Learning Goals:

• To understand the interactions between the 4 spheres

• To understand human responsibility for the planet

ARE WE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EARTH?

Humans have developed the ability to drastically affect, or even completely destroy, the Earth.

Therefore, we (humans) have a responsibility to the Earth to keep it intact.

Taking care of the Earth is not just a responsibility -- it's a privilege

ARE WE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EARTH?

• Increase in the human population• Deforestation – the removal of trees to

make way for agricultural land resulting in a reduction of carbon sinks. • The process of deforestation itself causes

high levels of carbon dioxide to be produced as the trees are burnt• Increase in livestock (cows, sheep, pigs

etc) for human use causes an increase in the levels of methane gas being produced

HOW DO HUMANS IMPACT THE EARTH?

• Agriculture• Timber harvest• Mining• Urbanization• Introduction of exotic species• Harvesting of fish and wildlife• Fire suppression

HUMAN INTERACTIONS

Tree removed and replace with pasture (for animals) or crops

AGRICULTURE

Deforestation removes trees and replacement over time

FORESTRY

Open cast mining removes much vegetation

Underground mining affects water tables

Underground gold mine in Wales UK

MINING

Open Cast mine in Virginia USA

Removes trees and replaces natural landscape with concrete

Lake Union

Samish Lake

URBANISATION

• Trying to develop more fuel efficient cars• Developing electric or hybrid cars• Governments and businesses are

investing in wind power• Governments investing in solar

power for heating water and generating electricity• Planting trees• Recycling programs

WHAT IS AUSTRALIA DOING?

• Conserve water by using less and also installing water tanks to collect rainwater• Conserve power by installing solar panels,

turning off unused appliances and buying more energy efficient products• Buy more energy efficient vehicles, use

cars less and public transport more, car-pooling• Replacing incandescent light bulbs with

compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs

WHAT CAN I BE DOING?