The Human Disconnection

Questions Does our species have the power to shape the evolution of so many others? Is biological evolution inseparable from cultural change?

Human Impact on the Planet and Other Life-Forms The greatest challenges faced by humans today is from the environments we’ve created

Human Population Growth

Humans and the Impact of Culture Human impact on the environment increased dramatically when sedentary life developed Increasingly exhausted nonrenewable resources

Global Climate Change Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide, which traps heat Deforestation diminishes planet’s ability to absorb excess carbon dioxide

Global Climate Change Excess carbon dioxide contributes to acidification of the oceans Soon reaching levels not seen in 20 million years. Diminishing marine biodiversity and food sources

Impact on Biodiversity Humans now the “world’s greatest evolutionary force” History of Earth characterized by several mass extinctions The ongoing mass extinction caused by Homo sapiens

Impact on Biodiversity Hunting, introducing non-native species to new environments and habitat reduction

Acceleration of Evolutionary Processes Human activities also accelerate evolutionary processes for bacteria and viruses Use of antibiotics led to evolution of resistant strains DDT used to reduce mosquitoes, but also proved disastrous to many bird species Such cases make understanding evolutionary relationships essential

Looking for Solutions Most problems faced by humans are result of our adaptive strategy gone awry Many actions could be taken to curb the negative effects

Is There Any Good News? Population growth has slowed Improvements in education reduce family size and curb growth Ecotourism represents compatibility of environmental sustainability and economic growth Some international cooperation has begun