HUMANS IN THE BIOSPHERE (CHAPTER 6)
Humans affect natural ecological processes through agriculture, urban development, and industry. But ecological science gives us strategies for sustainable development, ways we can protect the environment without slowing human progress.
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6.1 A Changing Landscape
Humans affect regional and global environments through agriculture, development, and industry in ways that have an impact on the quality of Earth’s natural resources, including soil, water, and the atmosphere. Sustainable development provides for human needs while preserving the ecosystems that produce natural resources.
Humans affect regional and global environments through agriculture, development, and industry in ways that have an impact on the quality of Earth’s natural resources, including soil, water, and the atmosphere. Sustainable development provides for human needs while preserving the ecosystems that produce natural resources.
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6.2 Using Resources Wisely
Healthy soil supports both agriculture and forestry. It is possible to minimize soil erosion through careful management of both agriculture and forestry. The primary sources of water pollution are industrial and agricultural chemicals, residential sewage, and nonpoint sources. Common forms of air pollution include smog, acid rain, greenhouse gases, and particulates. |
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6.3 Biodiversity
Biodiversity’s benefits to society include contributions to medicine and agriculture, and the provision of ecosystem goods and services. Humans reduce biodiversity by altering habitats, hunting, introducing invasive species, releasing pollution into food webs, and contributing to climate change. To conserve biodiversity, we must protect individual species, preserve habitats and ecosystems, and make certain that human neighbors of protected areas benefit from participating in conservation efforts. |
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6.4 Meeting Ecological Challenges
According to one data set, the average American has an ecological footprint over four times larger than the global average. By (1) recognizing a problem in the environment, (2) researching that problem to determine its cause, and then (3) using scientific understanding to change our behavior we can have a positive impact on the global environment. |
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