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Earth Under Water Global Warming Future Disovery Documentary HD

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Our growing population

We humans are remarkable creatures. From our humble beginnings in small pockets of Africa, we have evolved over millennia to colonise almost every corner of our planet. We are clever, resilient and adaptable―perhaps a little too adaptable.

In 2015 the world population is more than 7.3 billion people. That's more than seven billion three hundred million bodies that need to be fed, clothed, kept warm and ideally, nurtured and educated. More than 7.3 billion individuals who, while busy consuming resources, are also producing vast quantities of waste, and our numbers continue to grow. The United Nations estimates that the world population will reach 9.2 billion by 2050.

For most of our existence the human population has grown very slowly, kept in check by disease, climate fluctuations and other social factors. It took until 1804 for us to reach 1 billion people. Since then, continuing improvements in nutrition, medicine and technology have seen our population increase rapidly.

The impact of so many humans on the environment takes two major forms:

consumption of resources such as land, food, water, air, fossil fuels and minerals

waste products as a result of consumption such as air and water pollutants, toxic materials and greenhouse gases

More than just numbers

Many people worry that unchecked population growth will eventually cause an environmental catastrophe. This is an understandable fear, and a quick look at the circumstantial evidence certainly shows that as our population has increased, the health of our environment has decreased. The impact of so many people on the planet has resulted in some scientists coining a new term to describe our time-the Anthropocene epoch. Unlike previous geological epochs, where various geological and climate processes defined the time periods, the proposed Anthropecene period is named for the dominant influence humans and their activities are having on the environment. In essence, humans are a new global geophysical force.

However, while population size is part of the problem, the issue is bigger and more complex than just counting bodies.

There are many factors at play. Essentially, it is what is happening within those populations-their distribution (density, migration patterns and urbanisation), their composition (age, sex and income levels) and, most importantly, their consumption patterns-that are of equal, if not more importance, than just numbers.

Focusing solely on population number obscures the multifaceted relationship between us humans and our environment, and makes it easier for us to lay the blame at the feet of others, such as those in developing countries, rather than looking at how our own behaviour may be negatively affecting the planet.

Let's take a closer look at the issues.

Population size

It's no surprise that as the world population continues to grow, the limits of essential global resources such as potable water, fertile land, forests and fisheries are becoming more obvious. You don't have to be a maths whizz to work out that, on the whole, more people use more resources and create more waste.

But how many people is too many? How many of us can Earth realistically support?

Influenced by the work of Thomas Malthus, ' carrying capacity GLOSSARY carrying capacity The maximum number of individuals of a species that can be supported in an area. Carrying capacity is usually limited by components of the environment (e.g. food, habitat, resources). ' can be defined as the maximum population size an environment can sustain indefinitely.

Debate about the actual human carrying capacity of Earth dates back hundreds of years. The range of estimates is enormous, fluctuating from 500 million people to more than one trillion. Scientists disagree not only on the final number, but more importantly about the best and most accurate way of determining that number-hence the huge variability.

How can this be? Whether we have 500 million people or one trillion, we still have only one planet, which has a finite level of resources. The answer comes back to resource consumption. People around the world consume resources differently and unevenly. An average middle-class American consumes 3.3 times the subsistence level GLOSSARY subsistence level A standard of living (or wage) that provides only the bare necessities of life. of food and almost 250 times the subsistence level of clean water. So if everyone on Earth lived like a middle class American, then the planet might have a carrying capacity of around 2 billion. However, if people only consumed what they actually needed, then the Earth could potentially support a much higher figure.

But we need to consider not just quantity but also quality-Earth might be able to theoretically support over one trillion people, but what would their quality of life be like? Would they be scraping by on the bare minimum of allocated resources, or would they have the opportunity to lead an enjoyable and full life?

More importantly, could these trillion people cooperate on the scale required, or might some groups seek to use a disproportionate fraction of resources? If so, might other groups challenge that inequality, including through the use of violence?

These are questions that are yet to be answered.

Population distribution

The ways in which populations are spread across Earth has an effect on the environment. Developing countries tend to have higher birth rates due to poverty and lower access to family planning and education, while developed countries have lower birth rates. In 2015, 80 per cent of the world's population live in less-developed nations. These faster-growing populations can add pressure to local environments.

Globally, in almost every country, humans are also becoming more urbanised. In 1960 less than one third of the world's population lived in cities. By 2014, that figure was 54 per cent, with a projected rise to 66 per cent by 2050.

While many enthusiasts for centralisation and urbanisation argue this allows for resources to be used more efficiently, in developing countries this mass movement of people heading towards the cities in search of employment and opportunity often outstrips the pace of development, leading to slums, poor (if any) environmental regulation, and higher levels of centralised pollution. Even in developed nations, more people are moving to the cities than ever before. The pressure placed on growing cities and their resources such as water, energy and food due to continuing growth includes pollution from additional cars, heaters and other modern luxuries, which can cause a range of localised environmental problems.

Humans have always moved around the world. However, government policies, conflict or environmental crises can enhance these migrations, often causing short or long-term environmental damage. For example, since 2011 conditions in the Middle East have seen population transfer (also known as unplanned migration) result in several million refugees fleeing countries including Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan. The sudden development of often huge refugee camps can affect water supplies, cause land damage (such as felling of trees for fuel) or pollute environments (lack of sewerage systems).

Population composition

The composition of a population can also affect the surrounding environment. At present, the global population has both the largest proportion of young people (under 24) and the largest percentage of elderly people in history. As young people are more likely to migrate, this leads to intensified urban environmental concerns, as listed above.

Life expectancy has increased by approximately 20 years since 1960. While this is a triumph for mankind, and certainly a good thing for the individual, from the planet's point of view it is just another body that is continuing to consume resources and produce waste for around 40 per cent longer than in the past.

Ageing populations are another element to the multi-faceted implications of demographic population change, and pose challenges of their own. For example between 1970 and 2006, Japan's proportion of people over 65 grew from 7 per cent to more than 20 per cent of its population. This has huge implications on the workforce, as well as government spending on pensions and health care.

Population income is also an important consideration. The uneven distribution of income results in pressure on the environment from both the lowest and highest income levels. In order to simply survive, many of the world's poorest people partake in unsustainable levels of resource use, for example burning rubbish, tyres or plastics for fuel. They may also be forced to deplete scarce natural resources, such as forests or animal populations, to feed their families. On the other end of the spectrum, those with the highest incomes consume disproportionately large levels of resources through the cars they drive, the homes they live in and the lifestyle choices they make.

On a country-wide level, economic development and environmental damage are also linked. The least developed nations tend to have lower levels of industrial activity, resulting in lower levels of environmental damage. The most developed countries have found ways of improving technology and energy efficiency to reduce their environmental impact while retaining high levels of production. It is the countries in between-those that are developing and experiencing intense resource consumption (which may be driven by demand from developed countries)-that are often the location of the most environmental damage.

