Human Impacts on Landscapes (2.4)

Question 1

Explain why land degradation is an important issue.

Answer 1

It will significantly affect our future if current patterns are not changed. Land degradation reduces the quality of the land as well as its capacity to produce food; Agriculture is the key to our survival on Earth.

Question 2

Is land degradation inevitable?

Answer 2

Land degradation is not inevitable. This is because human activities are the main cause of land degradation. Whilst the degradation of land is a significant problem in our current society, it can be avoided if we change our current patterns.

Eg. Adding eco-friendly land management programs

Question 3

List some of the human activities responsible for land degradation.

Answer 3

1. Deforestation
2. Overgrazing by livestock
3. Mismanagement of agricultural land (inconsistent crop growing)
4. Industrial activities (construction)
5. Mining
6. The use of Fertilisers and Pesticides (pollutes)