Human Impacts on the Environment Ms. Cuthrell

2.2.1 Infer how human activities (including population growth, pollution, global warming, burning of fossil fuels, habitat destruction and introduction of nonnative species) may impact the environment.

Population Growth

Technology Agricultural equipment is mass producing food. Fertilizer allows great yield. Pesticides prevent crop destruction. Water filtration and heaters have cleaned up contaminated water. Vaccinations are preventing people from getting disease.

Consumption of Resources Habitat Destruction  Loss of biodiversity Waste dumping  Shortages of clean water Burning fossil fuels  Global Warming Manufactured Chemicals (CFC’s)  Ozone Destruction Factory emissions  Acid Rain

N.C. Ecosystems Urban development in the Piedmont has led to habitat destruction and water runoff

N.C. Ecosystems Kudzu is an invasive plant It is nonnative Kudzu originally was introduced into the U.S. from Asia in the late 1800s for erosion control and as a livestock forage

Production of Waste Law requires human waste to be treated; however animal waste is not treated. More than 335 million tons of "dry matter" waste is produced annually on farms in the U.S. During decomposition, manure emits harmful gases such as ammonia and hydrogen sulfide. Waste lagoons can leak or rupture, polluting the surrounding soil and water systems.

N.C. Ecosystems Waste lagoons on hog farms Hurricane Floyd in 1999 led to widespread water contamination.

Global Change Carbon dioxide from fossil fuels is causing global warming. Acid rain is causing a loss of plant life which will indirectly affect the entire food chain. CFC’s (chlorofluorocarbons) are causing a hole in the ozone layer which is letting UV rays through.

Ozone hole above Antarctica

Ice Melting at the North Pole

N.C. Ecosystems Beach erosion

N.C. Ecosystems Acid Rain