Earth and Human Activity
The impact of human activities on Earth is huge. Although we exploit the resources of the Earth to live and grow, the processes can spoil the environment as well. Let us look at the effects we have on the planet, and how we can help.
1. Pollution
Pollution is introducing the harmful substances into the environment and causing destruction.
Types of Pollution:
Air Pollution: Vehicles and factories emit harmful gases and particles into the air.
Water Pollution: Waste and chemicals find their way into water bodies killing aquatic life.
Land Pollution: Pollution by litter and incorrect waste disposal harm the land and the ecosystems.
Effects of Pollution:
Dangerous for human health and animals.
Destroys ecosystems and wildlife habitats.
Contributes to the change in climate and global warming.
How to Reduce Pollution:
Recycle, reuse, and reduce waste.
Use the environmentally friendly products and sources of energy.
Support laws that reduce pollution.
2. Global Warming
Global warming is a gradual rise in the temperature of the earth, brought about by the human activities.
Causes:
Using fossil fuels as source of energy by burning them (like coal, oil, etc).
Chopping down trees, which contribute in absorbing carbon dioxide.
Industrial and agricultural procedures in which harmful gases are emitted.
Effects:
Warming up causes melting of the ice caps and increase in the levels of the sea.
Extreme weather conditions taking the form of hurricanes, floods, and droughts.
Many animals' and plants' habitats are lost.
What We Can Do:
Tap into renewable sources of energy such as wind, solar power.
Use more efficient appliances and means of transportation to save energy.
Try and plant trees in an effort to reduce carbon dioxide concentration.
3. Natural Resources
Natural resources are the materials, which are provided by the Earth and that are utilised by people for food, energy etc.
Renewable Resources: These can be restored such as sunlight, wind and water naturally.
Non-Renewable Resources: These are few and they are hard to substitute like fossil fuels (coal, oil), and minerals.
Importance:
Natural resources are required in form of energy, foodstuffs, construction materials among many others.
They make economies and technological advancements run.
Conservation:
Use the resources to prevent them from being wasted.
Recycle, and buy less resource-consuming products.
Change to energy from renewable resources to minimise dependence on non-renewable source of energy.