1. EFFECTS OF HUMAN ACTIVITIES

2. Humans require a number of natural resources for everyday use
Natural resources include soil, plants, water, crops, animals, gas, and oil
Any natural resource that is replaced by natural processes is called a renewable resource.
Any resource that is only available in limited amounts is called a nonrenewable resource.
Exp: metals, minerals, topsoil, fossil fuels

3. One of the major ways humans affect the environment is pollution
The contamination of soil, water, or air resulting from human activity

4. Air Pollution
Caused primarily by the burning of fossil fuels to produce electricity
Other major contributors
Driving cars
Heating homes
Flying planes
Types of air pollutants
Dust
Smoke
Ash
Carbon monoxide
Sulfur oxides

5. The Consequences of Air Pollution
Smog: a combination of smoke, gases, and fog
Acid rain: produced when sulfur oxides react with water vapor to form sulfuric acid
The greenhouse effect: excess carbon dioxide from the burning of fossil fuels traps radiant energy from the sun preventing heat from escaping
Thinning of the ozone layer: From CFC’s (chlorofluorocarbons) manufactured for coolants in refrigerators, air conditioners, and for the making of styrofoam

6. Water Pollution
Caused from contaminants from sewers, industries, farms, and homes, which enter water sources
Types of pollutants
Sewage
Chemical wastes
Fertilizer
Dirty wash water