1. WHY IS PHYSICAL DIVERSITY IMPORTANT?

2. WHY IS PHYSICAL DIVERSITY IMPORTANT?
Preserving physical diversity in Canada is important for both humans and nature.
ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE
SOCIAL AND CULTURAL IMPORTANCE
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPORTANCE
THE IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINABILITY

3. ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE
We have always relied on the environment as a source of food, fresh water, shelter and energy.
It is also an important factor in the development of Canada’s economy.
Natural Resources
Employment
Tourism and Recreation

8. SOCIAL AND CULTURAL IMPORTANCE
Non-material benefits from the environment:
Spiritual and Religious
Recreational and Ecotourism
Inspirational
Educational
Sense of Place
Cultural Heritage

10. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPORTANCE
Healthy ecosystems:
Protect and purify our water and air
Form soils
Absorb and break down pollutants
Regulate the climate
Maintain genetic diversity
Support our complex food web
Protect natural habitats

11. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPORTANCE
Humans are affecting the health of our ecosystems by:
Causing the extinction of a variety of species
Wasting and polluting water and overworking soils
Polluting our land, air and water by relying on fossil fuels
Using our resources faster then they can be replaced

13. IMPORTANCE OF SUSTAINABILITY
Sustainability means meeting the needs of the present generation without affecting the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
In a sustainable world, society’s demands on the physical environment are in balance with the ability of the natural systems to meet that demand.
In the end, sustainability requires a balancing act between meeting our needs and wants, and maintaining healthy ecosystems.

14. ON THE BACK OF YOUR SHEET
Write down TEN ways that you can do your part to reduce your negative impact on the environment.