jefferson__human existence and impacts on the earth

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Ronald K. Jefferson

Humans existence among survivability and their impacts to Earth







Introduction and Background:

http://anthro.palomar.edu/homo2/mod_homo_4.htm

Thesis : Humans continue to evolve as an adaptive species of survivalist, but the very same will to survive is causing detrimental effects to mother Earth.

Neanderthal Modern Homo-Sapien

All people today is known as Homo Sapiens or the species, which all humans belong. Arguably, and although sources will vary, humans begin to evolve some 200,000 years ago in association with technologies unlike their contemporary generation of Neanderthals (O'Neil, 2013). Further, it is important to understand that there are many theories involving the evolution of humans and in particular one theory suggest that only in Africa did modern humans evolve from archaic (ancient) humans some 200,000-150,000 years ago; some migrated throughout the ancient world replacing all of the Neanderthals to include other ancient humans beginning around 40,000-60,000 years ago or earlier (O'Neil, 2013). If this recorded fossil and theory serves correct, it means that all human beings today have relevant ties to African ancestry. This model or theory is known as the replacement model (O'Neil, 2013).

Other evolutionary models include the regional continuity model where it is suggested that humans evolved more or less simultaneously in all major areas of the world from archaic humans. Interestingly, and according to Rebecca Cann of the University of North Carolina(O’Neil, 2013), Africa serves as the hub and geographic region where modern humans have lived the longest. Thus, Africa should have the greatest amount of genetic diversity and because of the ample genetic diversity, Africa should serve as the homeland of all modern humans (O'Neil, 2013). Off course, all arguable theories and regardless of the theoretic conclusions involving the evolution of humankind, the will to survive has remained consistent with all classes and existence of the human race. However, humans continue to evolve as an adaptive species of survivalist, but the very same will to survive is causing detrimental affects to mother earth.







Climate and its Impact(s) on Humans

Besides the environmental impacts, climate has dictated for centuries how humans live and where they decide to migrate or emigrate. Further, there is no doubt world environments continue to place constraints on human survivability. Availability of water, sunlight intensity, animal and plant life, annual temperatures among seasonal changes establish and set these boundaries for human habitation (Molnar and Molnar 2000). This holds true for other parts of the globe considering climate and environmental concerns are not so welcoming for other species and life forms. In fact, over one-third of the globe is covered in polar life caps, desert, high elevations, which half are uninhabited by humans. However, only under special conditions can individual life forms survive (E.g. drought resistant plants in the dessert could not survive at higher elevations or tropic regions) (Molnar and Molnar 2000).

Further, the earth is divided or defined by zones and divisions by which life and habitable adaptation among humans can occur. Moreover, the distances from the equator define these zones and regions-- these zones are subdivided into biogeographical regions known as biomes (Molnar and Molnar 2000). Biomes have different variations of climate, altitude and weather conditions that are favorable to individual life forms within certain regions. Each region is unique and supports different variations of life forms, which are well adjusted to the conditions. Human beings probably could not survive to include certain species and life forms if the conditions were not favorable such as that of polar regions of the Arctic and Antarctic, which presents some of the most extreme if not harshest conditions on the planet (Molnar and Molnar 2000). Bottom line is that geographic among climatic regions have not only impacted humans ability to survive and adapt, but have dictated to a massive extent where humans have migrated and emigrated throughout History. Humans remain wedded to certain climates for survivability respective to distinct biomes and geographical regions in the world. See the next slide Figure 1 for a graphical depiction of subdivided regions concerning geographic biomes.



BiomesBiomesFigure 1Figure 1

http://learnline.cdu.edu.au/units/sbi507/introduction/introduction.html

Figure 1Figure 1







Humans and their Impact(s) on Climate (1 of 2)

Climate has continued to dictate history and survival of humans to a great extent, and there is no doubt that humans have impacted climate throughout history to a great extent as well. Further, and not the only causes of climate change, but two major factors that affect climate change are burning fossil fuels and deforestation. Additionally, both are two essential factors and according to Environmental Defense (Defense 2015), Scientist is convinced that humans are responsible for the earth getter warmer or 95% of the cause. In essence climate change, which affects global warming and for example, when humans burn coal or petroleum, it releases greenhouse effects trapping gases or Carbon Dioxide (CO2), which are then released and trapped in the atmosphere causing heat.

