Human Impact

How do humans affect the Earth? Human activity can have a positive or a negative impact on the surface of our Earth. We deplete resources found on Earth.

Types of Resources Renewable resources can be replenished within a relatively short time period. Nonrenewable resources form very slowly, over millions of years. When present supplies are used, there will be no more.

Conservation Through conservation strategies, people can slow down the degradation (damage) of the environment and the depletion of non- renewable resources.

Alternative Energy Wind electricity- wind energy converted to electrical energy Solar electricity- solar energy converted to electricity (photovoltaic cells collect solar radiation). Hydroelectricity (water)- energy of moving water converted to electricity

Alternative Energy Wind electricity, but only certain parts of the country such as the Great Plains states have enough strong, steady wind for widespread wind power development. Solar electricity can be produced in photovoltaic cells

Hydroelectricity is produced by turbines below dams. Inexpensive and most widely used form of renewable energy. Best sites for hydro have been dammed, and other dams would displace valuable urban and farm land. Alternative Energy Continued

How can I persuade others to practice conservation?

Design a Conservation Poster Topics Soil Water Plants Pollution Energy Fossil fuels Animals

For Example Good techniques for Conserving Soil contour plowing strip planting - different crops in strips cover crops crop rotation Terraces planting groundcovers - roots hold the soil windbreaks tree planting mulching