Human activities, such as resource extraction, industrial production, and urbanization, have caused significant damage to the natural environment, including biodiversity loss, soil degradation, and water pollution. This question examines the causes and consequences of these impacts and explores strategies to mitigate them and restore ecological balance.
Human activities have had a wide range of detrimental impacts on the natural environment, including species extinction, habitat destruction, and climate change. To reduce these impacts and achieve ecological balance, it is essential to implement sustainable development strategies that promote the efficient use of resources, reduce pollution, and protect ecosystems. This can be done through practices such as conservation and reforestation, the development of renewable energy sources, the adoption of sustainable agriculture and fisheries, and the reduction of waste. Additionally, public education and awareness-raising campaigns can help to foster an understanding of the importance of preserving the natural environment and the need for collective action to protect and restore it.
The environment is a complicated web of ecosystems that depend on each other, and people significantly impact its health and well-being. While we rely on the environment for survival and well-being, our actions often have unintended and harmful consequences.
From pollution and deforestation to climate change and habitat destruction, our environmental impact is widespread and significant
Impacts from human activity on land and in the water can influence ecosystems profoundly. Climate change, ocean acidification, permafrost melting, habitat loss, eutrophication, storm water runoff, air pollution, contaminants, and invasive species are among many problems facing ecosystems.There is indeed evidence in psychology suggesting that being exposed to green, natural environments improves mental well-being. Mechanisms include a reduction in stress, a rise in positive emotions, cognitive restoration, and positive effects on self-regulation.
What are ways humans impact the environment?
·Overpopulation could be impacting the environment.
·Pollution has a direct impact on the environment.
· Global Warming is blamed on humans.
·Humans could be impacting climate change.
· Genetic modification could be a ticking time bomb.
·Ocean acidification needs to be avoided at all costs.
·Water pollution is not good either.
·Deforestation is very damaging to the environment
·Acid rain is avoidable
·Ozone depletion is one impact we may have reversed
Humans impact the physical environment in many ways: overpopulation, pollution, burning fossil fuels, and deforestation. Changes like these have triggered climate change, soil erosion, poor air quality, and undrinkable water. The activity that has the largest negative human impact on the environment is agriculture. Other impactful activities include the building of new cities and dams, oil spills, Mass Ocean fishing, and dependence on fossil fuels. Among the most critically impactful ways that humans have affected the environment is our extraction and consumption of fossil fuels and their attendant CO2 emissions. Recycle to help prevent the over-harvesting of natural resources. Conserve energy by choosing more energy efficient appliances and automobiles. If everybody uses less energy, pollution decreases and less coal get used to power the nation and the world. They should initiate society to plant more trees, to stop throwing garbage anywhere, to use the resources efficiently and to educate the people about maintaining ecological balance. Ecological balance is important for the health and stability of an ecosystem. In order for living organisms to coexist in a relatively stable state with the environment, systems of cycling and balance must keep the ecosystem sustainable.
Solutions to Environmental Issues
1. Replace disposal items with reusable items.
2. The use of paper should be avoided.
3. Conserve water and electricity.
4. Support environmental friendly practices.
5. Recycle waste to conserve natural resources.
WIth rising human population, there is a need for more food and more produce. This requires land. Much land has been cleared for growing crops and for rearing cattle. We cant do without this. But is there a way to limit the land use, and maximize output from that given acrege? We should improve efficiency. Vertical farming is another aspect worth considering. As is the use of enzymatic processes and developing meat in the labs, like beyond meat. Do local production, to reduce transport costs.
Thie question itself is very broad to be a research topic yet few of the important points to note on this topic imcludes but not limited to;
1) Lack of Awareness (Developing Countries with high biodiversity and ramnant natural forests)
2. Lack of Action.( Countless, policies, laws, regulations etc that are actually not implemented at local level)
80% of worlds last remaining natural forests are in the developing countries. Factors that are encouraging deforestation and destrution to natural and habitat increase in environmental damage is due to natives not being educated about the consequences of loss their nature and environment. Coupled with pressure from multinational companies that are profit oriented, with bribery and corruption within govt officialls colluding to do anything to get their hands on resources with no remorse for the damages done to environment.
Mineral extraction, logging and agriculture boom are becoming some of most detrimental causes to environmental damages. Natives with the above resource are faced with life treathening challenges yet little or nothing is beimg done by their govt.
