Human Influences on the Environment

The activities of humans significantly impact the environment and ecosystems.

Increased human population leads to increased demand for resources such as food, water, and raw materials.
Suppose this demand is not managed sustainably. In that case, it can lead to depletion of resources and a negative impact on other species and ecosystems.

Changes in land use due to urbanisation and farming can lead to loss of habitats, affecting the distribution of species.
Deforestation for timber and making way for agriculture reduces biodiversity, affects rainfall patterns and contributes to global warming due to reduced carbon dioxide absorption.
Overfarming can lead to soil erosion and degradation of the land, making it less productive for future use.

Various forms of pollution (air, water and soil) can have harmful effects on the habitats and survival of wildlife.
Air pollution: Industries and vehicles release harmful gases such as sulphur dioxide (acid rain), carbon dioxide (global warming) and particulate matter (respiratory diseases).
Water pollution: Industrial effluents, waste products and fertilizers can pollute water sources affecting aquatic life.
Soil pollution: Disposal of non-biodegradable waste, use of pesticides and fertilisers, and spillage of fuels and oils can contaminate soil and harm organisms living in it.

Increased release of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide, due to the burning of fossil fuels is contributing to global warming. This shifts weather patterns, leading to change in global climate or climate change.
Climate change can lead to melting of polar ice caps, resulting in rising sea levels and destruction of habitats for many species.
It can also affect the distribution of species due to changes in temperature and precipitation.
The changes in timing of seasons can disrupt the lifecycle of many species, particularly those that rely on specific season-based events such as migration and reproduction.

Human activities can lead to loss of biodiversity due to factors like habitat destruction, pollution, over-exploitation, and climate change.
The conservation of biodiversity is vital for maintaining the health of ecosystems and their resilience.
Conservation strategies can include creating protected areas, promoting sustainable use of resources, and implementing programmes to reintroduce endangered species into their natural habitats.