial factories

Sulfur in the atmosphere mixes with water vapor creating sulfuric acidSulfuric acid comes back to the surface through rain and snowThis can damage plants and ecosystems by changing the acidity of the environment.

Ozone DestructionWhat is ozone?

O3

Absorbs 90% of ultraviolet radiation from the sun

Q: What types of diseases are caused by UV radiation?

A: skin cancer, cancer of retina, destruction of crops

Ozone Destruction ‘cont.How is the ozone being destroyed?

Chloroflourocarbons (CFC’s)• Found in aerosol cans, coolants for air

conditioners and refrigerators

• Convert ozone (O3) to oxygen (O2)

Climate Change - Global WarmingAverage increase in global temperatureGreenhouse effect

CO2 can trap solar energy and heat in the atmosphere creating a “warming effect”This occurs naturally to maintain a livable climateHumans have caused a quickening of this process

Q: Which biogeochemical cycle is involved in global warming and where does human interaction take place in this cycle?

Global Warming ‘cont

Why is it a problem?Changes in ecosystems because of draughts• Changes in rainfall patterns

Changes in ecosystems because of floods as polar icecaps melt The loss of habitats and species

References

http://www.livinghistoryfarm.org/farminginthe30s/crops_11.html