Population consumption

While poverty and environmental degradation are closely interrelated, it is the unsustainable patterns of consumption and production, primarily in developed nations, that are of even greater concern.

It's not often that those in developed countries stop and consider our own levels of consumption. For many, particularly in industrialised countries, the consumption of goods and resources is just a part of our lives and culture, promoted not only by advertisers but also by governments wanting to continually grow their economy. Culturally, it is considered a normal part of life to shop, buy and consume, to continually strive to own a bigger home or a faster car, all frequently promoted as signs of success. It may be fine to participate in consumer culture and to value material possessions, but in excess it is harming both the planet and our emotional wellbeing.

The environmental impact of all this consumption is huge. The mass production of goods, many of them unnecessary for a comfortable life, is using large amounts of energy, creating excess pollution, and generating huge amounts of waste.

To complicate matters, environmental impacts of high levels of consumption are not confined to the local area or even country. For example, the use of fossil fuels for energy (to drive our bigger cars, heat and cool our bigger houses) has an impact on global CO ₂ levels and resulting environmental effects. Similarly, richer countries are also able to rely on resource and/or waste-intensive imports being produced in poorer countries. This enables them to enjoy the products without having to deal with the immediate impacts of the factories or pollution that went in to creating them.

On a global scale, not all humans are equally responsible for environmental harm. Consumption patterns and resource use are very high in some parts of the world, while in others-often in countries with far more people-they are low, and the basic needs of whole populations are not being met. A study undertaken in 2009 showed that the countries with the fastest population growth also had the slowest increases in carbon emissions. The reverse was also true-for example the population of North America grew only 4 per cent between 1980 and 2005, while its carbon emissions grew by 14 per cent.

Individuals living in developed countries have, in general, a much bigger ecological footprint GLOSSARY ecological footprint The impact of a person or community on the environment, expressed as the amount of land required to sustain their use of natural resources. than those living in the developing world. The ecological footprint is a standardised measure of how much productive land and water is needed to produce the resources that are consumed, and to absorb the wastes produced by a person or group of people.

Today humanity uses the equivalent of 1.5 planets to provide the resources we use and absorb our waste. This means it now takes the Earth one year and six months to regenerate what we use in a year. Global Footprint Network

When Australian consumption is viewed from a global perspective, we leave an exceptionally large 'ecological footprint'-one of the largest in the world. While the average global footprint is 2.7 global hectares, in 2014 Australia's ecological footprint was calculated at 6.7 global hectares per person (this large number is mostly due to our carbon emissions). To put this in perspective, if the rest of world lived like we do in Australia, we would need the equivalent of 3.6 Earths to meet the demand.

Similarly, an American has an ecological footprint almost 9 times larger than an Indian-so while the population of India far exceeds that of the United States, in terms of environmental damage, it is the American consumption of resources that is causing the higher level of damage to the planet.

What is the solution?

How do we solve the delicate problem of population growth and environmental limitations? Joel Cohen, a mathematician and author characterised potential solutions in the following way:

1. A bigger pie: Technical innovation

This theory looks to innovation and technology as Earth's saviour, not only to extend the planet's human carrying capacity, but to also improve the quality of life for each individual. Advances in food production technologies such as agriculture, water purification and genetic engineering may help to feed the masses, while moving away from fossil fuels to renewable power sources such as wind and solar will go some way to reducing climate change.

'Economic decoupling' refers to the ability of an economy to grow without corresponding increases in environmental pressure. In 2014 the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released a report titled ' Decoupling 2', which explored the possibilities and opportunities of technology and innovation to accelerate decoupling, and an analysis of how far technical innovation can go.

Funding and research should be a high priority in these areas, but we must accept that technology can only do so much, and is only part of the solution.

2. Fewer forks: Education and policy change

This theory is based on demographic transition, effectively finding ways to slow or stop population growth resulting in fewer people fighting for resources or 'slices' of pie.

Birth rates naturally decline when populations are given access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, education for boys and girls beyond the primary level is encouraged and made available, and women are empowered to participate in social and political life. Continuing to support programs and policies in these areas should see a corresponding drop in birth rates. Similarly, as the incomes of individuals in developing countries increase, there is a corresponding decrease in birth rates. This is another incentive for richer countries to help their poorer neighbours reach their development potential.

Providing a health, educational or financial incentive has also proven to be effective in combating some population issues. For example, paying money to people with two or fewer children or allowing free education for families with a single child has been trialled with some success. However, there are debates about incentive programs (such as paying women in India to undergo sterilisation). Opponents question whether accepting these incentives is really is a choice, or whether the recipient has been coerced into it through community pressure or financial desperation.

Fewer forks can also cover another complicated area-the option of seriously controlling population growth by force. China has done so in the past and attracted both high praise and severe humanitarian criticism. This is a morally-, economically- and politically-charged topic, to which there is no easy answer.

3. Better manners: Less is more

The better manners approach seeks to educate people about their actions and the consequences of those actions, leading to a change in behaviour. This relates not only to individuals but also governments. Individuals across the world, but particularly in developed countries, need to reassess their consumption patterns. Numerous studies have shown that more 'stuff' doesn't make people happier anyway. We need to step back and re-examine what is important and actively find ways to reduce the amount of resources we consume. Taking shorter showers, saying no to single-use plastics, buying less, recycling our waste and reviewing our mode and frequency of travel may seem trivial, but if millions around the world begin to do it as well, the difference will begin to add up.

Governments too need to instigate shifts in environmental policy to protect and enhance natural areas, reduce CO ₂ and other greenhouse gas emissions, invest in renewable energy sources and focus on conservation as priorities.

Developing countries should be supported by their more developed neighbours to reach their development goals in sustainable, practical ways.

In reality, there is no single, easy solution. All three options must be part of a sustainable future.

Where to from here?

Population is an issue that cannot be ignored. While we can all do our bit to reduce our own global footprint, the combined impact of billions of other footprints will continue to add up. There are many who believe that if we do not find ways of limiting the numbers of people on Earth ourselves, then Earth itself will eventually find ways of doing it for us.

Interestingly, despite population increase being such a serious issue, the United Nations has held only three world conferences on population and development (in 1945, 1974 and 1994).

However, governments around the world are beginning to recognise the seriousness and importance of the situation, and are taking steps to reduce the environmental impacts of increasing populations and consumption such as through pollution reduction targets for air, soil and water pollutants. The United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, scheduled for December 2015, is one example; however any international policies need to be backed up by workable solutions at the individual, local and regional level.

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Population and environment: a global challenge

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We humans are remarkable creatures. From our humble beginnings in small pockets of Africa, we have evolved over millennia to colonise almost every corner of our planet. We are clever, resilient and adaptable―perhaps a little too adaptable. In 2015 the world population is more than 7.3 billion people.

