Human Impact on Ecosystems

Human Impact on Ecosystems

Ecosystems around the world are under threats caused by humans:

• Climate change

• Human Population growth

• Invasisve species

• Air, Water, Soil Pollution & Toxins

• Development

Impacts on Ecosystems

• Competition for resources

• Deforestation/ Habitat loss

• Habitat Fragmentation

• Acidification of Freshwater

• Ozone Depletion

• Bioaccumulation/ Biomagnification

• Ecosystem degradation- oil spills

Ecosystems have amazing natural resources that are limited

• Huge pressure on limited resources

• Humans can outcompete for their own ends

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Hoover Dam on the Colorado River

• Over 35 million people get their drinking water from this system- Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix

• Supports agriculture throughout California

Development Trade- Offs

• Downstream: Reduced Biodiversity, poor water quality, decreased fish population

• Dam: blocked fish migration, hazard from agreing dam

• Rervoir: disrupts communities, contributes to global warming, contributes to earthquakes

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