Human Impact on Environment
Human activities significantly alter natural environments. Year 8 students examine the causes and consequences of pollution, land clearing, overfishing, and climate change, and evaluate strategies to reduce human impact.
What You Need to Know
Key Concept Diagram
Land clearing removes habitat, causes erosion, and contributes to carbon emissions
Pollution enters ecosystems from agriculture (fertilisers, pesticides), industry, and urban runoff
Overfishing depletes fish populations faster than they can reproduce
Sustainable practices (protected areas, reduced emissions, sustainable agriculture) reduce human impact
Key Vocabulary
Pollution
The introduction of harmful substances or energy into the environment
Eutrophication
Excessive plant and algae growth caused by nutrient pollution in water bodies
Sustainable
Meeting present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs
Carbon footprint
The total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an individual, organisation, or activity
Knowledge Check
Select the correct answer for each question. Click "Check Answer" to see if you are right.
Question 1
Fertiliser runoff from farms into rivers causes eutrophication. What happens in eutrophication?
Question 2
Why is land clearing a significant environmental problem in Australia?
Question 3
Which of the following is the most sustainable fishing practice?
Key Concepts Summary
- ●Land clearing removes habitat, causes erosion, and contributes to carbon emissions
- ●Pollution enters ecosystems from agriculture (fertilisers, pesticides), industry, and urban runoff
- ●Overfishing depletes fish populations faster than they can reproduce
- ●Sustainable practices (protected areas, reduced emissions, sustainable agriculture) reduce human impact