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The planet is an ecosphere that is an amalgamation of a large number of interrelated ecosystems. These ecosystems are made up of a series of smaller interrelated communities.
Humans simplify natural ecosystems in order to grow good, build habitats and remove or extract resources. Unwanted species, both plants and animals, are removed, and other species are provided with an environment made favourable for their survival by human interaction.
large amounts of money, time and energy are used to maintain these simplified ecosystems and protect them from pests, droughts, floods and other disturbances. The great environmental challenge now facing humans is how to maintain a sustainable balance between the simplified ecosystems and the neighbouring, more complex, natural ecosystems on which the simplified ecosystems depend.
The use of ecosystems by humans is best described as degrees of modification to natural vegetation.
The use of ecosystems by humans is best described as degrees of modification to natural vegetation.
Human-induced modifications to ecosystems may either be intentional or inadvertent. In some cases, they are the result of negligence.
Human-induced modifications to ecosystems may either be intentional or inadvertent. In some cases, they are the result of negligence.
Intentional Ecosystem Change
Intentional Ecosystem Change
Intentional human-induced ecosystem change refers to the deliberate actions taken by humans to alter, modify, or manipulate ecosystems for various purposes.
These changes can have both positive and negative consequences and are typically driven by human needs, goals, and desires.
For example:
Agriculture: Conversion of natural landscapes into agricultural fields (clearing forests, draining wetlands, and reshaping land to grow cops/livestock).
Urbanisation: Development of cities and towns (building structures, roads and infrastructure).
Deforestation: Deliberate clearing of forests for purposes like logging.
All of these, and more can lead to habitat destruction, changes in land use, and alterations in local climates.
Inadvertent Ecosystem Change
Inadvertent Ecosystem Change
Inadvertent human-induced ecosystem change refers to unintentional alterations to ecosystems that result from human activities or actions without the explicit intention of modifying the environment. These changes are often secondary or unforeseen consequences of human actions and can have both positive and negative impacts on ecosystems.
For example:
Pollution
Climate Change
Invasive Species
Habitat Fragmentation
Overfishing
Agricultural Runoff
Land Degradation
Often result from a lack of awareness, knowledge, or consideration of the long-term environmental impacts of certain human activities. Addressing these unintended consequences may require proactive measures, such as improved environmental regulations, sustainable resource management, and conservation efforts.
Measuring the effects of human activity on ecosystem function
Measuring the effects of human activity on ecosystem function
There is no standard measure other than to look/observe and note changes. Some studies assess the number of plant and animal species that have been lost, others consider the loss of habitat or loss biodiversity.
These measures are dependent on having or knowing a starting point, known as a 'baseline', otherwise they are simply educated guesses.
The Magnitude of Change
Refers to the extent to which an ecosystem has been stretched beyond its state of dynamic equilibrium. Can be slight or extreme change.
Measuring the magnitude of change requires a comparison between known data and available benchmarks. Preferably when the benchmark data was collected before any changes occurred.
The Rate of Change
The rate of ecosystem change is influenced by rapid global population growth, particularly in developing countries, and the growing demand for resources, mainly from developed countries.
Environmental degradation is more prevalent in developing countries, which often experience rapid population growth. However, the economic systems of developed countries contribute to resource extraction from developing nations, exemplified by the destruction of tropical rainforests.
Developing countries, especially those with tropical rainforests, face high deforestation rates, primarily exceeding 0.8% annually, while developed countries generally maintain or increase their forest areas. This indicates that rich countries are conserving their environments at the expense of poorer nations.
Deep Water Horizon Spill, 2010
Deep Water Horizon Spill, 2010
Deepwater Horizon oil spill, also called Gulf of Mexico oil spill, largest marine oil spill in history, caused by an April 20, 2010, explosion on the Deepwater Horizon oil rig—located in the Gulf of Mexico, approximately 41 miles (66 km) off the coast of Louisiana—and its subsequent sinking on April 22.
Watch the following short documentary:
Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill | A Short Documentary | Disaster Diaries - YouTube
The Deepwater Horizon oil rig explosion in the Gulf of Mexico led to the biggest oil spill in history.
Task 1
Task 1
Conduct research into the Deepwater Horizon explosion.
Prepare a response that states and assesses the impact of the disaster on the environment of the Gulf of Mexico.
Be sure to use geographical language, terms and concepts.
Use the links below to begin your research:
Use the links below to begin your research:
Full documentary:
Full documentary:
Deepwater Horizon National Geographic Documentary: Deepwater Horizon In Their Own Words (Full Episode) | In Their Own Words - YouTube
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