processes that deplete the resources

In nature, there is a balance between living

and nonliving things. Organisms undergo
necessary for life. Animals utilize oxygen
from the atmosphere while plants utilize
the oxygen as well as carbon dioxide. Yet the
atmosphere does not lose all its oxygen and
carbon dioxide. Plants return more oxygen
than they use while animals return more
carbon dioxide.
All the materials needed for life are part
of natural cycles. The sun's energy, which
is outside the earth, is the driving force
in this self-contained spaceship. We are
on our own. There is no chance of taking
on additional resources and no realistic
opportunity of finding another planet on
which we could live. Obviously, our future
depends on how wisely we use the earth's
resources now.
Man is the steward of this earth. He must use
his intellect and freedom to make decisions
that will benefit not just an individual or a
group but the whole population. However,
this is not always the case. Very often society
suffers because of the self-interest of a few
powerful individuals and entities.
The potential consequences on the
environment are summarized below.
GREENHOUSE EFFECT -The increasing
atmospheric concentration of carbon
dioxide through the burning of
fossil fuels and forests have led to an
increase in the temperature of the
earth. A consequence of this is the
melting of polar caps that can lead
1.
to flooding

2.
3.
4.
OZONE
DEPLETION
Chemical pollutants such as
chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which
are used in aerosol cans, have also led
to ozone depletion. Ozone protects
the earth's surface from excessive
ultraviolet radiation. Its loss can have
major genetic effects and can increase
the incidence of cancer.
DEFORESTATION - When forests
are denuded (especially by logging
and kaingin method of agriculture)
erosion, floods, and changes of
weather patterns can occur.
ACID RAIN Pollutants such as
sulfur dioxide and nitrogen from the
burning of fossil fuels has lowered the
pH of rain. Acid rain kills animals and
damages crops. It can also damage
historical monuments.
DESERTIFICATION When animals
overgraze, they turn grasslands into
deserts.
POLLUTION - Some pollutants such as
Dichloro-Diphenyl-Trichloroethane
(DDT) an insecticide, were overused
before and damaged many plants and
animals. Since DDT resists chemical
breakdown, today it is found in the
tissues of many organisms. DDT
has threatened some animals with
extinction.
REDUCTION IN SPECIES DIVERSITY
Many plants and animals have
become extinct as their habitats have
been destroyed. Some of these plants
could have been sources of medicines
and products that would have been
beneficial to man.
5.
6.
7.