Human Influence on Biosphere Balance

Human Influence on Biosphere Balance

Introduction:

Ecosystems are stable and well-balanced as a result of interactions between species and between organisms and the abiotic elements of their environment. By recycling natural resources so they do not run out, biogeochemical cycles help keep ecosystems in balance.

To meet their requirements, humans attempt to alter the environment (for example, by chopping down forests). The delicate balance of ecosystems and environment has also been disturbed by this. The following is a description of a few human influences on the harmony of ecosystems and nature.

1. Global Warming

The Earth's temperature rises as a result of greenhouse gases (such as carbon dioxide, methane, and ozone) being added to the atmosphere. These gases prevent solar energy from reflecting back into space by staying in the lowest layer of the Earth's atmosphere. Consequently, heat is retained in the Earth's atmosphere, raising its temperature.

Do You Know?

Survival of the Maldives: The water level is increasing up to 0.9 cm annually, according to scientists. Coastal nations are most affected by sea level rise. The majority of the Maldives' islands are situated at one metre above sea level. It is predicted that the Maldives might become uninhabitable within 100 years, forcing the population to leave.

Green House Effect

The phenomenon where certain gases (known as greenhouse gases) trap heat in the atmosphere is referred to as the "Greenhouse Effect." These gases have the same effect as greenhouse glass in keeping the heat within from escaping. Most of the energy in sunlight is converted into heat energy before it reaches the Earth's surface. This thermal energy is reflected as infrared radiation into space by the Earth's surface. Infrared radiation is captured by greenhouse gases and is reflected back to Earth. Carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere have grown by 30% since 1800. Methane levels have more than doubled, while nitrous oxide levels have gone up by around 8%.

2. Acid Rain

Rain encounters pollutants like nitrogen and sulphur oxides when it passes through contaminated air. In the presence of sunshine, these substances react with water vapour to produce sulphuric acid and nitric acid. At high temperatures, these acids continue to exist as vapour. As the temperature drops, the acids start to liquidise and mix with snow or rain as they descend to the Earth. Due to this, rain has an acidic pH range of 3 to 6. Significant negative impacts of acid rain include:

• Acid rain depletes the vital nutrients found in the waters of rivers, lakes, and other bodies of water. The pH of water is also lowered by it. At this pH, the majority of aquatic species cannot live.

• Acid rain depletes soil nutrients, destroys tree bark and leaves, and damages root hairs. Chlorophyll from leaves is also degraded.

• Corrosion on metallic surfaces is simple when acid rain is present. Products made of fabrics, paper, and leather quickly degrade or lose their material strength.

• The development of soluble compounds weakens building materials such as limestone, marble, dolomite, mortar, and slate with acid rains. Therefore, acid rain poses a threat to historical sites. Due to acid rains, the famed Taj Mahal has rusted in several locations.

3. Deforestation

Deforestation is the natural or human-caused destruction of forests. For the purposes of agriculture, industry, highways, rail tracks, and mining, large tracts of forest have been cleared. Humans chop down trees to obtain timber (lumber), which is subsequently used to construct buildings and generate heat. Forest animals that are predators of several insect pests are preyed upon by humans. By consuming the shoots and dispersing illnesses, insect pests decimate forests in this manner. Floods, droughts, landslides, soil erosion, global warming, and the loss of habitat for many species are just a few of the repercussions of deforestation.

4. Overpopulation

The world population was 600 million when the industrial revolution began, which may not seem like a lot of people, but it is currently close to 10 times that amount at 6 billion, and it will increase to 8 billion by 2025. Population expansion has been facilitated by improved healthcare services and declining death rates.

5. Urbanization

Cities expand as a result of urbanization. In quest of better employment, educational opportunities, and greater standards of life, people relocate from rural to urban regions. Rapid urbanization makes it difficult for governments to provide even the most basic services, such as housing, water, power, healthcare, and education. The majority of migrants in cities struggle to find decent employment and end up living in poverty. Schools, hospitals, and other facilities are crowded. There are more slum regions, and those who live there are more likely to contract illnesses.

Urbanization is an issue that affects the entire world, yet it can be handled. By international standards, Pakistan's current rate of urbanization—which is around 32 percent—is not very high. A well-designed urbanization can provide various solutions. To reduce pollution, the areas around the cities should be covered in lush greenery. Zoning and land planning should reserve the open spaces in urban areas. Controlling urban sprawl is also important. An efficient strategy to control urbanization is to use public transportation rather than private transportation.

Conclusion

Lastly I would like to say that human being is on the way progress. Its good but with progress of human being, we also take away from nature. To facilitate ourselves, like deforestation we are destroying the nature continuously. We must do positive work to save this planet.