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Inhabitat - Green Design, Innovation, Architecture, Green Building | Green design & innovation for a better world

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View Slideshow

Humanity has turned Earth into a giant trash pile. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that Americans alone produce on average 4.3 pounds of trash each day. Multiplied by 318.9 million people, that's a lot of trash landing up in the country's landfills. If there are about 3,500 active landfills in the United States, just one country, think about how many formal and informal landfills there are globally, leaching all kinds of nasty chemicals into ground and surface water supplies and emitting methane gases. It's a daunting thought. But there is good news. As our knowledge of managing waste improves, we are learning to turn trash into a resource. For example, many landfill sites convert methane emissions into clean energy and many retired landfills have been safely rehabilitated into thriving public parks that reveal nothing of their trashy history. We have rounded up a list of 8. Prepare to be amazed by the transformation.

1. Mt. Trashmore, Virginia Beach

Talk about turning trash into treasure. The satirically named Mount Trashmore went from a devastating brownfield to becoming Virginia's most popular park, with a children's playground and a world-famous skate park. Tony Hawk, among several other professional skateboarders, have glided through its 24,000-square-foot skate park in front of packed crowds, and the park itself attracts over one million visitors annually. Situated upon mounds of compacted trash and topped with a layer of clean soil, its lush areas span upwards of 165 acres, with massive hills that stretch 60 feet high and cover over 800 feet of ground.

2. Hiriya Park, Tel-Aviv, Israel

Tel Aviv's former landfill, called Hiriya was a horrifying mountain of garbage that was know affectionately to locals as "Sh!t Mountain". This notorious garbage dump hit its limit in 1998 after reaching 25 million tons of waste. After that the facility was finally shut down and an international competition was held to prevent collapse of the waste into the Ayalon riverbed and resurrect the land into what is now the centerpiece of Ariel Sharon Park. Landscape architect and urban planner Peter Latz conceived a plan to protect vegetation from the underlying contaminants, inventing a bioplastic layer that inhibits methane from reaching the surface.

3. Sai Tso Wan Recreation Ground, Hong Kong

Sai Tso Wan's multipurpose playground was the first of its kind to be constructed from a landfill in Hong Kong. It is also one of the greenest spaces in the region, hosting solar panels, wind turbines, rainwater irrigation, and recycled porous Rubbersoil. Its also the official training grounds of the Hong Kong Baseball Association.

4. Pulau Semaku, Singapore

Although Pulau Semaku is still a fully functioning landfill, and Singapore's only landfill to boot, it was opened to the public in 2005 for selected recreational activities and still maintains bounds of vegetation in its surroundings areas. Perhaps the most fascinating aspects of Pulau Semaku are its thriving coral reefs and mangroves. Conscious and consistent efforts have been made to replant and maintain the existing reefs, flora and fauna, and wildlife continues to thrive in the site's mangroves and western shorelines.

Image via Daniel Ramirez

5. Cesar Chavez Park, Berkeley

César Chávez Park is a waterfront hillside retreat off the coast of the San Francisco Bay, with spectacular views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and Angel Island off in the distance. Its long stretches of grassy fields make it a premier area for kite flying and frisbee, with thousands attending the Berkeley Kite Festival at César Chávez every July. From hiking trails to a full-on wildlife sanctuary, the once dilapidated mountain of trash that existed in the 1950's has now become a focal point of San Francisco culture.
Image via gkuna
6. Port Sunlight River Park, United Kingdom

Port River Sunlight Park is a rehabilitated riverside park that was brought to life on the UK's Wirral coast. After 15 years as a landfill, landscape architecture firm Gillespies designed 70-acres of thriving community woodlands with over 12,000 trees. With views overlooking the Liverpool skyline and public access to the River Mersey, the sanctuary has become home to abundant wildlife, wildflower meadows, grasslands, and wetlands.

7. Flushing Meadows, Long Island

New York's world famous Flushing Meadows-Corona Park is the second largest park in the city, and most notably known for hosting the 20th century World Fairs as well as the US Open in tennis every year, but did you know that it was once a landfill? Moreover, before it was a brownfield it was originally a natural marshland that fed into Meadow Lake, the largest freshwater lake in New York City. Although it's a bit disheartening to know that the area was once a wetland, the comeback to its current purpose is thoroughly inspiring.

8. Fresh Kills, Staten Island

In what may be the most inspiring transformation of them all, Freshkills Park is currently in transition from being the largest landfill in the entire world to a stunning 2,200 acre park, the largest park in all of New York City's boroughs. Its dramatic transformation began in 2008 and is still undergoing construction, with an estimated completion in 2035. The landfill originally opened in 1947, and by 2001 it was predicted that if the operation continued, the garbage heap was destined to become the highest point on the East Coast. Plans are now in place for a multitude of recreational, educational and athletic resources, not to mention a 46-acre solar array with the capability of powering 2000 Staten Island homes.

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8 incredible parks created from landfills

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View Slideshow Humanity has turned Earth into a giant trash pile. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that Americans alone produce on average 4.3 pounds of trash each day. Multiplied by 318.9 million people, that's a lot of trash landing up in the country's landfills.

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Mercury poisoning definition and facts*

* Mercury poisoning facts by John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP

The severity of mercury poisoning depends on the level of exposure, usually determined by a blood test.

Mercury is a naturally occurring element found in air, water and soil. A highly toxic form (methylmercury) builds up in fish, shellfish and animals that eat fish. Fish and shellfish are the main sources of methylmercury exposure to humans.
Fish that typically have higher levels of mercury include king mackerel, marlin, orange roughy, shark, swordfish, tilefish, and ahi and bigeye tuna. Many of these types of fish are used in sushi.

Other sources of mercury can be silver-colored dental fillings that contain up to 50% mercury by weight and can release mercury vapor, fluorescent light bulbs that use electricity to excite mercury vapor, and mercury fever thermometers made of glass.

Mercury exists in several forms: elemental or metallic mercury, inorganic mercury compounds, and organic mercury compounds.

Mercury exposure at high levels can harm the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and immune system. High levels of methylmercury in the bloodstream of unborn babies and young children may harm the developing nervous system, making the child less able to think and learn.

Signs and symptoms of methylmercury poisoning may include:

Impairment of peripheral vision

Disturbances in sensations ("pins and needles" feelings)

Lack of coordination

Impairment of speech, hearing,walking

Muscle weakness

Elemental (metallic) mercury primarily causes health effects when it is breathed as a vapor where it can be absorbed through the lungs.

Signs and symptoms of acute elemental (metallic) mercury poisoning include:

Tremors

Emotional changes

Insomnia

Weakness

Muscle atrophy

Twitching

Headaches

Disturbances in sensations

Changes in nerve responses

Performance deficits on tests of cognitive function.