Arguably, the chemical compound CO2 once released and according to Scientist, (Hamburg, 2015) leaves a unique trace from the additional coal and oil in the atmosphere. Further, CO2 emissions are one of the most deadly emissions to the earth’s environmental and ecosystem because it absorbs the sun’s heat at a much faster rate cooling the atmosphere, and it stays in the atmosphere much longer. CO2 levels have varied from 180 to 300 parts per million (ppm)(Cardinale, 2007). However, today these rates have almost more than doubled and or increased by 40%(400ppm) over the past several hundred thousand years (Defense 2015). Many of these greenhouse gases linger in the atmosphere for several hundreds of years continuing to warm the earth for centuries and future generations to come. Sadly, even if the greenhouse gases were to stop being emitted into the atmosphere, the residuals will still commit and contribute to future climate change. In essence, climate change and the impacts that humans have on climate is likely inevitable for current and future generations to come.







Humans and their Impact(s) on Climate( 2 of 2)

At the same time, methane a primary source of natural gas is just a devastating if released into the atmosphere because it too absorbs the sun’s heat at an alarming pace. However, methane does not linger in the atmosphere as long as CO2, but was recorded at 84 times more potent than CO2 after its initial release over two decades ago (Hamburg, 2015). Further, and according to Hamburg (Hamburg, 2015), methane contributes to about 25% of global warming, which are generated by industrial gas and oil companies. Interestingly, the areas as mentioned above are two of many human-related contributing factors that effects climate change. Understand that humans continue to evolve and adapt to these changes. This may include actions to mitigate greenhouse emissions by the use of (electric vehicles), more energy conservation, water use and efficiency, land and wildlife measures to enhance ecosystems, smart planting that are tolerant of high temperatures and droughts to name a few. Furthermore, in some cases even relocating to different parts of the world, which may be a short-term solution to long-term problem; however, humans continue to adapt and evolve and in most cases are not aware of the impacts and effects that [they] humans have and how one affect global warming and climate change.







Biggest country culprits that affect climate change On a macro scale, the US comprises about 4% of the world’s population (estimated at over 318-

millionUS) World (7-billion) ("Country Comparison: Population--CIA World Fact Book," 14) and contributes to an estimated 25% of greenhouse gases or undesirable atmospheric concerns that warm up the earth affecting global warming (Jaines, 2015). Economically, in order to mitigate and reduce these emissions and footprints, there are some things that the consumers and contributors can do to help. Such things include but not limited to are: Car pooling and or switching to public transportation (reduces his or her footprint to an estimated 10%), Lower emission vehicles, changing incandescent bulbs to fluorescent bulbs (mitigates emissions by an estimated 9-billion pounds of greenhouse gases, planting trees, which mitigates CO2 emissions, incorporating staunch energy alternative plans to balance energy demands such as reducing the use of central heat and air (Jaines, 2015).

Although sources will vary, the US population size is estimated at about 4% (318-million) of the world estimated total population of 7-billion ("Country Comparison: Population--CIA World Fact Book," 14) and contributes to about 25% of the world’s greenhouse gases (Jaines, 2015). China’s population is estimated at over 1.3billion or about 20% of the world population. The two combined contributes to about 33% of greenhouse emissions and are two of the biggest offenders. Also joining the culprit list of offenders is Russia, who contributes an estimated 8% of greenhouse emissions, Brazil and India each at 7% (Morales, 2015). The point is these countries alone with the US leading the way contribute to over half or about 56% of the world’s greenhouse gases and emissions.

Furthermore, these are the reported figures and does not account for individual carbon foot print emissions, which leads to the next point. In order to help mitigate such alarming numbers at least from an individual consumer, one has to do their part. This includes education about greenhouse emissions and global warming and then taking the information and applying it to everyday life.



