Pollution and Climate Change
Humans have undeniably impacted the Earth over the last 100 years, but determining whether this impact has been positive or negative is crucial. This paper will demonstrate that the overall human impact on the Earth in the past 100 years has been negative by exploring four ways humans have affected the environment: pollution, deforestation, species extinction, and global warming.
The human impact on the Earth over the last 100 years has profoundly damaged the environment, wildlife, and human populations. It is likely to increase in magnitude on a global scale unless urgent action is taken. In the last 100 years, humans have drastically impacted the Earth, from technological advancements to increased population growth (Kirkby et al. 5). With reliable data, statistics, and facts, this essay will argue that human activities have had a detrimental effect on the environment and explore ways humans have affected the Earth in the last century.
Humans have had a considerable impact on the Earth in the last century. A dramatic increase in population has led to a corresponding rise in resource consumption and pollution. This has had a significant impact on the environment, with the most visible effects being climate change, deforestation, and habitat destruction. Climate change is one of the most significant impacts humans have had on the Earth in the last 100 years. The burning of fossil fuels has led to an increase in the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, resulting in a rise in global temperatures (Kirkby et al. 6). This has caused several environmental changes, including the melting of glaciers, rising sea levels, and extreme weather events.
Deforestation and Habitat Destruction
Deforestation is another remarkable impact humans have had on the planet in the last 100 years. As the population has grown, more land has been cleared for agriculture and development, resulting in the destruction of forests and other habitats (Elhacham et al. 444). This has devastated biodiversity, as many species have been driven to extinction or are threatened with extinction due to the loss of their habitats. Pollution from industrial activities and agricultural runoff has contributed to an increase in ocean acidification, which is destroying coral reefs and other marine habitats. Overfishing has also had a profound impact, resulting in the depletion of numerous fish stocks and the degradation of entire ecosystems.
Humans have had a profound impact on the Earth over the last 100 years, through technological advances and increased population growth. Pollution has increased drastically due to the burning of fossil fuels and industrialization (Kirkby et al. 7). This increased pollution has led to numerous environmental problems, including global warming and ocean acidification. Deforestation is another significant way humans have negatively impacted the environment in the last century.
According to Kirkby et al., the world has lost approximately 80 percent of its forests since the beginning of the Industrial Age (10). This deforestation has caused numerous species to lose their habitats and has significantly changed the climate. Lastly, habitat destruction has become increasingly common as human population growth continues to rise. This is because humans have taken over land to build homes and other infrastructure, which often destroys habitats for other species.
Human-created pollution has been a significant concern and a significant factor impacting environmental health over the last 100 years. The air, water, and land have all been contaminated due to industries, petrol and diesel-fueled transportation, and other human activities. Pollutants like greenhouse gases, plastics, and chemicals negatively impact Earth’s atmosphere, creating health complications and long-term environmental damage.
Deforestation has been on the rise in the last 100 years. It is primarily a result of the increasing demand for agricultural land, housing, fuel, and wood-based products. Global estimates suggest that around one-third of forests have been destroyed over the last 100 years (Elhacham et al. 442). This will have significant repercussions for the life cycles of many species that depend on forests for their homes.
Species Extinction and Technological Impacts
Human-caused species extinction has also been on the rise in the last 100 years as a side effect of the spread of human settlements, the over-harvesting of wildlife, and the destruction of habitats and ecosystems. Human activity is undoubtedly responsible for the devastating loss of biodiversity, which can have far-reaching, adverse effects on the environment (Nienhuis et al. 516).
The acceleration of global warming, caused by human-generated greenhouse gases, is a significant and alarming environmental issue resulting from human activities (Elhacham et al. 443). Several experts have suggested that the increase in temperature over the last 100 years, from 1.5 degrees Celsius, is the highest rate of climate change in the last 2000 years and is likely to continue at an alarming rate for the next century.
With the development of technology, it has become increasingly important to understand the implications of these advances on ecological systems. “The development of technology can have both positive and negative impacts on the environment”(Elhacham et al. 442). Technology has allowed faster and more efficient means of food production, transportation, and communication, which can benefit humans and ecosystems.
On the other hand, technology can also have negative consequences for ecosystems. According to Elhacham et al, using certain chemicals and fertilizers in food production can lead to water pollution and soil contamination, which can have long-term effects on the environment’s health (442).Additionally, the widespread use of motorized vehicles and other forms of transportation can lead to air pollution, which can contribute to global climate change and other environmental issues.
Works Cited
Elhacham, Emily, et al. “Global Human-Made Mass Exceeds All Living Biomass.” Nature, vol. 588, no. 7838, 2020, pp. 442-444.
Kirkby, John, et al. “Sustainable Development: An Introduction.” The Earthscan Reader in Sustainable Development, 2023, pp. 1-14.
Nienhuis, Jaap H., et al. “Global-scale Human Impact on Delta Morphology Has Led To Net Land Area Gain.” Nature 577.7791 (2020): 514-518.