Resources and Human Impacts On Earth Systems

Renewable ResourcesAny resource that can be replenished

naturally over time.

Examples: Wood energySolar energyWind energyWater

Nonrenewable ResourcesAny resource that can’t be recreated on a

scale compared to its consumption. Made by natureExamples:

OilCoalNatural gas

Benefits… Renewable Resources Nonrenewable

ResourcesLess PollutionNaturally

replenishedEnvironmentally

friendlier Avoid depletion for

futureNecessary for life

Provides better energy than renewable resources

More functional

Costs…Renewable Resources

Nonrenewable Resources

Not practicalHard to maintainExpensiveoverused

Will eventually run out

Can’t be remadeCan’t be replenishedTakes millions of

years to be made

Impact Of Humans On the Environment

DeforestationPollutionCoral reef destructionErosionInvasive speciesAnd many more!

DeforestationCutting down and/or burning of Earth’s

forests.

PollutionIntroducing harmful substances into the

environmentExists in:

Air Water

Coral Reef Destruction“Bleaching”

Coral loses color due to stress from changing environmental conditions/temperatures

Due to human activities and waster pollutionHarms fishing25% of marine life is threatened

Importance…Harmful to all people especially children

and elderlyBetter world for future generationsLess ozone depletionEmissions of harmful substances in

environmentCo2 (automobiles)Industry

OzoneA gas in the stratosphere

Protects us from sun’s harmful ultraviolet light

DepletionHoles created in the ozone layer due to

human activitiesDangerous gas

Speeds greenhouse effect Trapping of sun’s warmth into earth’s atmosphere Gases such as CO2 and methane cause this Causes earth’s temperature to rise Global warming contributor

Importance…Damage plant life cycles

food chain disruptionAll life will be threatened

Health problemscancer

Damages environmentGreenhouse effect increase

Causes global warming to speed up

Methods of ReductionUse lessCreate and use environmentally friendly

productsLaws enforcing use of less harmful goodsWidespread awareness

Conclusion…With knowledge and motivation we can

make the world a safer place!Humans create many problems in the

environmentCoral reef destruction, deforestation, pollution,

etc.These can damage health and disrupt life

cyclesOur world uses renewable and nonrenewable

resources everydaysome can be recreated, others take millions of

years

Works Cited Photos: AdmlCrunch, Pollution, Feb. 2, 2008, Attribution Crustmania, Deforestation, Sept. 4, 2006, Attribution Cveldestra, Brain Coral Bleaching, Apr 27, 2010, Attribution Dylan Passmore, 09-5815, Jan. 4, 2009, Attribution Elgutek, Coals, Aug. 14, 2006, Attribution Jhyerczyk, Natural Gas, Feb. 17, 2009, Attribution Modery, Rain Forest, Jun. 25, 2006, Attribution Muffet, Solar Array, May 12,2011, Attribution NASA Goddard Photo and Video, Earth From Space, Oct. 17, 2000, Attribution NASA Goddard Photo and Video, 2009 Anarctic Ozone Hole, Spt. 16, 2009.

Attribution Phault, Off-Shore Wind Farm Turbine, Jul. 8, 2006, Attribution Relapsednun, Deforestation, Jan. 20, 2009, Attribution SarahDepper, Staghorn Coral, Mar. 10, 2010, Attribution Soil Science, Beach Erosion at the Outer Banks, may 15,2005, Attribution

Works Cited Cont.Information:Dictionary.comUcusa.orgEnotes.comThinkquest.orgWikianswers.com