Environmental Issues Human’s Degradation of the Environment Mr. Matthew Rodman Science Patria Mirabal Middle School (MS 324) New York City, New York, USA

Focus What are the causes of environmental problems? What causes the causes of environmental problems?

Human Impact Humans have an effect on the environment. If the effect is unwanted, it is called pollution. Other effects are consequences of choices humans make with regard to the environment. The most important environmental problem currently is global warming, which is not caused by pollution.

Overview of Human Impact 1.Pollution Acid Rain Toxic Wastes Ozone Layer Depletion Oil Spills 2.Greenhouse Effect 3.Habitat Destruction

Types of Pollution 1.Air Pollution – pollution in the air (atmospheric pollution) 2.Land Pollution – pollution on the ground (lithospheric pollution) 3.Water Pollution – pollution in the water (hydrospheric pollution)

Pollution

Acid Rain Acid rain is caused by coal or oil being burned and releasing nitrogen and sulfur oxides. These oxides make rain water more acidic. This can damage metal or stone structures over time and can kill plants.

Toxic Wastes Some industries release dangerous chemicals. If these chemicals get in the soil or water, they can cause illness or death. Some chemicals can cause cancer.

Ozone Depletion Ozone is a compound of oxygen (O 3 ). The ozone layer is in the atmosphere. Ozone absorbs ultraviolet radiation from the sun. Chlorofluorocarbons react with ozone and destroy it, which punches holes in the ozone layer. Ultraviolet radiation from the sun can cause cancers.

Oil Spills Oil spills are caused when ships carrying oil release it into the ocean. The oil can cause cancers to humans and destroys wildlife. It is especially dangerous for birds and mammals because it ruins their feathers or fur and will kill them.

The Greenhouse Effect The greenhouse effect is the most important environmental problem. It is a gradual warming of the average temperature of the planet. It is caused primarily by carbon dioxide released from burning fuels.

The Greenhouse Effect Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere acts like a blanket. It keeps heat from the sun trapped on the Earth. This raises the average temperature on the planet. It is called the greenhouse effect because it works like a greenhouse.

The Greenhouse Effect As carbon dioxide levels rise, so do global average temperatures. Over the next twenty years, the temperature will rise about 3-5° Celsius. This will cause the ice on the North and South Poles to melt and ocean levels will rise. In addition, weather will change and storms will become more severe.

Habitat Destruction As human populations grow, natural spaces are destroyed to make room for growing cities. This causes habitat destruction. Organisms have their homes destroyed and then they go extinct.

Review 1.What is pollution? 2.What are the different types of pollution? 3.What causes the greenhouse effect? 4.What causes habitat destruction? 5.How is acid rain formed?

Questions COMPARE: How are the environmental problems of ozone depletion and global warming similar? How are they different? ANALYZE: Why is global warming not considered an issue of pollution? HYPOTHESIZE: What is the ultimate cause of all environmental problems? APPLY: How could you design a city to limit human impact?