Human Activities that Affect the Environment

Overpopulation / Urban Development Improvements in medicine, health, and _____________________ have produced a huge rise in human population More people require a need for using more natural __________________. ______________ down more trees for homes and to clear land to grow more food. Using more energy for __________________, heating, and cooling buildings. More vehicles for __________________ require greater use of __________. Greater use of _____________ fuels such as __________ and ___________. Deforestation Cutting down trees in ______________. Could likely cause a ________________ in the amount of __________ and animal life in the area. This could lead to destruction of ______________ and possibly _____________ or extinct species. Greater soil _______________ due to the lack of ____________ keeping the soil in place due to wind and water flow. Changes the amount of oxygen and carbon dioxide levels in the ______________. Landfills Creates several possible __________________ issues: Soil and groundwater pollution and _____________________. Increase in pest ___________________ such as mice, rats, insects, etc. This can cause health problems for nearby __________________.

Farming Farming _________________ has improved to grow and produce the greatest crop yield per land area. Some farmers rely heavily on ______________ (kills weeds) and pesticides (kills insects or other pests) to grow healthier crops. They may also use _______________ to provide more _______________ for the plants. Advantages Farmers can grow more ___________for a larger population. They can earn a better living....more food, more _______________. Help the economy Disadvantages After heavy rains, too many ______________ on the fields may ____________ into local watersheds causing water pollution Some people feel that there can be chemical ______________ in the crops after they are harvested. Interesting Farming Trends: Many smaller farms are now practicing _____________ farming. These farms do not use chemicals or fertilizers to grow their _____________. This is more _________________and it produces less, but some people are willing to pay more for this organic food in grocery stores.

Dams Advantages: Dams can create _________________ power. Dams can create lakes or reservoirs of water for _______________ or for use in irrigation. Disadvantage: Prevents fish from moving along a _________ for food, _____________, and reproduction.

Surface Mining Stripping the soil and rock away from the ____________ resources (coal and metal ore) below the Earth's surface. This can leave the ground ______________ with little chance of plant growth. The machinery used can leave behind _______________ chemical residue. Restoring Natural Areas Where ____________ of trees have been cut down, we can re-plant new ones. Recycling of wood and paper products help slow down ___________________. ________________up natural habitats. Re-opening areas that have _______________ natural water flow through the watersheds Controlling ________________ species examples: Asian Carp Sea Lamprey