Poor countries with falling economies are depending on foreign aid and loan (indebtness), while selling their resources at the cost of lossing environment, resoueces and social eventually disorder.
While on the other hand, developed countires benefit off the poor countries insecurities. They speak out in media as if they care yet, they're the causes to clinate change and poverty. How many meetings, laws, regualtions, policies that are in place yet little is being actiones to curb climate change.
More to come...
Ecological balance ensures the stability of the organisms and environment. It creates a conducive environment for organism multiplication and thriving. Tree planting and reduced deforestation rate prevent undesirable climate change. Control of excessive wild animals' inhabitant maintains desired population growth. Therefore, a human can contribute positively to create and maintain ecological balance. Humans impact the physical environment in many ways: overpopulation, pollution, burning fossil fuels, and deforestation. Changes like these have triggered climate change, soil erosion, poor air quality, and undrinkable water. Environmental factors include water, air, soil, climate, natural vegetation, and landforms. Pollution, deforestation, solid waste pollution, global warming, and climatic change are the top five ecological factors impacting human health and well-being. It includes understanding how things like climate and soil composition affect the behaviors and interactions of populations from different species. It also includes a wide range of factors to better understand the whole aspect of interaction between the living things and their environments/habitats. It provides new knowledge of the interdependence between people and nature that is vital for food production, maintaining clean air and water, and sustaining biodiversity in a changing climate. Humans impact the physical environment in many ways: over population, pollution, burning fossil fuels, and deforestation. Changes like these have triggered climate change, soil erosion, poor air quality, and undrinkable water. The activity that has the largest negative human impact on the environment is agriculture. Other impactful activities include the building of new cities and dams, oil spills, Mass Ocean fishing, and dependence on fossil fuels. Any time humans pollute the air, soil or water we create an imbalance. Any time humans pollute the air, soil or water we create an imbalance. A polluted soil cannot sustain the soil living organisms and so the imbalance is created. Human impact on the environment refers to changes to biophysical environments and to ecosystems, biodiversity, and natural resources caused directly or indirectly by humans.
Part Two..
And so, little do native or rather landowners know, they're not only losing their resources but their future livelihoods at stake. In the bigger picture, we all are affected because of few ignorant people and their greed.
Causes to Environmental Damage;
a. human activities (direct and indirect actions)
b. natural disaster (tsunami, volcano eruption, flood, etc.)
We all know that humans have evolved, shaped and changed the environment and surroundings since thousands of years. After learning that their actions on the environment had impacts that backfire, laws, regulations, policies and have devised to counter-attack.
While appreciating the impacts the of environmental damages, should also accept the following facts below;
1. Corruption
2. Selfishness and Greed
3. Ignorance
they add fuel to the existing impacts of environmental damages. Imbalance in wealth distribution is also another contribution to loss of biodiversity and environmental damage.
Means to minimize environmental impacts;
a. more awareness
b. strictly implement laws
c. think locally and act globally
See our article here Article Procedure of Landscape Anthropization Extent Modeling: Imple...
People influence the actual climate in numerous ways: overpopulation, contamination, consuming petroleum derivatives, and deforestation. Changes like these have set off environmental change, soil disintegration, unfortunate air quality, and undrinkable water. The movement that humanly affects the climate is farming.
Recycling products made from nonrenewable resources is one way to reduce the negative impacts of this resource exploitation? In addition, the development and use of renewable resources, like solar or wind energy, can help decrease the harmful effects of resource exploitation. Humans impact the physical environment in many ways: overpopulation, pollution, burning fossil fuels, and deforestation. Changes like these have triggered climate change, soil erosion, poor air quality, and undrinkable water. The activity that has the largest negative human impact on the environment is agriculture. Impacts from human activity on land and in the water can influence ecosystems profoundly. Climate change, ocean acidification, permafrost melting, habitat loss, eutrophication, stormwater runoff, air pollution, contaminants, and invasive species are among many problems facing ecosystems. Recycling products made from nonrenewable resources is one way to reduce the negative impacts of this resource exploitation? In addition, the development and use of renewable resources, like solar or wind energy, can help decrease the harmful effects of resource exploitation. Carpool when where you are going is too far to walk. Take public transportation. Buy products with the least amount of packaging possible. Ecological balance is important for the health and stability of an ecosystem. In order for living organisms to coexist in a relatively stable state with the environment, systems of cycling and balance must keep the ecosystem sustainable.
