Protecting the Natural World – Human Impact

Warm up…answer the following Q’s

1. Why did you watch the Lorax?2. What do you think this world is going to look like in 25

years?3. What can you do to make a difference in your

community?

Human Impact

Nothing has a bigger effect on our environment than we do!

The Human ThreatMany people think that our actions are not

significant enough to actually damage the biosphere. This is simply not true.

The world population

is currently in a

period of

exponential growth,

so our effect is

becoming bigger

and bigger.

http://www.cepolina.com/freephoto/ae/a-elephant3.wild.life-elephant.htm

Bidwell Marina at Lake Oroville in Oroville, CA

Before Drought: July 20, 2011 After Drought: August 19, 2014

FULL

CAPACITY

32%

CAPACITY

Ways

WE (Humans)Affect the

Biosphere (Earth)

OverhuntingIn many parts of the world, people are

driving wild animals toward extinction by over-hunting them. This may be for food, as in wild fish,

or out of fear, as in wolves.

PollutionAdding harmful materials to the

biosphere through land, air, or water.

DeforestationMore than 80% of the world’s natural

forests have already been destroyed.Remaining forests are being cut down

at an alarming rate.

Introducing Invasive SpeciesA species that has been introduced

into an area where it is not naturally found.With no predators or natural threats in

the new area, they can cause a lot of damage to the ecosystem.

Longitudinal Analysis

Looking at the ecosystem over a long period of time in order to see the big pictureHelps to see the impact of human activities on

population growth of different species