Human Environment Interaction How does the environment affect us and how do we affect the environment?

Human’s impact on the environment We humans have done some pretty bad things to our environment.

Colorado River--placing dams on the river has provided hydroelectric power to millions but destroyed the natural landscape

Aral Sea--diverting water has caused the sea to shrink and become useless

The Aral Sea Story

Human’s impact on the environment Aswan High Dam--has helped control the yearly flooding on the Nile River but has destroyed agriculture Canals—man made waterway Reservoirs—areas of stored water Irrigation—water used for farming

How has the land changed due to man Agricultural terracing has cut farms into the sides of hills and mountains in China and Southeast Asia The use of Polders has allowed the Netherlands to reclaim millions of acres of farmland from the sea

Polder– land that has been taken back from the sea by building a dam and pumping the water out Deforestation—removal of all trees from an area Desertification—the increase of deserts by drought and over-farming or over-grazing

How has the land changed due to man Deforestation has removed most of the forests in Nepal, Brazil, and Malaysia. This has caused a different set of problems in these areas Desertification has become a major problem in areas of Africa and Asia. Major deserts are growing.

How has man changed the environment Acid rain caused by pollution from factories and cars has destroyed monuments, cars, and major forests in Germany, Scandinavia, China and Eastern North America Pollution destroys wildlife, agriculture and the land and sea. Examples are Mexico City, Chernobyl, and oil spills

Influence of technology Agriculture--mechanization, fertilizers Energy usage--fossil fuels, nuclear Transportation--road building, railways

Influence of technology cont. Airplanes--airport expansion, noise Automobiles--parking lots, suburbs

How does the environment impact on humans Settlement patterns housing materials agricultural activity types of recreation transportation patterns

Human Environment Interaction Positive or Negative?