Effects of human activity on the ecosystem
Summary
1. Deforestation
Consequences
soil erosion
flooding
loss of habitat
loss of valuable species
climatic changes
upsets oxygen and carbon dioxide balance
2. Air pollution
Caused by
burning of fossil fuel
exhaust fumes from motor vehicles
burning of garbage
3. Water pollution
Caused by
discharge of untreated sewage
discharge of inorganic waste
excessive use of chemical fertilizers
use of pesticides
Reasons for clearing forests/ deforestation
To provide:
land for cultivation, urban development, grazing
timber for construction and making paper
firewood
Pollution
Pollution is the process by which harmful substances are added to the environment
air pollution from: forest fires, volcanic eruptions, biological decomposition, human activities
water pollution from: human activities
Conservation
Conservation is necessary for the protection of plant and animal species to maintain a stable and balanced ecosystem
Conservation measures:
reducing or eliminating pollution through education and legislation
controlling growth of human population
conserving natural resources. Recycling important for conservation which conserves non-renewable natural resources but also
reduced the problem of waste disposal and environmental pollution
is economical as it saves energy and money
recovering wildlife, especially those species that are in danger of extinction