Human Impacts on the Environment Ecosystems Carbon Increased

Human Impacts on the Environment Ecosystems

Carbon • Increased burning of FOSSIL FUELS – Results in increased CO 2 concentration in atmosphere – Results in increased temperatures – Many animals, insects & plants have a hard time adjusting to climate change • ENHANCED GREENHOUSE EFFECT

Nitrogen • Eutrophication – When you use too much nitrogen (fertilizer) and it runs off into ponds/streams • • • The nitrogen causes an algal blooms Algae keeps light from getting to bottom Plants die from reduced light Dead plants & algae attract bacteria Bacteria use oxygen while decomposing plants Not enough oxygen for fish to survive = FISH DIE

Pesticides • Bioaccumulation & Biomagnification – Use of pesticides, DDT, PCBs & other toxins known as POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants) – POPs build up in the cells/tissues of organisms – POPs magnify as they move up food chain – Results in immune disorders, respiratory problems, thin egg shells, death • THINK: Whales, bees, birds, shells, geikos

Other human impacts • Deforestation – Clear-cutting reduces habitat, biodiversity, buffer zones protecting rivers/lakes • Draining Wetlands – Drained for farming, building houses, mosquito control – reduced biodiversity • • Air pollution Genetically Modified Crops/Organisms Alien/Introduced Species Overexploitation (fishing, hunting, etc)