People and Their Environment

Managing Resources The natural resources of Canada and the U.S. have not always been responsibly managed. – Much of the region’s old- growth forests have been destroyed by clear- cutting. It has endangered wildlife and left land subject to erosion. – Many wetlands are disappearing due to conversion to agricultural or urban uses. Wetlands are usually buffers for coastal areas from storms and floods. – Mismanagement of the delicate balance between species in various ecosystems has also been a problem. Overfishing has depleted many of the region’s fisheries. – The introduction of nonnative plants and animals has caused environmental problems.

Human Impact Acid Rain – Precipitation carrying high amounts of acid material. Affects large areas of the eastern U.S. and Canada It forms when chemical emissions react with water vapors in the air. – Corrodes stone and metal buildings, damage crops and pollutes the soil. – Especially damaging to the regions water. Plants and fish cannot survive in highly acid water. Over time, lakes can become unable to support most organisms. – Most of the acid rain in Canada comes from the U.S. The U.S. and Canada are working together to reduce emissions. Smog – Forms as the sun’s rays interact with automobile exhaust gases and industrial emissions. It is a visible haze that can damage or kill plants and can harm people. – Officials measure air quality on a daily basis. If levels reach a dangerous point, officials issue an alert warning urging children, elderly and people with respiratory problems to stay inside.

Human Impact – Air pollution in some major cities has been substantially decreased due to clean- air practices. Fuel efficient hybrid vehicles are being produced. Water Pollution – Water systems have become polluted because of sewage and industrial and agricultural wastes. Illegal dumping, leaks into ground water and chemical runoff – Water pollution has a harmful effect on marine life, birds and other animals. – Polluted water supplies also endanger human life. – Water pollution can speed the process of eutrophication. Reversing the Effects of Pollution. – The U.S. and Canada signed the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, and the U.S. passed the Clean Water Act in an effort to restore quality water. – A new area of concern is the U.S.- Mexico border due to rapid industrial growth. – Agencies are monitoring the environmental effects of NAFTA and suggesting ways to reduce pollution.

Future Challenges Global warming is an area of concern for the people of Canada and the U.S. – Experts agree that human activity has accelerated the warming trends. – Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is higher than it has been for thousands of years. – Global warming effects can be seen in the Arctic regions of Alaska and Canada. The U.S. and Canadian governments are working to lessen the dependency on fossil fuels. – Subsidies are offered and companies are pressured to limit emissions. – Renewable energy sources are being examined to lessen the dependency on fossil fuels.