CLIMATE CHANGE

The effect that human activity has on the atmosphere is substantial. Humans have played a huge role in the creation of climate change. According to NASA, “The industrial activities that our modern civilization depends upon have raised atmospheric carbon dioxide levels from 280 parts per million to 400 parts per million in the last 150 years” (NASA). Humans produce greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. These gases have all contributed to the increased temperature on Earth in the past half-century. Global climate change has already had considerable consequences on the Earth. It has been observed that “glaciers have shrunk, ice on rivers and lakes is breaking up earlier, plant and animal ranges have shifted and trees are flowering sooner” (NASA). We, as inhabitants of this planet, have the responsibility to be aware of the how our actions, such as these, impact our environment.

 

 

 

 

 

https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/ 

DEFORESTATION

Deforestation stands as yet another primarily man-made problem for the environment. In fact, climate change is partially driven by deforestation. Deforestation is the process of “clearing Earth’s forests on a massive scale, often resulting in damage to the quality of the land” (National Geographic). This process of cutting down trees is also a result of overpopulation. An increase in global wants and needs, leads to expansion and deforestation. Trees are cut down by the logging industry, which provides the resources for the world’s wood and paper products. In fact, timber is often illegally exported by those who do not have approval from authority to do so.

Forests are also wiped clean by farmers, who seek more land for crops and livestock. We seem to be so focused on agriculture and making money rather than remembering the importance of trees for humankind. Our forests provide us with the necessary oxygen we need in order to survive while cleaning the air by soaking up carbon dioxide. They are also essential to the water cycle, returning water vapor to the atmosphere. Despite this knowledge of their importance to us, forests are so oftenly being cleared completely by humans. .The unfortunate effects of deforestation also includes harming wildlife. “With each forest clearing, we lose about 135 species of animals, plants, and insects a day” (Lam). Cutting down entire forests disturbs the peace among animals habitats, often leaving them to die. We must deeply think about how our actions will affect our future before making these decisions that ruin our environment.

POLLUTION

Man made pollution has resulted in the quality of our oceans to severely worsen. According to National Geographic, “Common man-made pollutants that reach the ocean include pesticides, herbicides, chemical fertilizers, detergents, oil, sewage, plastics, and other solids”. These toxic substances enter the water where marine organisms then consume them. Fertilizers from farmers can easily end up in streams and rivers, where they are then deposited into larger bodies of water. The excess nutrients, found in the fertilizers, can result in a growth spurt of algae. Solid waste is dumped into our oceans from both land and by ships at sea, often killing marine life. The majority of pollutants that enter the ocean are from activities taking place on land. One of the most harmful problems that can occur from man are oil or chemical spills, which have the largest impacts on oceans and threaten lives of the many species living in the water (National Geographic). It is saddening that we are taking advantage and damaging our beautiful environment.