Hobbies And Interests
Human Activity
All human activity impacts both local and global ecosystems. The growth of suburbs robs animals of their habitats. When large predators like mountain lions and people interact, the mountain lion usually loses. Other plants and animals can adapt, but the original balance of nature is upset. Scavengers make the most of refuse left behind by humans, while animals that need lots of open space find their populations declining. Roads, pipelines and fences are additional human disruptions to natural ecosystems.
Air Pollution
Polluted air can travel thousands of miles. Low air quality and acid rain are often the result of pollution sources far away. Plants require clean air in order to be healthy and productive. Sick or dying plants spell bad news for all members of an ecosystem. The hardiest plants and trees can actually scrub the air clean, but not enough of these are being planted. Acid rain, a byproduct of coal-burning power plants, remains one of the most serious consequences of air pollution.
Water Pollution
Water is the sustaining nutrient of all ecosystems, even the most arid deserts. Because it cycles through every plant and animal within the ecosystem, toxins in water pose serious problems. Fish and amphibians are the first to exhibit distress when pollution enters the water supply. Mercury, lead and other chemicals are all byproducts of many industrial processes. Even small releases of these chemicals can be devastating for life in the area. Toxic waste dumped indiscriminately can make a place unlivable for humans and animals alike.
Exploitation
The natural resources found in many ecosystems are valuable. Trees and minerals are the basis for many consumer products. Fresh water allows nearby towns to prosper. Billions of people rely on fish, game and agriculture to sustain them. Ecosystems are suffering because human exploitation is removing material faster than it can be replaced. The loss of ecosystems across the globe is negatively impacting biodiversity -- the variety of life on Earth.
Climate Change
A changing climate will have consequences that scientists are only beginning to understand. One possible consequence of climate change is rising sea levels. Coastal wetlands, an important ecosystem for numerous reasons, would be destroyed if inundated with salt water. Many cities and homes are at sea level, and would be flooded by a rising ocean. Life has carefully adapted itself to predictable temperatures and precipitation levels. Sudden changes might prove catastrophic for many of these organisms.