7-6.6 Notes Resources and the Environment

1. The Green Revolution A. Beginning in the 1960s people began “Going Green.” B. The Green Movement attempted to increase food production by using fertilizers, pesticides and new strains of crops. C. This resulted in higher yields (more crops) and lower rates of famine D. Increases in agriculture also increased population E. As a result of this increase, there was also an increase in chemicals released into the environment.

2. Urbanization A. When population increases, people tend to move to cities, this is urbanization. B. In 1950 About 732 Million people lived in urban areas, by 2005 that number is closer to 3.2 Billion! C. Urbanization means more waste, pollution, and increased warming in cities.

3. Pollution A. Because of a higher population, there is a higher demand for food 1. More chemicals are used in crop production 2. More land is needed to provide food for the larger populations 3. This causes damage to wildlife habitats and endangers species around the world. B. Hydrocarbons and Carbon Dioxide are released from burning fossil fuels such as Oil, Coal, and Gasoline. C. Burning fossil fuels can lead to acid rain, air and water pollution.

Pollution in China, people could not be outside for more than a few minutes at a time

Oil spills damage and endanger wildlife

Animals Suffering from Littering

4. The Ozone Layer A. The earth’s ozone layer has been damaged by CFCs (Chlorofluorocarbons) B. This layer protects everyone on the earth from damaging ultraviolet rays from the sun C. If the ozone layer keeps shrinking, there may be increases in skin cancer and damage to plant and animal species D. There have been many attempts to stop the use of CFCs. The Kyoto Protocol in 1992 was signed by many countries and was a pledge to reduce greenhouse gasses.

5. What is being done? A. On the local level, communities and schools practice recycling programs to reduce waste B. Citizens are making the decision to purchase materials that were recycled, or made from ‘sustainable’ materials C. Other changes, such as hybrid and electric cars and energy efficient appliances/light bulbs are also being developed/used. D. Many alternative renewable energy sources are also being used to power homes and businesses, such as solar and wind power. E. Nuclear power, a nonrenewable energy source, is also used around the world as a power source, and does not use fossil fuels.