Issues That Impacted Earth

Issues That Impacted Earth

1. Water Pollution

   • We rely on clean water to survive, yet we still somehow let it get contaminated and polluted due to our own lack of care for it. Water pollution is the contamination of water bodies (e.g. lakes, rivers, oceans, aquifers and groundwater), very often by human activities. Water pollution occurs when pollutants (particles, chemicals or substances that make water contaminated) are discharged directly or indirectly into water bodies without enough treatment to get rid of harmful compounds. This not only effects us negatively, but the environment as well as other species.
     • Dealing with water pollution is incredibly important for everyone to be involved with. However, the greatest and most important step to take is learning about the issue (as you are doing right now). Work to protect our water from pollution by always disposing of things in their correct place, and not where ever is convenient for you. Also, use water wisely. Do not keep the tap running when not in use. Also, you can reduce the amount of water you use in washing and bathing. If we all do this, we can significantly prevent water shortages and reduces the amount of dirty water that needs treatment. Be mindful where chemicals within your own household go, as in DO NOT throw chemicals, oils, paints and medicines down the sink drain, or the toilet. Perhaps using a

2. Deforestation

   • Deforestation is clearing Earth's forests on a massive scale, often resulting in damage to the quality of the land. Deforestation occurs for many reasons: trees are cut down to be used or sold as fuel (sometimes in the form of charcoal) or timber, while cleared land is used as pasture for livestock, plantations of commodities and settlements. Deforestation has many negative effects on the environment. The most dramatic impact is a loss of habitat for millions of species. Seventy percent of Earth’s land animals and plants live in forests, and many cannot survive the deforestation that destroys their homes. Deforestation is also one of the major causes of a disturbed water cycle, global warming, and soil erosion. If not controlled, the imbalance is likely to threaten life on Earth, again.
     • One obvious solution is to carefully manage forest resources by eliminating clear-cutting to make sure that forest environments remain intact. The cutting that does occur should be balanced by the planting of enough young trees to replace the older ones felled in any given forest. Another method is to introduce other ways of farming for example, cyclic agriculture, where land is used for cultivation till the soil loses its fertility, after which it is abandoned. Natural vegetation makes the soil fertile again in a few years. The time span in which the land remains barren can be utilized for cattle grazing and this can help in preserving forests as more trees don't have to be cut for creating lands for farming. Deforestation needs regular monitoring. It is important to keep a check on areas with high rates of deforestation and this can be done with the help of aerial photos, satellite imagery, or hotspot analysis. Keeping a check on deforestation can help keep track of damage caused.

3. Species at Risk

   • Species at risk are wildlife species that are extirpated, endangered, or threatened as a result of a single species - ours - and appears to be almost wholly responsible. An eco system is enhanced with greater biodiversity, so the loss of a species is never beneficial. Biodiversity - the variety of species and their habitats - plays an important role in ecosystem function and in the many services ecosystems provide. These include nutrient and water cycling, soil formation and retention, resistance against invasive species, plant pollination, climate regulation, and pest and pollution control. Escalating biodiversity loss has widespread implications for both human and environmental security.
     • Major issues that caused the loss of biodiversity are a result of...
       • ...deforestation...
       • ...water quality...
       • ... as well as over-exploitation (extraction, hunting, fishing etc.), disease, pollution, invasive species, and global climate change.
         • So just as humans are a major cause of species at risk, we can also make major changes that will definitely better the overall number of species at risk. This means to not over-exploit resources, as in watch the number of fish we are catching, the number of trees we cut down, the amount of energy we use...etc. Have effective management and restoration of habitats and ecosystems (including establishment of protected areas and protected area networks). Limiting the use of pesticides, herbicides and other chemical pollutants. Be careful what we bring into other ecosystems, invasive species are a large factor in species at risk.

4. Bibliography

   • Deforestation Facts, Deforestation Information, Effects of Deforestation - National Geographic. (n.d.). National Geographic. Retrieved June 13, 2014, from http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/deforestation-overview/
     • Enforcement. (n.d.). Government of Canada, Environment Canada. Retrieved June 15, 2014, from http://www.ec.gc.ca/alef-ewe/default.asp?lang=en&n=ED2FFC37-1
       • Learn something new today!. (n.d.). Interactive Learning Resources for young people. Retrieved June 15, 2014, from http://www.eschooltoday.com/
         • Lovekar, V. (n.d.). Deforestation Solutions. Buzzle. Retrieved June 13, 2014, from http://www.buzzle.com/articles/deforestation-solutions.html
           • Species Extinction. (n.d.). Red List. Retrieved June 15, 2014, from http://cmsdata.iucn.org/downloads/species_extinction_05_2007.pdf
             • Water. (n.d.). Pollution Facts, Effects of Pollution,Clean Act. Retrieved June 13, 2014, from http://www.nrdc.org/water/