Although the earth has a great capacity for regeneration, it does not have the ability to sustain every desire and human greed. In essence, for years the earth has been in an ecological overshoot and the demand on environmental resources is exceeding the earth supply capacity (Patterson, 2014). At the same time, the industrial revolution, which began in the 18th century may have put an end to bearable living. However, as humans got use to more comforts, the desire and greed for more continues to outweigh earth’s available resources. Unfortunately, humans are the most polluting of all species. Further, the earth is a good consumer of recyclable materials, but humans are generating far more than the earth can sustain. See Figure 2 on the next page for a brief list of negative impacts on the earth and environment caused by humans.

Humans affects on the Environment



Figure 2Figure 2

Figure 2Figure 2 http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/How_Do_Humans_Affect_the_Environment



Brief S.P.E.E.C.H factors concerning Humans adaptation and Earthly impacts(1 Brief S.P.E.E.C.H factors concerning Humans adaptation and Earthly impacts(1 of 2)of 2)



Brief S.P.E.E.C.H factors concerning Humans adaptation and Earthly impacts(2 Brief S.P.E.E.C.H factors concerning Humans adaptation and Earthly impacts(2 of 2)of 2)







Conclusion Indeed, the human race continues to adapt to changes and stressors that are occurring in the

environment. This includes technological innovation of industry, transportation, and communication which, all affect development and the environment. In essence, as the environment change and although not apparent to most, humans change with it as well. This might include but not limited to migrating to a new area because of weather and environmental concerns, changing to more cultivating crops to sustain droughts and higher temperatures to even changing one’s home and how one lives.

However, what’s alarming is although the human race continues to adapt and some are doing their part to reduce emissions and their carbon footprint, it is sad to say the damage is already done. Further, this damage will affect current and future generations to come. For example, and according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ("Adaptation Overview--EPA Climate Change Impacts and Adaptation," 2015), many greenhouse gases that are emitted lingers in the atmosphere for hundreds of years.

Further, and as a result continues to warm earth for centuries to come. Regardless, and the point is, earth will inevitably be committed to climate change. With this commitment, ultimately comes a sacrifice not only for the earth but for humans, animals, plants, and living organisms and species as well. Last, all one can do is their part because we all live to die--and humans like animals and plants will continue to suffer but, somehow evolve. Additionally, History has taught us that we continue to adapt from generation to generation and figuring out the means to survive, but these very same human instincts and will to survive will also inevitably have it’s affect(s) on [mother earth].



References (1 of 2)

Boyd, R. (2012, December 09). Culture: The Engine of Human Adaptation. Retrieved April 07, 2015, from http://www.beinghuman.org/article/culture-engine-human-adaptation

Cardinale, P. (2007, June 13). Re: What about global warming? Retrieved April 08, 2015, from http://sci.tech-archive.net/Archive/sci.physics/2007-06/msg01234.html

Country Comparison: Population--CIA World Fact Book. (14, July). Retrieved March 10, 2015, from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/rankorder/2119rank.html?countryname=United+States&countrycode=us®ionCode=noa&rank=4#us

Defense, E. (2015). How are humans responsible for global warming? Retrieved March 09, 2015, from http://www.edf.org/climate/human-activity-is-causing-global-warming

Hamburg, S., Chief Scientist. (2015). Methane: The other important greenhouse gas. Retrieved March 09, 2015, from http://www.edf.org/climate/methane

Jaines, K. (2015, January 27). Effects of Carbon Footprint. Retrieved March 10, 2015, from http://www.livestrong.com/article/155968-effects-of-carbon-footprint/Molnar, S., & Molnar, I. M. (2000). Environmental change and human survival: Some dimensions of human ecology. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.



References (2 of 2)

Molnar, S., & Molnar, I. M. (2000). Environmental change and human survival: Some dimensions of human ecology. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice Hall.

Morales, A. (2015, January 15). China Joins U.S. Among Biggest Global Warming 'Offenders' Retrieved March 13, 2015, from http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2014-01-15/u-s-joins-china-among-biggest-global-warming-offenders-

O'Neil, D. (2013). Evolution of Modern Humans: Early Modern Homo sapiens. Retrieved March 31, 2015, from http://anthro.palomar.edu/homo2/mod_homo_4.htm

Patterson, S. (2014). How Do Humans Affect the Environment. Retrieved April 07, 2015, from http://greenliving.lovetoknow.com/How_Do_Humans_Affect_the_Environment

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