Higher exposures may result in kidney effects, respiratory failure and death.

Consult your doctor if you believe you have been exposed to mercury. Testing for mercury may involve tests on the hair, blood, and urine. Treatment for mercury toxicity includes removal of the source of mercury exposure, supportive care, and chelation therapy to help remove the metals from the body.

Recycling of mercury-containing products is one of the best ways to help prevent mercury releases to the environment by keeping these products out of landfills and incinerators.

What is mercury?

Mercury is a naturally occurring element. It is contained in some of the fish we eat, whether caught in local lakes and streams or bought in a grocery store. Mercury is also contained in some of the products we use, which may be found in your home, at the dentist, and at schools. This article provides links to information about sources of mercury exposure, potential health effects, fish that may contain mercury, consumer products that contain mercury, and ways to reduce your exposure to mercury.

What are the forms sources of mercury?

Forms of mercury. Mercury is a naturally occurring element that is found in air, water and soil. It exists in three chemical forms. They each have specific effects on human health.

Methylmercury

Elemental mercury

Other mercury compounds (inorganic and organic)

Sources of mercury. Mercury is an element in the earth's crust. Humans cannot create or destroy mercury. Pure mercury is a liquid metal, sometimes referred to as quicksilver that volatizes readily. It has traditionally been used to make products like thermometers, switches, and some light bulbs.

Mercury is found in many rocks including coal. When coal is burned, mercury is released into the environment. Coal-burning power plants are the largest human-caused source of mercury emissions to the air in the United States, accounting for over 40 percent of all domestic human-caused mercury emissions. EPA has estimated that about one quarter of U.S. emissions from coal-burning power plants are deposited within the contiguous U.S. and the remainder enters the global cycle. Burning hazardous wastes, producing chlorine, breaking mercury products, and spilling mercury, as well as the improper treatment and disposal of products or wastes containing mercury, can also release it into the environment. Current estimates are that less than half of all mercury deposition within the U.S. comes from U.S. sources.

Exposure to mercury. Mercury in the air eventually settles into water or onto land where it can be washed into water. Once deposited, certain microorganisms can change it into methylmercury, a highly toxic form that builds up in fish, shellfish and animals that eat fish. Fish and shellfish are the main sources of methylmercury exposure to humans. Methylmercury builds up more in some types of fish and shellfish than others.

Fish that typically have higher levels of mercury include

king mackerel,

marlin,

orange roughy,

shark, swordfish,

tilefish, and

and bigeye tuna.

Many of these types of fish are used in sushi. White albacore canned tuna typically has three times as much mercury as chunk light canned tuna. The levels of methylmercury in fish and shellfish depend on what they eat, how long they live and how high they are in the food chain.

EPA works with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and with states and tribes to issue advice to women who may become pregnant, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and parents of young children about how often they should eat certain types of commercially-caught fish and shellfish. Fish advisories are also issued for men, women, and children of all ages when appropriate. In addition, EPA releases an annual summary of information on locally-issued fish advisories and safe-eating guidelines to the public. Fish is a beneficial part of the diet, so EPA & FDA encourage people to continue to eat fish that are low in methylmercury.

Another less common exposure to mercury that can be a concern is breathing mercury vapor. These exposures can occur when elemental mercury or products that contain elemental mercury break and release mercury to the air, particularly in warm or poorly-ventilated indoor spaces.

Health effects of mercury. Mercury exposure at high levels can harm the brain, heart, kidneys, lungs, and immune system of people of all ages. Research shows that most people's fish consumption does not cause a health concern. However, it has been demonstrated that high levels of methylmercury in the bloodstream of unborn babies and young children may harm the developing nervous system, making the child less able to think and learn.

Ecological effects of mercury. Birds and mammals that eat fish are more exposed to mercury than other animals in water ecosystems. Similarly, predators that eat fish-eating animals may be highly exposed. At high levels of exposure, methylmercury's harmful effects on these animals include death, reduced reproduction, slower growth and development, and abnormal behavior.

Reducing mercury releases. EPA issues regulations that require industry to reduce mercury releases to air and water and to properly treat and dispose of mercury wastes. EPA also works with industry to promote voluntary reductions in mercury use and releases, and with partners in state, local and tribal governments to improve their mercury reduction programs. EPA works with international organizations to prevent the release of mercury in other countries. The public can contribute to mercury reduction efforts by purchasing mercury-free products and correctly disposing of products that contain mercury by reducing demand for products whose production leads to the release of mercury into the environment.

What factors determine the severity of health effects from mercury exposure?

People in the U.S. are mainly exposed to methylmercury, an organic compound, when they eat fish and shellfish that contain methylmercury. Whether an exposure to the various forms of mercury will harm a person's health depends on a number of factors. Almost all people have at least trace amounts of methylmercury in their tissues, reflecting methylmercury's widespread presence in the environment and people's exposure through the consumption of fish and shellfish. People may be exposed to mercury in any of its forms under different circumstances. The factors that determine how severe the health effects are from mercury exposure include these

the chemical form of mercury;

the dose;

the age of the person exposed (the fetus is the most susceptible);

the duration of exposure;

the route of exposure -- inhalation, ingestion, dermal contact, etc.; and

the health of the person exposed.

QUESTION
See Answer

What are the side effects, signs, and symptoms of mercury poisoning?

What are the side effects methylmercury poisoning in fetus' and humans?

For fetuses, infants, and children, the primary health effect of methylmercury is impaired neurological development. Methylmercury exposure in the womb, which can result from a mother's consumption of fish and shellfish that contain methylmercury, can adversely affect a baby's growing brain and nervous system. Impacts on cognitive thinking, memory, attention, language, and fine motor and visual spatial skills have been seen in children exposed to methylmercury in the womb. Recent human biological monitoring by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 1999 and 2000 (PDF) shows that most people have blood mercury levels below a level associated with possible health effects. More recent data from the CDC support this general finding.

Outbreaks of methylmercury poisonings have made it clear that adults, children, and developing fetuses are at risk from ingestion exposure to methylmercury. During these poisoning outbreaks some mothers with no symptoms of nervous system damage gave birth to infants with severe disabilities, it became clear that the developing nervous system of the fetus may be more vulnerable to methylmercury than is the adult nervous system.

For more information on fish consumption advisories across the country, visit EPA's fish consumption web pages.

What are the signs and symptoms of methylmercury poisoning?

In addition to the subtle impairments noted above, symptoms of methylmercury poisoning may include;

impairment of the peripheral vision;

disturbances in sensations ("pins and needles" feelings, usually in the hands, feet, and around the mouth);

lack of coordination of movements;

impairment of speech, hearing, walking; and

muscle weakness.

People concerned about their exposure to methylmercury should consult their physician.