Human activities such farming affect the natural environment in a couple of ways. Fertilisers and chemicals used is the farming are washed by rain water and discharged into various water bodies contaminating them. This has a negative impact on human and animals which use that water for consumption. It also affects aquatic life. To restore and maintain ecological balance farmers should practice organic farming and any other nonchemical mode of farming.
Hi Jin Hu, your question is so broad that it would be pretentious to answer it in a couple of statements.
You'll find many elements of what you are looking for in the last IPCC report (start with the just released Synthesis Report (2023) - https://www.ipcc.ch/assessment-report/ar6/).
With more emphasis on the biological dimensions and insights into the ongoing 6th mass extinction of species the IPBES report is the most authoritative source: https://www.ipbes.net/global-assessment. 2021
One of the best multi-disciplinary books full of insights - and humility by the top scientists and writers proposing their different perspectives in a respectful way towards other ways of learning and knowing - is edited by Julia A. Thomas "Altered Earth. Getting the Anthropocene right". Cambridge University Press, 2022
A fresh perspective on your own professional background taking 2000 years of Chinese history as foundational material is by Carsten Herrmann-Pillarth and Christian Hederer "A new principles of economics. The science of markets". Routledge 2023
If I may add a personal perspective on the issue of responding to exercise healing human stewardship on the planet and its ocean my thoughts go into the direction of seeking many locally adapted solutions. How to bring this about? It will certainly not work with top-down one-size-fits-all approaches or smashing up the rest of humanity and seek escape to Mars for a few. A more realistic approach seems to be for me: making good use of the sciences, which in combination have advanced the diagnosis significantly in recent decades. But the impact experts are the citizens who experience the consequences with countless facets as they are affected in expected and many unexpected ways. Broad-based deliberative dialogue among a cross section of populations with a focus on listening to each other around hearing experiences and focusing on consensual solutions offers the greatest chance to build the respect and trust needed to find fair balances in shouldering the costs and benefits. That will also generate a lot of innovation, not necessarily the next high risk technofix, but also social and other forms of innovation we will all need to enable futures that stop the wasteful and dangerous end of pipe solutions so common now.
Some food for thought. Perhaps your university might test more online based approaches for such processes - they work best person to person, but take time and lots of effort. One of the key concerns is always to ask questions that matter so that people are willing to engage and to ask in a manner that is not pitching one opinion or perception against another and thus promote division rather than the capacity to work better collectively.
Best, Cornelia
Taking steps to reduce or eliminate pollution from nonpoint sources such as streets and farms will help to maintain the ecological balance. Sewage and run-off of agricultural fertilizer can cause the rapid growth of algae in lakes and streams. To maintain a balance between the environment and human development, it is necessary to strive for sustainable development to meet the needs of the present generation and conserve them for the future generation. Ecological imbalance is when a natural- or human-caused disturbance disrupts the natural balance of an ecosystem. The balance of an ecosystem can be disrupted by natural or human-caused disturbances. If a species disappears or a new species is introduced it can shift an ecosystem to a state of ecological imbalance. Ecological balance is important for the health and stability of an ecosystem. In order for living organisms to coexist in a relatively stable state with the environment, systems of cycling and balance must keep the ecosystem sustainable. Ecological balance is a state of dynamic equilibrium within a community of organisms in which genetic, species, and ecosystem diversity remain relatively stable, subject to gradual changes through natural succession.Impacts from human activity on land and in the water can influence ecosystems profoundly. Climate change, ocean acidification, permafrost melting, habitat loss, eutrophication, stormwater runoff, air pollution, contaminants, and invasive species are among many problems facing ecosystems. Recycling products made from nonrenewable resources is one way to reduce the negative impacts of this resource exploitation? In addition, the development and use of renewable resources, like solar or wind energy, can help decrease the harmful effects of resource exploitation. Humans impact the physical environment in many ways: overpopulation, pollution, burning fossil fuels, and deforestation. Changes like these have triggered climate change, soil erosion, poor air quality, and undrinkable water. The activity that has the largest negative human impact on the environment is agriculture. The most positive human impact on the environment is the reversal of environmental destruction through remedial actions. These include recycling, conserving water, improving energy efficiency, cordoning off sensitive ecosystems, planting trees, and passing environmental protection laws.
