Human responsibility

1. Learning Goals: To understand the interactions between the 4 spheres To understand human responsibility for the planet ARE WE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EARTH?

2. Humans have developed the ability to drastically affect, or even completely destroy, the Earth. Therefore, we (humans) have a responsibility to the Earth to keep it intact. Taking care of the Earth is not just a responsibility -- it's a privilege ARE WE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE EARTH?

3. Increase in the human population Deforestation – the removal of trees to make way for agricultural land resulting in a reduction of carbon sinks. The process of deforestation itself causes high levels of carbon dioxide to be produced as the trees are burnt Increase in livestock (cows, sheep, pigs etc ) for human use causes an increase in the levels of methane gas being produced HOW DO HUMANS IMPACT THE EARTH?

4. Agriculture Timber harvest Mining Urbanization Introduction of exotic species Harvesting of fish and wildlife Fire suppression HUMAN INTERACTIONS

5. T ree removed and replace with pasture (for animals) or crops AGRICULTURE

6. Deforestation removes trees and replacement over time FORESTRY

7. Open cast mining removes much vegetation Underground mining affects water tables Underground gold mine in Wales UK MINING Open Cast mine in Virginia USA

8. Removes trees and replaces natural landscape with concrete Lake Union Samish Lake URBANISATION

9. Trying to develop more fuel efficient cars Developing electric or hybrid cars Governments and businesses are investing in wind power Governments investing in solar power for heating water and generating electricity Planting trees Recycling programs WHAT IS AUSTRALIA DOING?

10. Conserve water by using less and also installing water tanks to collect rainwater Conserve power by installing solar panels, turning off unused appliances and buying more energy efficient products Buy more energy efficient vehicles, use cars less and public transport more, car-pooling Replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs WHAT CAN I BE DOING?