Protecting the Natural World – Human Impact

Warm up…answer the following Q’s 1. Why did you watch the Lorax? 1. Why did you watch the Lorax? 2. What do you think this world is going to look like in 25 years? 2. What do you think this world is going to look like in 25 years? 3. What can you do to make a difference in your community? 3. What can you do to make a difference in your community?

Human Impact Nothing has a bigger effect on our environment than we do! Nothing has a bigger effect on our environment than we do!

The Human Threat Many people think that our actions are not significant enough to actually damage the biosphere. This is simply not true. Many people think that our actions are not significant enough to actually damage the biosphere. This is simply not true. The world population The world population is currently in a is currently in a period of period of exponential growth, exponential growth, so our effect is so our effect is becoming bigger becoming bigger and bigger. and bigger.

Bidwell Marina at Lake Oroville in Oroville, CA Before Drought: July 20, 2011After Drought: August 19, 2014 FULLCAPACITYFULLCAPACITY 32% C A P A C I T Y

Ways WE (Humans) Affect the Biosphere (Earth)

Overhunting In many parts of the world, people are driving wild animals toward extinction by over-hunting them. In many parts of the world, people are driving wild animals toward extinction by over-hunting them.  This may be for food, as in wild fish, or out of fear, as in wolves.

Pollution Adding harmful materials to the biosphere through land, air, or water. Adding harmful materials to the biosphere through land, air, or water.

Deforestation More than 80% of the world’s natural forests have already been destroyed. More than 80% of the world’s natural forests have already been destroyed. Remaining forests are being cut down at an alarming rate. Remaining forests are being cut down at an alarming rate.

Introducing Invasive Species A species that has been introduced into an area where it is not naturally found. A species that has been introduced into an area where it is not naturally found.  With no predators or natural threats in the new area, they can cause a lot of damage to the ecosystem.

Longitudinal Analysis Looking at the ecosystem over a long period of time in order to see the big picture Looking at the ecosystem over a long period of time in order to see the big picture  Helps to see the impact of human activities on population growth of different species