Human Action
and Earth's
Resources:
A Critical
Interplay
OBJECTIVES
1.Understanding the impact
We will explore how human activities like overfishing, deforestation and
mineral extraction affect Earth's resources.
2. Sustainable resources
We will examine practices like resource conservation, recycling and renewable
energy to promote long-term resources sustainability.
3. Innovative solution
We will explore promising approaches such as carbon capture, circular economy
models, and advanced waste management technologies.
Understanding the Impact
Population Growth
Consumerism
Increasing global
populations strain
resources by demanding
more food, energy, and
water.
Excessive consumerism
fuels demand for
products, leading to
overconsumption and
unsustainable resource
use.
Industrialization
Rapid industrialization
leads to increased
resource extraction,
pollution, and
greenhouse gas
emissions.
Increasing Demand for Food,
Water, and Energy
1
Growing Food Needs
2
Water Scarcity
Feeding a larger
Climate change and
population requires
population growth
extensive agriculture,
contribute to water
straining water supplies
scarcity in many regions,
and impacting
leading to conflicts and
biodiversity.
environmental
degradation.
3
Energy Consumption
Increased energy consumption for transportation,
industry, and homes raises concerns about fossil fuel
depletion and greenhouse gas emissions.
Unsustainable Exploitation of
Natural Resources
Overfishing
Deforestation
Depleting fish stocks
Clearing forests for
threatens marine
agriculture and
ecosystems and
development disrupts
livelihoods, with long-term
ecosystems, leading to
consequences for food
biodiversity loss and
security.
climate change.
Mineral Extraction
Mining activities can have detrimental effects on the
environment, including soil erosion, water pollution, and
habitat destruction.
The Environmental Impact of
Human Activity
Waste Generation
The massive amounts of waste produced by human activities
pose a significant threat to the environment, especially plastic
pollution.
Climate Change
Greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel burning and
other activities are driving climate change, with severe
consequences for ecosystems and human societies.
Water Pollution
Industrial and agricultural runoff, sewage, and other
pollutants contaminate water sources, harming aquatic
life and human health.
Deforestation, Biodiversity Loss,
and Climate Change
1
Deforestation
Forests play a vital role in regulating the
climate, but deforestation is causing their
loss, with devastating consequences for
biodiversity.
2
Biodiversity Loss
Species extinction rates are accelerating,
driven by habitat destruction, pollution, and
climate change, threatening ecological
balance.
3
Climate Change
The Earth's average temperature is rising,
leading to extreme weather events, sea-level
rise, and shifts in ecosystems.
Transitioning to Renewable Energy Sources
Solar Energy
Harnessing sunlight to generate electricity is becoming increasingly affordable and accessible,
reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Wind Energy
Wind turbines convert wind energy into electricity, providing a clean and reliable source of power,
especially in coastal areas.
Hydroelectric Power
Generating electricity from the flow of water is a mature technology, but new designs are emerging
to minimize environmental impact.
Geothermal Energy
Utilizing the heat from the Earth's core to produce electricity is a promising technology with low
emissions and a consistent energy source.
Sustainable Resource Management Practices
Reduce
1
2
3
Reducing consumption and waste is crucial to lessen the
burden on resources and the environment.
Reuse
Giving products a second life extends their lifespan
and reduces the need for new materials.
Recycle
Recycling materials helps conserve resources
and reduces the need for extraction and
processing.
Innovative Solutions
1
2
3
4
Circular Economy
Minimize waste and pollution by reusing and recycling materials
in closed-loop systems.
Carbon Capture
Capture and store carbon dioxide emissions to mitigate
climate change and reduce fossil fuel dependence.
Biomimicry
Inspired by nature, develop sustainable
technologies and materials that mimic natural
processes.
Advanced Waste Management
Transform waste into valuable resources
through technologies like anaerobic digestion
and waste-to-ener
Conclusion: Balancing Human
Needs and Environmental
Protection
The future of our planet depends on striking a
balance between human needs and
environmental protection. By embracing
sustainable practices and innovative
solutions, we can create a more harmonious
relationship with the Earth's resources.