What are 10 ways humans impact the environment?
Humans have a long list of activities that impact the planet’s environment, from land-use change to resource exploitation. Some of these affect the planet’s ecosystems directly, while others erode the natural balance and make it more difficult for the world’s plants and animals to thrive.
Air pollution
Air pollution is a major cause of environmental damage and human health problems. It’s a result of the burning of fossil fuels such as coal, oil and gas. These substances produce toxic gases and particles that can affect people’s health as well as the natural environment.
Deforestation
The destruction of forests is a major concern for the global community as they are home to numerous species. When forests are cleared, it decreases the availability of food for these animals, as well as increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Water shortages
Anthropogenic activities have wreaked havoc on water supplies around the globe. Various industrial and agricultural processes have caused massive amounts of pollution to enter waterways, resulting in reduced freshwater reserves.
Changing weather patterns
Climate change is one of the biggest threats to the planet’s ecosystems and wildlife, as it causes increased temperatures and disrupts the natural cycle of condensation and evaporation. It also changes the weather and causes flooding, droughts and storms.
Depletion of the ozone layer
The ozone layer is made up of three bonded oxygens that protect the Earth’s surface from UV radiation. When these oxygens are depleted, they are not able to absorb the UV light and the Earth’s ecosystems suffer.