Section 4: Resources and Conservation Preview Objectives Resources and Conservation Environmental Impacts of Mining Fossil Fuels and the Environment Conservation Recycling Maps in Action

Objectives Describe two environmental impacts of mining and the use of fossil fuels. Explain two ways the environmental impacts of mining can be reduced. Identify three ways that you can conserve natural resources.

The Human Footprint

The Human Footprint, cont. The Human Footprint is a quantitative analysis of human influence across the globe. In the previous map, human impact is rated on a scale of 0 (minimum) to 100 (maximum) for each terrestrial biome. A score of 1 indicates the least human influence in the given biome.

The Human Footprint, cont. four types of data were used to measure human influence: population density land transformation human access power infrastructure. Although increased human population often leads to sharper species and ecosystem declines, land transformation poses the single greatest threat to biodiversity, resulting in habitat loss and/or fragmentation.

The Human Footprint. cont, Increased human access through roads, rivers, and coastlines can lead to more pollution and invasive species. Both human access and land transformation have been fueled by increased access to fossil fuel and electrical power.

Humans and the Earth System All natural cycles can be altered by human activities. The carbon cycle is affected when humans use fossil fuels. The nitrogen and phosphorus cycles are affected by agriculture. Humans must be careful to moderate their influences on natural systems.

Resources and Conservation The limited supply of fossil fuels and other traditional energy resources has inspired research into possible new energy resources. Scientists are studying how the use of traditional energy sources affects Earth’s ecosystems. They estimate that the worldwide coal reserves will last about 200 years, and within 20 years, humans will have used half of Earth’s oil supply. We have also learned that mining can damage or destroy fragile ecosystems. Also, fossil fuels and nuclear power may add pollution to Earth’s air, water, and soil.

Environmental Impacts of Mining Mining can cause a variety of environmental problems. Mining may cause both air and noise pollution, water pollution, increased erosion and soil degradation, formation of sink holes, and the destruction to wildlife habitats. Because fires in coal mines are difficult to put out, they are commonly left to burn out, which may take several decades or centuries.

Environmental Impacts of Mining, continued Mining Regulations The United States has federal and state laws that regulate the operation of mines, and prevent mining operations from contaminating local air, water, and soil resources. All mining operations also comply with the federal Endangered Species Act, which protects threatened or endangered species and their habitats from being destroyed. Mine Reclamation Reclamation helps reduce the long-lasting environmental impact of mining. Companies are required to return mined land to its original condition after mining is completed.

Fossil Fuels and the Environment Fossil-fuel procurement affects the environment and contributes to air pollution. Strip mining removes plants and topsoil. The exposed land often erodes quickly, creating runoffs of acid rain into nearby rivers and streams. Burning coal releases large amounts of sulfur dioxide, SO2, into the atmosphere. When SO2 combines with water in the air, acid precipitation forms. The burning of gasoline in cars is a major contributor to air pollution.

Reading check Name two ways the use of fossil fuels affects the environment. The use of fossil fuels affects the environment when coal is mined from the surface, which destroys the land. When fossil fuels are burned, they affect the environment by creating air pollution.

Conservation

Conservation conservation the preservation and wise use of natural resources Conservation can help reduce the environmental damage and amount of pollution that can result from the mining and use of natural resources. By conserving natural resources, people can ensure that limited natural resources last longer.

Conservation, continued Mineral Conservation recycling the process of recovering valuable or useful materials from waste or scrap; the process of reusing some items Recycling requires energy, but recycling uses less energy than the mining and manufacturing of new resources does. Another way to conserve minerals is to use other abundant or renewable materials in place of scarce or nonrenewable materials.

Conservation, continued Fossil-Fuel Conservation Fossil fuels can be conserved by reducing the amount of energy used every day. Reducing the amount of driving, insulation for a house, energy-efficient appliances, all help conserve energy. Conservation of Other Natural Resources Some scientists estimate that by the year 2025, the world will have a critical shortage of freshwater resources.

Recycling