Slideshow B6: Human impact on the natural environment

Deforestation – Logging is the biggest threat to coniferous forests. Replanting after logging, creates single-species conifer monocultures. Clear cutting (the felling and removal of all trees from a given tract of forest) accelerates soil erosion, degrades wildlife habitats and leads to the loss of animals and plants. Land is being cleared for many things such as ski slopes, landfills, housing and new roads. What could be done to improve this?

Breaking up of parkland by roads can create “islands” of the natural ecosystems and habitats. This can prevent the movement of plants and animals. How can we minimise this?

Towns spread out and destroy habitats. But people need somewhere to live, so what can be done?

This picture shows how cattle drinking from ponds can damage the habitat. Sometimes, parts of ponds have to be fenced off to stop the cattle from destroying them. Fencing off parts of ponds keeps the habitat intact for amphibians and other wildlife.

Impact of gas extraction in the USA.

A rubbish dump. As food stuffs decay gases are released and there is a danger of fire.

A polluted river.