affected by human needs and wants? HUMAN IMPACT SC.912.L.17.20 - Predict the impact of individuals on environmental systems, and examine how human lifestyles affect sustainability. Essential Question: How is the environment affected by human needs and wants?

Video Questions: Where did the spill take place? How many gallons of oil were pouring into the ocean a day? How many miles of shore line were affected? Which organisms in the food chain are affected?

Deepwater Horizon – oil spill **** add questions to notes

Human Impact on the Environment Humans depend on Earth’s nutrient and energy cycles for survival. Production of materials for desired items use natural resources Nonrenewable resources – Oil and coal Renewable resources – Wind and solar energy, Plants, animals, water and land Overuse of resources and the production of waste can cause a disruption in the energy and nutrient cycles of Earth.

Ecological Footprint Amount of land necessary to produce and maintain enough food, water, shelter, energy, and waste Size depends on: amount of resource use and the amount of waste produced

Human Impact and Ecological Footprint More affluent societies use greater amounts of resources than others. They will have a larger ecological footprint Increase in energy consumption Greater use of raw materials

Human Impact on the Environment Poor societies have a different effect on the environment: Overuse of land depletes/erodes soil Limited sanitation can contaminate water supply More land is needed for survival – negative effects

Stop and Think- left How could a renewable resource such as water become a nonrenewable resource?

Human Impact on Biodiversity greater diversity = greater stability Biodiversity: The wide array and assortment of species that are found in any given ecosystem. Greater biodiversity offers: more food resources more habitats more resilience in face of environmental change

Why is biodiversity so important? Biodiversity increases the stability of an ecosystem Biodiversity contributes to the health of the biosphere.

Human Impact on the Environment Invasive Species Invasive Species Non-native species organisms that does not naturally belong; introduced to an ecosystem intentionally or accidentally. Threats of invasive species May be well suited to the new environment May not have any predators or other limiting factors May out compete native species for resources (food or land) May cause economic damage May physically dominate or overtake waterways and manmade structures.

Human Impact on the Environment Invasive Species Examples: Burmese Python in the Florida Everglades Release by pet owners Similar climate of a tropical jungle southeastern Asia. No natural predators Reducing biodiversity of Everglades (endangered bird species) Kudzu in the United States From southeaster Asia Introduced as an ornamental tropical house plant and prevent soil erosion. Hardy plant that smothers other plants and organisms where it grows.

Human Impact on Loss in Biodiversity Causes Effects Pollution Loss of habitat Construction Use of resources Habitat fragmentation Barrier forms prevent an organism from accessing its entire home range (roads, fences, walls). Reduction in stability of ecosystem Permanent loss of organisms Medicines Technology Food sources Habitats

Negative Human Impact on the Environment Building/construction Deforestation- clearing/cutting of trees reduces natural habitats Loss of biodiversity- species extinction Energy needs Dependent on nonrenewable resources such as oil and coal; impact on climate change adding to global warming Mining of raw materials destroys land, soil erosion Air & water pollution Manufacturing and increased dependence on cars

Stop and think- left How would loss of large areas of forest impact the Carbon cycle? Water cycle?

Protecting Natural Resources- left Are government policies and regulations that protect our environment necessary? How do governmental actions help preserve natural habitats and protect our resources? Nationwide, automobiles are the major source of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and cancer-causing toxins. What can be done on a government and individual level to decrease these emissions?

Sustainable Practices Sustainable development A practice in which natural resources are used and managed in a way that meets the current needs without hurting future generations

Sustainable Practices Sustainable agriculture – use of smaller amounts of pesticides, fertilizers, water, and energy during food production Buying local produces reduces transportation needs to bring food to market Recycling programs – reduce use of petroleum, water, wood, and nonrenewable resources

Sustainable Practices Sustainable forestry – planting of replacement trees and federal government protection of certain wildlife areas Use of more efficient and alternative energy practices Urban planning – use of mass transportation, green buildings, and adding parks and open spaces

Sustainable practices in the fishing industry: Rotation of areas that are being fished Reviewing fishing gear Fishing bans/laws Harvest reduction

Protecting Natural Resources Creating government polices and regulations to help preserve and protect the future of our planet. Environmental Protection Agency Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and Endangered Species Act National Park Service Creating national parks and protected areas