Impact of Human Activities on the Environment

Human beings are an important part of the environment. They contribute significantly to the ecological footprint of the environment. Human beings have played an important role in the growth and development of earthly activities. Our first human ancestors catered to modern-day developments. Man has greatly impacted the environment as they began to achieve new feats of civilization.

Like every other animal, humans form a core part of the environment. Considered to be intelligent beings, human beings affect the entire ecosystem and environment. While certain human activities have a positive impact on the environment, many of them have contributed to activities that are slowly destroying the environment. In the article below, we will be exploring the possible impacts of human activities on the environment. 

Human Activities and Environment

The environment has suffered for several years because of human activities. Many consider that ever since humans started walking on planet Earth, they have been bringing significant changes to the environment. They are contributing to overall development, especially in terms of travel, infrastructure, and more. Commercial networks and urbanization have played an important role in determining significant growth. 

The change in the environment due to human activities has been positive as well as negative. Human activities have had a significant physical impact on the environment, such as overpopulation, burning of fossil fuels, deforestation and pollution. These changes have also led to climate change, poor air quality, undrinkable water and soil erosion. If this continues in future, there are chances that it will lead to a battle over clean water and even mass migrations. 

Impact of Human Activities on the Environment

Human activities in the environment have been one of the main topics for discussion. While everyone is doing their part, the public must be aware of the basics. There are various factors that contribute to the positive and negative impact. 

Overpopulation

As humans, we have to survive. One of the key ways to survive is repopulating. However, the maximum carrying capacity of the planet is being reached. The increasing population or overpopulation can lead to epidemics.

This may lead to decreased rates of mortality. With the improvement in technology and medical sciences, the mortality rate of humans is falling, and they are getting to live a healthy and safe life. The population increases when these Hans stay alive for a long time.

Overpopulation further has a negative impact on the environment, thereby leading to degradation. Humans need more space, but the increase in CO2 levels can also lead to a devastating environment. The processed materials are essential for cities, but excessive use can damage the entire environment and ecosystem.

Global Warming

One of the major negative impacts of overpopulation is global warming. The increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere cause global warming. With the increase in humans, the carbon dioxide level will also increase every year. 

The current measurements of carbon dioxide suggest that it has exceeded 400 PPM. The increase in levels of CO2 is also leading to the increase in average temperature with respect to the whole degree. The artic land ice and glaciers are melting. This can lead to an increase in ocean levels. By the end of 2100, it is expected that the oceans will rise to 1-4 feet. 

Climate Change

Climate change is one of the major impacts of overpopulation. The development in industries and technologies contribute significantly toward the increasing risk of climate change. With the increase in global temperatures, the weather patterns of the planet will also change. 

There are some areas that have longer seasons. On the other hand, there are areas that have become vast barren lands. The areas once where flowers flourished have now become deserts. 

One of the prime pieces of evidence of climate change is rising temperature and poor air quality. It can eventually lead to an increase in asthma. Furthermore, it can also increase the rate of cancer development in humans. 

Ocean Modification

Ocean Modification happens when the carbon dioxide dissolves in the ocean. It will create a bond with seawater that will further lead to the increase of carbonic acid. The pH level of the water will be significantly reduced due to the presence of acid. As a result, this will have a significant impact on the acidity level. 

The acidity will further lead to calcium concentration. This will make it tough for the crustaceans to survive in the ocean. When their shells dissolve, they will become vulnerable and prone to various risks. Even a one-degree rise in temperature will also affect ocean modification. 

Due to ocean modification, coral reefs are also in danger. If the coral reefs die, it will be a huge concern. Coral reefs are home to around 25% of aquatic life which leads to natural filtration around the ocean. It also necessary nutrients that are important for organisms living underwater. Plastic pollution and overpopulation have a negative impact on aquatic life. All of this is happening because of the severe changes in the environment due to human activities. 

Water Pollution 

Plastic waste in the ocean can cause significant risks to the environment. It affects aquatic plants and animals. Apart from garbage, the ocean also has a lot of fertilizers and garbage. All these elements are directly dumped into the ocean. 

The increase in these can lead to the formation of brown tides. These brown tides are caused due to the massive growth of algae that depletes in the water bodies. However, it is important to note that water Pollution will not only end there. 

Over the years, much garbage has been dumped into the ocean. Moreover, because of the presence of waste and plastic, it is becoming indissoluble. Marine life, especially sea turtles, is at risk. They want to eat food but end up eating a poisonous plastic bag. It will cause starvation and suffocation. Not only do turtles but also other animals are being prone to the risk of mistakenly ingesting these harmful plastics. 

As humans, we try our best to make the Earth a good place. However, these human activities can have a negative impact. It will affect the habitat in numerous ways. Whether we want it or not, our activities tend to affect the environment. Hopefully, we may be able to overcome or reverse the damages.

At Embibe, we believe in fostering a healthy environment. Subscribe to Embibe to read more educational articles.