Need for awareness and understanding Human activities can create ecological problems that must be avoided or corrected. People need to understand the causes and effects of environmental problems as well as possible solutions.

Our Environment Limited resources- earth can only supply a finite amount of resources Renewable resources are replaceable Non-renewable resources are not. We need to preserve our resources

Maintaining atmospheric quality- carbon cycle Photosynthesis and respiration Soil formation weathering, chemical breakdown, protection from erosion of by water and air

The water cycle renews the water Waste removal and the recycling of nutrients The flow of energy

People and the environment: Population growth: carrying capacity

Human activities and the loss of Biodiversity Human ACTIVITIES can create ecological PROBLEMSthat must be avoided or corrected. If we are to find solutions to those problems, we must encourage everyoneto become environmentally literate_. That means people need to understand the causes and effects of environmental problems as well as the possible solutions that could lead to environmental stability. Because environmental issues often concern many countries, resolving environmental issues frequently requires _global__ awareness, cooperation, and action.

Direct Harvesting ( poaching) Land use- Habitat destruction (deforestation)

Imported Species New organism competes for available resources

Technology increase the quantity of resources people use. Human actions can upset the equilibrium of stable ecosystems

Industrialization— Manufacturing can be harmful to the environment Creates higher energy demands Nuclear fuel creates problems with disposal of radioactive waste Pollution of air Pollution of water with toxic chemicals Pollution of water with heat Over consumption of water creating shortages

Water pollution:

Toxic waste Many wastes dumped into waterways from cities, farm or industries can be TOXIC to the organisms that use or live in the water. Chemical fertilizers and weed and insect killers can be washed of farm lands.

DDT was sprayed on crops to kill bugs. It washed off land into streams and rivers. It contaminated the fish, and move up the food chain. Fish eating birds (Eagles) eat the fish. Their shells became weak, and broke when they sat on them.

Bio magnification happens as you move up the food chain. Remember the food pyramid.

Thermal Pollution: Some factories (usually power plants) cool their machines with water, then put the water back into the river, lake, or other body of water. This decreases the dissolved oxygen, and decreases the organisms that can survive in the area. Possible solutions??????????

Air pollution: Caused by burning of fossil fuels. Creates Acid Rain Damages pH levels in water Decreases Biodiversity in water(kills fish) Possible Solutions??????

Global Warming Build up of gasses in the atmosphere, this keeps heat from leaving the earth, thus causing global warming

Ozone depletion Caused by use of CFCs as coolants in refrigerators, and air conditioners, and as propellants in aerosol cans, and in the making of plastic foam. Ozone protects us from harmful radiation from sun Result: more skin cancer Possible solutions????????

Decisions we make today affect the next Generation