What are the side effects of elemental mercury?

Elemental (metallic) mercury primarily causes health effects when it is breathed as a vapor where it can be absorbed through the lungs. These exposures can occur when elemental mercury is spilled or products that contain elemental mercury break and expose mercury to the air, particularly in warm or poorly-ventilated indoor spaces.

What are the signs and symptoms of elemental mercury?

Symptoms include these:

tremors;

emotional changes (for example, mood swings, irritability, nervousness, excessive shyness);

insomnia;

neuromuscular changes (such as weakness, muscle atrophy, twitching);

headaches;

disturbances in sensations;

changes in nerve responses;

performance deficits on tests of cognitive function.

At higher exposures there may be kidney effects, respiratory failure and death. People concerned about their exposure to elemental mercury should consult their physician.

What are the side effects of other mercury compounds (inorganic and organic)?

High exposures to inorganic mercury may result in damage to the gastrointestinal tract, the nervous system, and the kidneys. Both inorganic and organic mercury compounds are absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract and affect other systems via this route. However, organic mercury compounds are more readily absorbed via ingestion than inorganic mercury compounds.

What are the signs and symptoms of high exposures to inorganic mercury?

Symptoms of high exposures to inorganic mercury include:

People concerned about their exposure to inorganic mercury should consult their physician.

What about mercury in batteries?

Most batteries made in the U.S. do not contain added mercury. The two exceptions are mercuric oxide batteries and button cell batteries. Mercuric oxide batteries are produced for specialized use in military and medical equipment where a stable current and long service life is essential. Button cell batteries are miniature batteries in the shape of a coin or button that are used to provide power for a large variety of small portable electronic devices.

The use and disposal of mercury-added button cells are unregulated at the federal level.

They do not have to be labeled;

it is legal to dispose of them in the household trash; and

they rarely are collected for recycling in most U.S. jurisdictions.

Some states are now considering whether the disposal of button cell batteries should be regulated or whether recycling should be encouraged. Because button batteries currently are not widely targeted for recycling, almost all of this mercury presumably ends up in the municipal solid waste stream where it is either incinerated or landfilled.

For a more information on batteries, see EPA's Web page on Consumer and Commercial Products.

IMAGES
See brain scan pictures of Alzheimer's and types of dementia See Images

What about mercury in dental amalgam?

The silver fillings used by dentists to restore teeth are composed of a metal "amalgam" containing roughly 50% elemental mercury and 50% other metals (mostly silver with some tin and copper). Amalgam is one of the most commonly used tooth fillings, and is considered to be a safe, sound, and effective treatment for tooth decay. Amalgam has been the most widely used tooth filling material for decades. It remains popular because it is strong, lasting and low-cost. Dental amalgams are considered medical devices and are regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Safety of Dental Amalgam Fillings

The mercury found in amalgam fillings has raised some safety concerns over the years. Amalgam can release small amounts of mercury vapor over time, and patients can absorb these vapors by inhaling or ingesting them.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is little scientific evidence that the health of the vast majority of people with dental amalgam is compromised, nor that removing amalgam fillings has a beneficial effect on health. A 2004 review of the scientific literature conducted for the U.S. Public Health Service found "insufficient evidence of a link between dental mercury and health problems, except in rare instances of allergic reaction."

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) consumer update on dental amalgam advises, as a precaution, that pregnant women and persons who may have a health condition that makes them more sensitive to mercury exposure should discuss dental treatment options with their health care practitioner. FDA, which regulates the use of dental amalgam, is reviewing the scientific evidence on the safe use of amalgam.

Alternatives to Dental Amalgam Fillings

Amalgam use is declining because the incidence of dental decay is decreasing and because improved substitute materials are now available for certain applications. If dental patients do not want to use mercury amalgam, there are several non-mercury restorative materials available. Presently, there are six types of restorative materials:

1. mercury amalgam,

2. resin composite,

3. glass ionomer,

4. resin ionomer,

5. porcelain, and

6. gold alloys.

Each type of restorative material has advantages and disadvantages. Some factors that influence the choice of restorative material used include: cost, strength, durability, location of cavity, and aesthetics.

The choice of dental treatment rests with dental professionals and their patients, so you should talk with your dentist about dental treatment options that are available. The American Dental Association provides a brochure for dental patients on the advantages and disadvantages of various types of dental fillings.

Environmental Releases of Mercury from Dental Amalgam Waste

Mercury from dental amalgam is a major source of controllable mercury released to the environment and likely will remain a significant concern into the future.

Mercury from dental amalgam is released to the environment through three primary pathways:

1. in wastewater,

2. as solid waste, and

3. through cremation of bodies containing dental amalgam.

The majority of dental mercury amalgam is discharged from dental offices to wastewater treatment systems. For more information on environmental releases of mercury from dental amalgam, see EPA's mercury Web page on Consumer and Commercial Products.

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What about mercury in fish?

Fish and shellfish are an important part of a healthy diet. Fish and shellfish contain high-quality protein and other essential nutrients, are low in saturated fat, and contain omega-3 fatty acids. A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of fish and shellfish can contribute to heart health and children's proper growth and development.

However, nearly all fish and shellfish contain traces of methylmercury. For most people, the risk from exposure to methylmercury by eating fish and shellfish is not a health concern. Yet some fish and shellfish contain higher levels of mercury that may harm an unborn baby or young child's developing nervous system. The risks from methlymercury in fish and shellfish depend on the amount of fish and shellfish eaten and the levels of methylmercury in the fish. Federal, state and local governments issue fish advisories when the fish are unsafe to eat.

Fish Consumption Advisories - This page provides links to extensive information on fish advisories, including advisories issued by state and local governments and by the EPA and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Fish Kids - This Web site uses interactive stories and games to teach kids ages 8-12 about contaminants in fish and fish advisories.

From

What about mercury in fluorescent light bulbs?

A fluorescent light bulb (also referred to as a "lamp") is a gas-discharge bulb that uses electricity to excite mercury vapor. The excited mercury atoms produce short-wave ultraviolet light that causes a phosphor to fluoresce, producing visible light. Mercury is an essential component of all fluorescent light bulbs, and allows these bulbs to be energy-efficient light sources.

Types of Fluorescent Bulbs

Tube: The standard straight "linear" tube comes in a variety of diameters and lengths. For example:

The T-4 is ½ inch in diameter and often used under kitchen cabinets.

The T-8 is 1 inch in diameter and the T-12 is 1½ inches in diameter.

Variations include the "U-tube" bent in half to form a U-shape, and the "circline" tube bent into a circle.

The larger-diameter tube fluorescents are used in ceiling light fixtures.

