Lecture 31: Human Impacts Flashcards
What is Anthropogenic change driven by?
- Accelerating global population growth
* Ecological footprint of each human being
What does ecological footprint measure?
The resources required to support a person in terms of land area
Which countries have the largest ecological footprint?
China
United States
India
What is Biocapacity?
The ability for a community or country to provide these resources
How many earths does it take to support humanity today?
1.75 planets
When did the biocapacity just meet the peoples needs?
in 1971
What is Desertification?
The expansion of desert into previously productive lands caused by land degradation due to overgrazing and over-irrigation
How can the effects of soil erosion be minimized?
By employing proper crop rotation techniques, preventing soil pollution, terracing on sloped land, optimizing irrigation, pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer applications
What is the main mechanism by which contaminants touch all parts of the world?
Atmospheric transportation
What can accumulate in the arctic?
Persistent organic pollutants
How does Ozone depletion occur?
CFCs react with O3 forming O2
What is smog a combination of?
Oxone and nitrous oxides