Human developmental activities are the main reason behind the problem of ecological imbalance. Resources are limited, but the increasing human population cannot meet their needs without extracting environmental resources. We need to balance both, so the only way is to use ecological resources sustainably; otherwise, our future generation will suffocate in their life.
Humans impact the physical environment in many ways: overpopulation, pollution, burning fossil fuels, and deforestation. Changes like these have triggered climate change, soil erosion, poor air quality, and undrinkable water.
A lot has already been described as answers by previous 14 replies that have been filed. The question indeed is very wide and would require essentially consulting a wide body of scientific and journalistic literature.
I would commend Dr. Naresh for his broad vision and expression of facts.
In one sentence, we can balance a great amount of co-existence with nature by changing our paradigm to the resource reclamation and utilization of fossil fuels. I would like to recite in few words excerpts from a RECITATION OF UPNISHADS. The last hymn of the last chapter of "ISHOPANISHAD" states, "The creator, whosoever we think is, has created everything for the utilization and enjoyment by the living beings including humans. One, however, must apply due diligence and wisdom in utilizing the resources. Furthermore, one should share it with all living beings for generations to come". If one follows this wisdom, it bestows on us as humans to restore the nature for future generations.
Decarbonization is prerequisites for pollution free country.
Forest restoration must be sustained.
Attitude change is a critical measure to reduce the impacts of human activities on the natural environment and achieve ecological balance. By fostering attitudes that prioritize environmental responsibility, sustainability, stewardship, and pro-environmental behaviors, we can create a positive impact on the environment and work towards a more sustainable future.
Doreen Alwala Thank you for your response to my question on the impacts of human activities on the natural environment and how to reduce these impacts to achieve ecological balance. I appreciate your suggestion that attitude change is a critical measure for achieving this goal.
I agree that fostering attitudes that prioritize environmental responsibility, sustainability, stewardship, and pro-environmental behaviors is essential for reducing the impacts of human activities on the natural environment. This can be achieved through education, outreach, and awareness campaigns that encourage individuals to adopt more sustainable practices and reduce their ecological footprint.
I appreciate your insight and contribution to this important topic. Your suggestions provide valuable guidance for individuals and communities looking to reduce their impact on the environment and achieve a more sustainable future.
Peter Donkor Thank you for sharing these insights on the impacts of human activities on the natural environment and the ways to reduce these impacts and achieve ecological balance. It is important to acknowledge that human activities have had significant consequences on the environment, and that it is crucial to implement sustainable development practices to mitigate these impacts. Sustainable development strategies, such as resource efficiency, pollution reduction, ecosystem protection, conservation, and renewable energy development, are critical to achieving ecological balance. Moreover, public education and awareness-raising campaigns can help to promote attitudes and behaviors that prioritize environmental responsibility and sustainability. Together, we can work towards a more sustainable future and protect the natural environment for future generations.
These are course materials on Urban Hydrology and Hydraulics "Hydrologie et Hydraulique urbaines" 'In French) presents methods for the design and management of urban water distribution, collection, and disposal systems. Modeling is developed as a planning, design, and diagnostic tool for urban hydraulic systems.
Chapter Urban Hydrology and Hydraulics "Hydrologie et Hydraulique Ur...
Chapter Urban Hydrology and Hydraulics "Hydrologie et Hydraulique Ur...
Chapter Urban Hydrology and Hydraulics "Hydrologie et Hydraulique Ur...
Chapter Urban Hydrology and Hydraulics "Hydrologie et Hydraulique Ur...
Chapter Urban Hydrology and Hydraulics "Hydrologie et Hydraulique Ur...
Chapter Urban Hydrology and Hydraulics "Hydrologie et Hydraulique Ur...
Chapter Urban Hydrology and Hydraulics "Hydrologie et Hydraulique Ur...
Chapter Urban Hydrology and Hydraulics "Hydrologie et Hydraulique Ur...
Chapter Urban Hydrology and Hydraulics "Hydrologie et Hydraulique Ur...
Chapter Urban Hydrology and Hydraulics "Hydrologie et Hydraulique Ur...
Chapter Urban Hydrology and Hydraulics "Hydrologie et Hydraulique Ur...