Compact fluorescent light (CFL): This is a short bulb made of a tube about the diameter of a pencil that has been either folded or twisted, resulting in an overall size that rivals a standard incandescent light bulb. Since the CFL fits into a standard light socket, the bulb and fixture design possibilities are vastly increased over that of a fluorescent tube. CFLs are now available in a variety of shapes, including spiral (twisted), short tube (folded over) and globe. A globe CFL is either round or A-shaped glass that contains within it a spiral or folded tube.

EPA encourages Americans to use compact fluorescent lights in order to save energy. Switching from traditional incandescent bulbs to CFLs is an effective, simple change everyone can make right now to help use less electricity at home and prevent greenhouse gas emissions that lead to global climate change.

Learn about CFLs - General information on Energy Star-qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), where to use CFLs in a home, and how to choose the right type of CFL bulb.

CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing. No mercury is released when the bulbs are intact (not broken) or in use, but CFLs can break and release mercury vapor if dropped or roughly handled. EPA encourages consumers to handle and use CFLs safely. Be careful when removing the bulb from its packaging, installing it, or replacing it. More information is provided in the Energy Star fact sheet: CFLs and Mercury (PDF).

If a CFL breaks in your home, please follow EPA's recommended steps to carefully clean up and dispose of broken bulbs. These recommendations will help to minimize any exposure to released mercury vapor.

EPA encourages the recycling of burned out fluorescent bulbs rather than disposing of them in regular household trash. Recycling of burned out CFLs is one of the best ways to help prevent the release of mercury to the environment by keeping mercury out of landfills and incinerators. Recycling of these bulbs also allows the reuse of the glass, metals and other materials that make up fluorescent lights.

SLIDESHOW
See Slideshow

What about thimerosal in vaccines?

Some consumers are concerned about the use of thimerosal, a mercury-containing preservative, in vaccines. Since 2001, with the exception of some influenza vaccines ( flu), thimerosal is not used as a preservative in routinely recommended childhood vaccines.

To learn more about this use of thimerosal, please see information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on medicines that contain mercury and thimerosal in vaccines, and information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on thimerosal in vaccines.

Thermometers (Fever)

Mercury fever thermometers are made of glass the size of a straw, with a silvery-white liquid inside, and used to be a common item in many households, schools and medical facilities. Now it is nearly impossible to buy one as digital thermometers have become the norm. There are two general types of mercury thermometers that measure body temperature: (1) oral/rectal/baby thermometers, containing about 0.61 grams of mercury; and (2) basal temperature thermometers, containing about 2.25 grams of mercury.

The presence of a mercury thermometer itself is not a problem. However glass thermometers may break while in use, releasing harmful mercury vapor and exposing people in the immediate indoor area. Mercury thermometers are also likely to break after being discarded in regular trash, resulting in mercury releases in the landfill or trash incinerator, or during transportation to either location. It is for this reason The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages parents to remove mercury thermometers from their homes to prevent accidental exposure and poisoning.

Restrictions on Sales of Mercury Fever Thermometers

In order to help remove the threat of mercury fever thermometer breakage and subsequent release of mercury vapor indoors, some states and municipalities have passed laws or ordinances prohibiting the manufacture, sale and/or distribution of these thermometers. As of October 2, 2008, thirteen states have laws that limit the manufacture, sale and/or distribution of mercury fever thermometers:

1. California,

2. Connecticut,

3. Illinois,

4. Indiana,

5. Maine,

6. Maryland,

7. Massachusetts,

8. Michigan,

9. Minnesota,

10. New Hampshire,

11. Rhode Island,

12. Oregon,

13. Washington.

The Health Care Without Harm Web site presents information on specific state laws and municipal ordinances.

Alternatives: Mercury-free Fever Thermometers

A variety of accurate and reliable mercury-free fever thermometers are available at your local pharmacy. Alternatives most comparable in cost and use to the mercury fever thermometer include battery and solar powered digital thermometers. These can all be used orally, rectally, or in the armpit. You should choose a thermometer that is easy to use and read.

If choosing a battery powered digital thermometer, choose one that contains a replaceable battery; some are not replaceable. The battery is a button cell battery and may contain a small amount of mercury, so it should be recycled through a local battery collection program or household hazardous waste collection center. Consult your local or state collection program regarding where batteries should be taken.

What To Do If a Mercury Fever Thermometer Breaks

A broken mercury thermometer is a serious health threat. If mercury spills out of a broken thermometer and is not cleaned up, it will evaporate into invisible vapor, potentially reaching dangerous levels in indoor air. If a thermometer breaks in your home, please follow EPA's recommended cleanup steps to carefully clean up and dispose of the broken glass and silver mercury beads. These recommendations will help minimize any exposure to released mercury vapor.

Disposal of Old Mercury Fever Thermometers

EPA encourages the recycling of mercury fever thermometers rather than disposing of them in regular household trash. Recycling is one of the best ways to help prevent the release of mercury to the environment by keeping mercury out of landfills and trash incinerators.

Many states and local agencies have developed collection/exchange programs for mercury-containing devices such as thermometers. Some counties and cities also have household hazardous waste collection programs. For information about these programs, contact your local officials to find out when and where a collection will be held in your area.

Recycling and Disposal

EPA encourages the recycling of mercury-containing products rather than disposing of them in regular household trash. Recycling of mercury-containing products is one of the best ways to help prevent mercury releases to the environment by keeping these products out of landfills and incinerators.

Some localities have collection/exchange programs for mercury-containing devices, such as thermometers, manometers, and thermostats, and recycling programs for fluorescent light bulbs. Some counties and cities also have household hazardous waste collection programs. For information about these programs, contact your local officials to find out when and where a collection will be held in your area.

Spills and Cleanup

Mercury is used in a variety of consumer products such as thermometers and fluorescent bulbs. If you accidentally break a mercury-containing product during use, or improperly dispose of such products, they will release mercury vapors that are harmful to human and ecological health.

Spills - Information on what to do, and what never to do, if you spill mercury.

Mercury-Containing Products

Elemental mercury has properties that have led to its use in many different products and industrial sectors. While some manufacturers have reduced or eliminated their use of mercury in products, there are still many consumer items in the marketplace that contain mercury. EPA encourages individuals, organizations and businesses to use non-mercury alternatives and to recycle unused mercury-containing products whenever possible.

Consumer and Commercial Products - This Web page provides more extensive information on mercury-containing products, plus links to related information from other federal agencies, state environmental agencies, and non-governmental organizations.

EPA's Database on Mercury-Containing Products and Alternatives - This searchable database contains publicly available information on consumer and commercial products that contain mercury, and also information on non-mercury alternatives. This is a Windows database designed to be downloaded to operate on an individual computer. The primary source of information on mercury-containing products is the IMERC Mercury-added Products Database, which is discussed below. EPA supplements the IMERC data with publicly available information on additional mercury-containing products. Information on non-mercury alternatives is gathered from a variety of public sources, including industry associations, non-governmental organizations, numerous Web sites and published reports. The information is updated annually.

