2023 YEAR 10 SCIENCE

CHAPTER 7 – GLOBAL SYSTEMS

REPORT

Claim:
Living organisms always have a negative effect on their environment.
Rationale:
Throughout history, human activity has left a profound mark on the environment, starting from
the earliest days of our prehistoric ancestors. From the advent of agriculture to the expansion
of trade routes and the rise of urbanization, our presence has continually reshaped the world
around us. Today, we stand at a critical juncture where even the concept of untouched, pristine
nature has become a rarity, as our influence has permeated every corner of the Earth.
The interconnectedness of ecosystems becomes evident when considering the profound impact
of our actions. While we rely on the environment for our survival, our activities often have
unintended and detrimental consequences. Pollution, deforestation, and the alteration of
climate patterns are just a few examples of the wide-ranging and significant environmental
changes resulting from human behavior.
Preserving the environment is not just a matter of planetary well-being but also of our own
survival and that of future generations. By embracing our role as stewards of the Earth, we can
forge a path towards a more sustainable and resilient future, where humans and nature coexist
in harmony. It is a collective responsibility to protect and cherish the fragile ecosystems that
sustain us, for they are the foundation upon which our shared destiny rests.

Background:
Biological diversity encompasses the remarkable richness of life and the intricate web of
interconnected ecosystems that sustain it. This encompasses the diverse range of plant and
animal species that populate our planet, along with the genetic diversity within them. It is this
diversity that enables natural ecosystems to flourish and provides us with essential services for
our own existence. Regrettably, human actions have significantly disrupted biodiversity, leading
to a perilous situation for countless species. The consequences of this loss extend far beyond
the realm of the natural world and threaten our own survival as well.
Physical transformations in both living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components have direct
and indirect repercussions on the availability of resources for other organisms. Through the
process of ecosystem engineering, organisms actively shape, uphold, or generate habitats in a
physical manner. These modifications by ecological engineers have widespread consequences
across ecosystems, resulting in the creation of non-food resources such as living areas,
regulation of abiotic resources, and indirect modulation of abiotic forces. As a result, engineers
exert ecological influences that extend to numerous other species, impacting their utilization of
resources.
Evidence:
The actions of an engineer can have varying degrees of impact on other species, ranging from
substantial to minimal. These impacts can alter the physical structure of organisms, such as
trees, or the structures created by them, like beaver dams, and may or may not affect the
organisms themselves. On a smaller scale, engineering activities can have both positive and
negative consequences on species diversity and population size. However, when considering
the broader picture that encompasses engineered and non-engineered environments, the
overall effects of engineering tend to be positive.

Population dynamics models in engineering indicate that engineers and habitats can coexist at
a local level and undergo long-term cycles that impact community and ecosystem stability.
However, the lack of available data on engineer species hampers the parameterization of such
models. Energy, mass, and stoichiometry do not provide sufficient predictive power to
determine which engineers will have significant effects, as engineers control energy and
material flows without actively participating in them. Despite this limitation, some
generalizations can be made based on empirical observations regarding the importance of
certain species as ecosystem engineers.
Understanding the dynamics of engineer populations and their effects on habitats is crucial for
assessing and managing ecosystem stability. Further research and data collection are needed to
develop comprehensive models that accurately capture the intricate interactions between
engineers and their environments. Such models can provide valuable insights into the long-
term consequences of engineering activities and aid in making informed decisions to promote
sustainable coexistence between engineers and other species within ecosystems.