Chapter Urban Hydrology and Hydraulics "Hydrologie et Hydraulique Ur...
Dear Jin Hu, your questions sounds quite fundamental. If you want to have the broad historical picture of how Homo sapiens appropriated the Earth and the Ocean, you'll find an overview here: https://www.mundusmaris.org/index.php/en/review/other/2840-dp-en
We know in principle what to do, but how best to stop humans acting as an invasive species is not so clear-cut.
We are trying through many important international treaties, but we have not yet managed to bridge the implementation gap at local and national levels. What we do know is that people feeling listened to and engaged in setting rules are likely to respect and apply the rules. See also this open access article 'Diverse values of nature for sustainability' in Nature Vol. 620 of 24 August 2023: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-023-06406-9
Findings of his research [1] "Three Gorges Dam: friend or foe of riverine greenhouse gases?" put into question some prejudices and should imply further deepening of the scientific community knowledge. "These findings suggest that ‘large-dam effects’ are far beyond our previous understanding spatiotemporally, which highlights the fundamental importance of whole-system budgeting of GHGs under the profound impacts of huge dams". The question remains what comprehensive environmental impacts of such huge changes of hydrologic systems on all the components of the earth system as well as on associated modification of population activities (agriculture, industries, production...)? Then what would be the impacts of these changes on the different budgets of GHE, water cycle, and other exchanges at the interfaces of the earth system?
[1] Ni, J., Wang, H., Ma, T., Huang, R., Ciais, P., Li, Z., ... & Borthwick, A. G. (2022). Three Gorges Dam: friend or foe of riverine greenhouse gases?. National Science Review, 9(6), nwac013: Available on:
https://academic.oup.com/nsr/article-pdf/9/6/nwac013/45053354/nwac013.pdf
See also:
https://www.researchgate.net/post/Climate_Change_Water_Resources/18
the Anthropogenic Effects on the Environment in general, are indisputable. First, there is the population of the globe which has been multiplied by 5 in one century, then there is the improvement in people's living standards. The combination of the two factors has amplified the consumption of goods and services, increasing pressure on natural resources. To measure the extent, it is enough to examine the extent of Deforestation in certain regions of the globe which is not without Effects on the Natural Cycles of Water, Carbon, Nitrogen, etc. But we can continue to bury our heads in the sand "like the ostrich", if we do not want to see; and blame everything on the so-called "Politics" even if politicians have their part and must assume the responsibilities that are theirs.
Illustration Maps: Virgin Forest in the U.S. From: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deforestation_in_the_United_States
See Also
https://www.researchgate.net/post/Adaptation_and_Resilience_to_Climate_Change_Temporal_Paradox_versus_Chronology_Protection_Conjecture
Iceland volcano erupts on Reykjanes peninsula (BBC, 4 hours ago). Volcanic eruptions, always Fascinating in Beauty and Majesty, remind us in a spectacular way of essential factors in the heat balance of the globe: the transfers at the Visible Lithosphere-Atmosphere Interface in the form of Seismic and Volcanic Activities and the transfers at the Lithosphere-Hydrosphere interface, Invisible because they occur at the bottom of the oceans. Unlike the GHE, the effects of these activities on Climate Change are not well analyzed, at least in Climate Models, including those used in IPCC projections.
Illustration Source: ICELANDIC MET OFFICE:
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-67756413
See Also:
https://www.researchgate.net/post/Adaptation_and_Resilience_to_Climate_Change_Temporal_Paradox_versus_Chronology_Protection_Conjecture
https://www.researchgate.net/post/Climate_Change_and_Climate_Models_Progress_and_LimitsArticle Predictability of water resources with global climate models...
In these festive days, I would like to mention this 30 year old Paper, "Joy A. Palmer (1993) From Santa Claus to sustainability: emerging understanding of concepts and issues in environmental science, International Journal of Science Education, 15:5 , 487-495", in which the author discusses the nature and development of children's early knowledge and awareness of environmental issues. as strange as it may seem, we learn that "pre‐school children may well have a strong base of accurate scientific knowledge upon which early years environmental teaching may build." Happy Holidays For All
See Also:
https://www.researchgate.net/post/Adaptation_and_Resilience_to_Climate_Change_Temporal_Paradox_versus_Chronology_Protection_Conjecture
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