Interstate Mercury Education & Reduction Clearinghouse (IMERC) Mercury-Added Products Database - The IMERC database is managed by the Northeast Waste Management Officials' Association (NEWMOA). It presents information on: (1) the amount and purpose of mercury in specific products that are sold in eight IMERC-member states; (2) the total amount of mercury in these products sold nationally in a given year; and (3) the manufacturers of these products. The information is submitted to IMERC by or on behalf of product manufacturers in compliance with laws in the eight states of Connecticut, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Notification requirements have been in effect for products manufactured or distributed in these states beginning in January 2001. The information is updated every three years.

Where You Live

Where you live - Mercury can be found almost anywhere. On this page, you will find a list of links to information about mercury in your home, community, state, region, and the world.

American Academy of Pediatrics. "How to Take a Child's Temperature." Nov 21, 2015.
<https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/fever/Pages/How-to-Take-a-Childs-Temperature.aspx>

Environmental Defense Fund. Mercury alert: Is canned tuna safe to eat?
<https://www.edf.org/oceans/mercury-alert-canned-tuna-safe-eat>

Menon, Shanti. "Mercury Guide." Natural Resources Defense Council. Updated: Mar 10, 2016.
<https://www.nrdc.org/stories/mercury-guide>

Olson, D.A., MD. "Mercury Toxicity Treatment & Management." Medscape. Updated Oct 23, 2015.
<http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1175560-treatment#d1>

Olson, D.A., MD. "Mercury Toxicity Workup." Medscape. Updated: Oct 23,2015.
<http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1175560-workup#c7>

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Mercury in Your Environment. Updated: Jul 26, 2016.
<https://www.epa.gov/mercury>

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Mercury Poisoning: Symptoms, Sources, Forms & Side Effects

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Mercury poisoning symptoms include speech, walking, or hearing impairment; emotional changes; insomnia; headaches; and a decline in cognitive function. Some of the sources of mercury in our environment include burning coal, light bulbs, batteries, dental fillings, fish and shellfish, and vaccines.

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compare and contrast a dump and a landfill

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These Maps Show How Many Landfills There Are In The U.S.

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The average American throws out 4.4 pounds of trash a day. And then we put it in a big pile. And then the gas from that pile causes climate change.

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10 ways humans impact the environment cornell notes

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10 ways humans impact the environment cornell notes

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List and explain 3 ways humans negatively impact the environment

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We as humans have become dependent on luxuries such as cars, houses, and even our cell phones. But what does our love for manufactured metallic and plastic goods do to the environment? Things like overconsumption, overfishing, deforestation are dramatically impacting our world.

Human activity can be directly attributed to the cause of hundreds of extinctions in the last two centuries, versus the millions of years that extinctions naturally occur. As we progress through the 21st century, humans have changed the world in unprecedented ways.

Human impact on the environment has become one of the main topics for university staff all over the world. While they search for the answer, the public needs to do its part. At least, you need to be aware of all the factors that contribute to this state and share the knowledge.

1. Overpopulation

Source: Diy13/iStock

Survival used to mean repopulating. That, however, is quickly becoming true for the opposite as we reach the maximum carrying capacity that our planet can sustain.

Overpopulation has grown into an epidemic since mortality rates have decreased, medicine has improved, and methods of industrial farming were introduced, thus keeping humans alive for much longer and increasing the total population.
SEE ALSO: WHAT IS BIODIVERSITY LOSS AND WHY IS IT A PROBLEM?
The effects of overpopulation are quite severe, with one of the most severe being the degradation of the environment.

Humans require space and lots of it whether it is for farmland or industries which also takes up tons of space. An increased population results in more clear-cutting, resulting in severely damaged ecosystems. Without enough trees to filter the air, CO₂ levels increase which carries the potential to damage every single organism on Earth.

Another issue is our dependency on coal and fossil fuels for energy, the larger the population, the more fossil fuels will be used. The use of fossil fuels (such as oil and coal) results in copious amounts of carbon dioxide into the air- threatening the extinction of thousands of species which adds to the effect that forest depletion already has.

Humanity continuously requires more space, which devastates ecosystems and increases CO₂ levels, further devastating the delicate environment. Although processed materials are necessary to power the cities, the previous assessment tells us that the planet can only sustain so much damage until it will begin to damage us.

2. Pollution

Source: zeljkosantrac/iStock

Pollution is everywhere. From the trash thrown out on the freeway, to the millions of metric tons of pollution pumped into the atmosphere every year- it's obvious, pollution and waste are inescapable.

Pollution is so bad that to date, 2.4 billion people do not have access to clean water sources. Humanity is continuously polluting indispensable resources like air, water, and soil which requires millions of years to replenish.

Air is arguably the most polluted with the US producing 147 million metric tons of air pollution each year alone.

In 1950, smog was so bad in LA that the ground-level ozone (atmospheric gas that is great in the atmosphere, not so much on the ground) surpassed 500 parts per billion volume (ppbv)- well above the National Ambient Air Quality Standard of 75 ppbv (6.6 times more to be precise).

People thought they were under foreign attack as the smog burned their eyes and left an odor of bleach in the air. That is when the devastating effect of aerosols was discovered.

While air quality in the US has slightly improved, the quality in developing countries continues to plummet as smog continuously blocks out the sun in a dense shroud of pollution. This is just one of the issues we have to tackle in the near future.

3. Global Warming

Global warming is arguably the greatest cause of impact on the environment. The largest of causes emanating through CO₂ levels from respiration to more detrimental causes like burning fossil fuels and deforestation.

At any rate, humans are consistently increasing CO₂ levels globally- every year. The highest level of CO₂ in recorded history before 1950 was about 300 parts per million. However, current measurements of CO₂ levels have exceeded above 400 PPM, abolishing every record dating back 400,000 years.

The increase of CO₂ emissions has contributed to the planet's average temperature increasing almost a whole degree.

As the temperature increases, arctic land ice and glaciers melt which causes the ocean levels to rise at a rate of 3.42mm per year, allowing more water to absorb more heat, which melts more ice, creating a positive feedback loop which will cause the oceans to rise 1-4 feet by 2100.
So what's the big deal?
4. Climate Change

Source: Sepp/iStock

Climate change is closely connected to the historical development of industry and technology. As global temperatures increase, Earth's weather patterns will drastically change. While some areas will experience longer growing seasons, others will become barren wastelands as water will deplete in vast areas, turning once floral regions into deserts.

The increase will impact weather patterns, promising more intense hurricanes in both size and frequency, as well as intensifying and prolonging droughts and heatwaves. But air pollution does not just affect the environment.

The evidence is mounting that poor air quality and rising temperatures are ruining delicate ecosystems, even leading to increased asthma and cancer rates in humans.

