Environmental Problems

Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources Resource Depletion Any natural material that is used by humans is called a natural resource. For example: Renewable and Nonrenewable Resources Renewable Nonrenewable Energy from the sun Metals (such as iron, copper) water Nonmetallic materials (such as salt, sand, clay wood Fossil fuels (coal, oil) soil Air

Resource Depletion Resources are said to be depleted when a large fraction of the resource has been used up. Example: If trees are harvested faster than they can grow naturally in an area, deforestation will result. How many more examples of resource depletion can you think of? List them….

Resource Depletion

Pollution Is an effect of the Industrial Revolution. Why? Pollution is an undesired change in air, water, or soil that adversely affects the health, survival, or activities of humans or other organisms. Human activities are the main producer of pollution.

Pollution Two main types of pollutants: 1. Biodegradable- pollutants that CAN be broken down by natural processes. Examples: human sewage and food waste

Pollution 2. Nondegradable Pollutants- Pollutants that CANNOT be broken down by natural processes, such as mercury, lead, and some types of plastics. These pollutants are extremely bad for the health of the environment.

Loss of Biodiversity Biodiversity- the number and variety of species that live in an area. Extinction is a natural process, but is now happening at alarming rates. Why??

Loss of Biodiversity Biodiversity is important because we depend on other organisms for Food Oxygen Medicine Clothing/building materials **A species is considered a nonrenewable resource, because once it’s gone (extinct), it’s gone forever!

Classifying Environmental Problems Overfishing Oil Spills Dirty drinking water Air pollution Deforestation Fossil fuel depletion Antibiotics in our food Genetically modified food Methane emissions from cattle Mining Soil contamination Improper disposal of toxic waste Ivory trade in Africa (killing elephants) Radioactive waste sites Overpopulation of humans Natural disasters (hurricanes, earthquakes, etc.)

Classifying Environmental Problems On your list, describe whether you think these problems are local, regional, or global concerns.