How Do Humans Affect the Environment

From contributing to climate change to massive landfills, many people wonder how do humans affect the environment?

Teach Your Kids About the Environment!

Although most experts agree more research is needed on how exactly human actions have affected our environment, some environmental issues are directly related to human activity and exploitation of our planet.

• Landfills – The size of landfills everywhere and the toxins dumped in them is caused by human failure to recycle and human wastefulness. Methane gas is created when waste decomposes along with plastic toxins; volatile organic chemicals and other harmful things enter our atmosphere and pollute the air we breathe. While landfills themselves are not bad, the rate at which we are filling them up with toxins is detrimental to our environment.
• Air Pollution – Humans create air pollution by driving gas-guzzling vehicles and avoiding hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles. Although some industrial plants are utilizing safer methods of chemical releases into the air, many others still spread gases, smoke, and other chemicals into the air polluting it even further.
• Water Pollution – Industry and the chemical toxins it produces have found their way into our rivers, streams, and oceans and this results in water pollution. Often, some of these chemicals pollute bodies of water so intensely that water becomes unsafe for drinking, cooking, and swimming.
• Wildlife – Wildlife that call our forests and bodies of water home are being affected by the pollution we create. Some species are even close to extinction. Water clean up is not only costly, not enough is being done to prevent oil spills, industry waste pollution, and human waste violations.
• Deforestation – As our population expands so does the need for areas to live. Humans have contributed to the loss of our forest areas by cutting down trees that are home to many animals and wildlife. The trees in our forests also help contribute to our water cycle and plants in our forest prevent soil erosion. Unfortunately, due to deforestation, the planet’s forests have shrunk by half its area in the past 11,000 years.
• Ozone Layer – The ozone layer that protects us from harmful ultraviolet rays is depleted by the use of chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs). CFCs are man-made chemicals that include aerosols, refrigeration equipment, foam, and other chemicals released by industrial companies. UV rays can cause skin cancer and cataracts in humans. Scientists have found an ozone hole in the Antarctic stratosphere, a great concern considering how many CFCs and greenhouse gases are ruining our ozone layer.
• Noise Pollution – With more people comes more noisy cars on the road, more office buildings, more parking lots, more horns honking, and more people talking creating noise pollution that some doctors say contribute to hearing loss and headaches.
• Smoking – Even though smoking is not safe for humans, people continue to blow smoke from cigars, cigarettes, and pipes into the air we breathe. Many cities and towns have set high standards and created non-smoking environments, however, the smoke released from smokers is still a concern in many parts of the world.

The human population in general tends to believe that by living green and eco-friendly, one family or person can’t help the environment. This is simply not true and examples can bring inspiration to others. Here are some tips on how you can help the environment:

1. Recycle – Even if your town or city doesn’t require you to recycle, do it anyway. Most cities and towns offer recycling centers so make the effort and recycle your glass, cans, and paper.
2. Consider a Hybrid Vehicle – Hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles were once very costly, some still are. However, many auto manufacturers such as Toyota and Ford are producing reasonably priced hybrid vehicles that will help cut down on pollution.
3. Carpool – Consider carpooling or utilizing public transportation to cut down on pollution. If you live close enough to work, why not ride a bike or walk?
4. Start a Green Group – Invite friends and family to your home and talk about what all of you can do as a whole to help our environment.
5. Boycott – Boycott industries and the products they make that fail to comply with safe waste standards.
6. Spread the Word – Speak-up at local government meetings and talk about things like pollution, recycling, and deforestation.
7. Join Green Websites – Many websites are dedicated to living green and protecting our environment. One such site, Ecohearth is a great place to blog and receive free online newsletters that offer tips on how people can help the environment. You can also visit Tree Hugger to find a list of the top fifteen green websites.
8. Talk to Your Kids – Many schools offer classes on earth stewardship and environmental awareness but that’s just not enough. As a parent, teach your children about the environment and explain how humans affect the environment. Be proactive with your kids and invite them to come up with ideas on their own. Watch television shows dedicated to our environment and how it is in danger.

How do humans affect the environment? The answer to that question is in many ways. Help stop the harm to our environment and planet and read, write, blog, and speak out about it. One person or family can make a difference and be an inspiration for others to follow.

• Ways to Prevent Global Warming
• 50 Specific Actions of Green Living
• Examples of Sustainable Development

• United States Recycling Statistics
• Types of Pollution
• Air Pollution Statistics
• Effects of Water Pollution
• Advantages and Disadvantages of Biofuels