5. Genetic Modification

Source: simarik/iStock

Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have been a major contributor to the survival and prosperity of humans. GMO's are selected bred crops or crops that have had DNA directly implanted into it in order to give an advantage to the crop, whether that be to sustain colder temperatures, require less water, or yield more product.

But GMO's are not always intentional. For years humans have used glyphosate, a herbicide designed to eliminate weeds - the biggest threat to any plant. However, just as humans have a learning immune system, certain weeds have developed a resistance to 22 of 25 known herbicides, with 249 species of weeds completely immune according to the latest scientific report.

" Super weeds" threaten farming lands by chocking outcrops. One of the only solutions is to till the land, turning over the soil to kill the weeds and give an early advantage to the planted crops.

The disadvantage of tilling, however, is that it causes the soil to dry faster and kills off good bacteria, making its fertile lifespan significantly shorter. To replenish the depleted soil, fertilizer is used, which introduces a whole new set of problems to the environment and can be disastrous for local agriculture in the long run.

6. Ocean Acidification

is caused when CO₂ dissolves into the ocean bonding with seawater creating carbonic acid. The acid reduces the pH levels in the water, essentially changing the Ocean acidity by 30% in the last 200 years according to analysis - a level that the ocean has not been at in over 20 million years.

The acidity depletes the calcium concentrations, making it difficult for crustaceans to build their shell, leaving them vulnerable without their armor. Between the global temperature rise of one degree and the ocean acidification, scientists say a quarter of all coral reefs are considered damaged beyond repair, with two-thirds under serious threat. The death of coral reefs is a serious concern.

Coral reefs are home to 25% of aquatic life, many of which are responsible for the natural filtration of the ocean and production of necessary nutrients that are vital for life under the sea. However, acidification is not the only watery threat as there are other human activities causing severe changes. Things like plastic pollution and overfishing are wreaking havoc on our oceans.

7. Water Pollution

There are 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic debris in the ocean . Not only is garbage introduced into the oceans, but also the excessive amounts of fertilizer that finds its way into the ocean through rains, floods, winds, or dumped in excess right into the largest producer of the oxygen we have.

Fertilizer contains nitrogen, an element essential for the growth of plants- but that does not limit it to what it was intended for.

Phytoplankton and algae thrive off of nitrogen, causing excessive growth in what is known as " red tides" or "brown tides" in areas with high concentrations of nitrogen. The brown tide is caused by the rapid growth of billions of algae, which deplete water bodies of oxygen and cause the poison to accumulate in all life that consumes it, including fish and birds. But water pollution does not end there.

Year after year, millions of tons of garbage are dumped into the ocean. Since the garbage mainly consists of plastics, it is largely indissoluble. The garbage accumulates in large vortexes across the ocean.

Marine life, including the loggerhead sea turtles, are tricked into thinking they are eating food when really it is only a floating plastic bag or other poisonous plastic that will cause starvation or suffocation to any unfortunate animal that mistakenly ingests it.

8. Overfishing

Pollution is the number one threat to all aquatic life and is the lead cause of reduced biodiversity. This is really sad given that water and water life-forms are some of the most important natural resources at our disposal. But as mentioned above, overfishing is also damaging our oceans.

Fishing is not inherently bad for our ocean. But when not properly regulated, it can be detrimental to our oceans and people. O verfished stocks globally have tripled in half a century and today fully one-third of the world's assessed fisheries are currently pushed beyond their biological limits, says the WWF. Even more so billions of people rely on fish for protein.

9. Deforestation

Source: luoman/iStock

With an exponential expansion in human beings, more food, materials, and shelter are being manufactured at stupendous rates, mostly stemming from forestry.

Forests are cleared to make way for new humans, which in turn, makes more humans, you can see the problem. According to international data, an estimated 18 million acres of trees are clear-cut each year to make way for new development and wood products- that is just under half of all the trees on the planet since the industrial revolution began.

With trees being one of the largest producers of oxygen, clearly that is not a good thing for humans- and especially not for the animals that call the forest home.

With millions of different species that live in forests, deforestation is a major threat to their survival and a big conservation issue. It also increases greenhouse gases within the atmosphere which leads to further global warming. Such human activities need to stop if we wish to survive. Even more so, recent studies have attributed deforestation to the increase of wildfires in areas like Amazon. Wildfires are equally destructed even more so, displacing both people and entire species.

10. Acid Rain

When humans burn coal, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the atmosphere where they rise up and accumulate in the clouds until the clouds become saturated and rain acid, causing havoc on the ground beneath.

When the rain falls, it accumulates in water bodies which are especially harmful to lakes and small bodies of water. The ground surrounding the water soaks up the acid, depleting the soil of essential nutrients. Trees that absorb the acid accumulate toxins that damage leaves and slowly kills large areas of forest.

Acid rain has also been known to completely eliminate entire species of fish, causing a snowball effect of damage to the ecosystem that relies on diverse organisms to sustain the environment.

11. Ozone Depletion

Source: nito100/iStock

The ozone layer is renowned for its ability to absorb harmful UV rays that would otherwise be detrimental to the health of all walks of life. Without an ozone layer, walking outside would be unbearable.

Ozone is made up of three bonded oxygens that float up to the stratosphere where they absorb a substantial amount of UV radiation, protecting all life down below. However "ozone-depleting substances" (or ODS) primarily made up of chlorine and bromine find their way up to the stratosphere where they strip the O3 of oxygen, destroying its capabilities of absorbing UV light.

The human impact is devastating for plants that are extremely sensitive to UV light including wheat and barley, two indispensable crops to humans.

Although most chemicals that deplete the ozone layer have been banned, the chemicals that have already been released can take upwards of 80 years to reach the upper atmosphere, so it will be some time before our protective boundary will be fully functional again. Until then, slap on that sunscreen and be safe out there.

To the Future

It is imperative that we support the earth that we live on, but no matter what, the earth will live on. Human impacts the natural habitat in so many ways and we need to be aware of our personal environmental input.

Whether we live with it or not solely depends on the decisions and actions we make next. Mother nature is an unrelenting, unforgiving force, so it is probably best if we treat her well, and maybe, just maybe we can make up for the damage that has already been dealt with.

The best time to act, was yesterday, the best we can do is today, but if we wait for tomorrow, it may just be too late. Society needs to help itself in order to survive.

For more about our environment, be sure to stop by here.

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11 Devastating Ways Humans Impact the Environment

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We as humans have become dependent on luxuries such as cars, houses, and even our cell phones. But what does our love for manufactured metallic and plastic goods do to the environment? Things like overconsumption, overfishing, deforestation are dramatically impacting our world.

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The student will understand how public health is impacted by biotechnology, genetic factors, environmental factors, and pathogenic agents.