Chapter 22.2 Human Impact on the Environment

Humans use the environment and change nature's cycles (the water cycle, the oxygen - carbon dioxide cycle, the nitrogen cycle.)

Humans use resources, pollute, and change environments.

Biodiversity - the number of species making up an ecosystem. The greater the biodiversity, the healthier the ecosystem.

Problems:

Endangered species - species in danger of extinction because of habitat loss due to deforestation, water loss, and pollution

Pollution and Human Health - pollutants contain toxins (poisons) which are harmful to our health.