The exponential growth of the population has led to significant environmental degradation, and
while technological advancements offer benefits in terms of health and abundance, they also
present complex challenges. On one hand, advancements in technology have increased the
capacity of our food production systems, allowing for the sustenance of a larger number of
people. Additionally, breakthroughs in medical science have contributed to longer life
expectancies, improving overall quality of life. However, these positive developments have also
led to a rapid increase in population size and a decrease in population turnover. Consequently,
as our lives become more comfortable and our lifespan extends, the issue of overpopulation
becomes an even more pressing concern. Balancing the benefits of technological progress with
the challenges of overpopulation becomes paramount in ensuring a sustainable future for both
humanity and the environment.
The development of agriculture marked a significant milestone in our survival as a species,
primarily driven by the necessity to sustain a growing population. This innovation allowed
hunter-gatherer societies to transition into settled communities, cultivating their own food
resources. However, this shift had immediate consequences for the environment, as certain
plants and animals were favored and cultivated while others were neglected. The
environmental impact of early agriculture was substantial.
In modern times, the introduction of genetically modified crops has further raised concerns
about the environmental implications. The manipulation of crop genetics through advanced
techniques has led to debates surrounding the potential effects on ecosystems, biodiversity,
and long-term sustainability. As we continue to make progress in agricultural practices, it
becomes crucial to strike a balance between ensuring food security for a burgeoning global
population and minimizing the ecological footprint of our farming methods. Sustainable
approaches and careful consideration of the environmental impacts are essential to navigate
the challenges posed by agricultural advancements.

Deforestation has far-reaching consequences, including the depletion of oxygen levels, the
amplification of greenhouse gases, soil erosion, and the destruction of habitats. Despite these
detrimental effects, certain initiatives, such as industrial agriculture, are striving to
counterbalance the negative environmental impacts associated with deforestation.
Reforestation efforts, for instance, aim to replace approximately 40 percent of the trees lost
each year, working towards restoring and preserving forested areas.
In addition to deforestation, the physical environment is also affected by overpopulation and
pollution. The combined influence of these factors has contributed to climate change, soil
erosion, compromised air quality, and contaminated water sources. These adverse impacts can
lead to various societal challenges, including forced migration and conflicts arising from
competition over clean water resources. Recognizing the urgency of these issues, it becomes
increasingly important to address the root causes of deforestation, overpopulation, and
pollution while promoting sustainable practices that safeguard our environment and ensure a
healthier future for generations to come.

A drastic reduction in the ozone layer has been seen over the past few decades due to human
activity. Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and halons, among
other chemicals, have contributed to this problem. When these chemicals are released into the
atmosphere, they break down ozone molecules, as they are used in refrigeration, air
conditioning, spray cans, and many other products. As part of the Montreal Protocol, signed in
1987, CFCs, HCFCs, and halons were to be phased out to protect the ozone layer. There has
been some success, and the ozone hole’s size is slowly stabilizing.
Acid rain poses severe consequences for plant life, wildlife, and human health. Inhalation of its
toxic components can lead to respiratory issues and long-term damage to the lungs. The
formation of fine particles in the air and the presence of highly irritating ground-level ozone
aggravate these risks. Structures such as buildings and monuments suffer from peeling paint,
while natural stone surfaces deteriorate over time due to the corrosive nature of acid rain.
Additionally, aquatic ecosystems are greatly affected as the pH levels of lakes and streams
decrease, rendering the water unsuitable to sustain marine life. Acid rain's widespread impact
highlights the urgency of addressing this environmental issue and implementing measures to
mitigate its harmful effects.
Evaluation:
Air pollution encompasses various substances and particulate matter present in the
atmosphere. Alongside emissions from vehicles, factories, power plants, and outdoor fires,
pollution can originate from diverse sources. The presence of these gases and pollutants poses
significant health risks to humans, including cardiovascular issues, as well as respiratory
ailments such as asthma, emphysema, and chronic bronchitis. Moreover, pollution has been
associated with adverse effects on the environment, including birth defects, reduced
reproductive rates, and increased disease prevalence among animals. The detrimental impact
of air pollution highlights the need for comprehensive measures to address and mitigate its
consequences for both human health and ecological well-being.
Water pollution takes various forms, encompassing the contamination of lakes, rivers, and
oceans. The presence of plastic waste, particularly fishing nets, in our marine ecosystems stems
from multiple sources, including agricultural runoff, industrial and wastewater discharges, and
landfill seepage. The impact of water pollution extends beyond humans, with microplastics in
the ocean posing a grave threat to marine life. These tiny particles are often mistaken for food
by animals, leading to choking and eventual death. Additionally, plastic pollution disrupts
aquatic ecosystems as animals become entangled in larger plastic debris, hampering their
ability to forage for food and evade predators. The dire consequences of water pollution
emphasize the urgent need for comprehensive measures to prevent and address this
environmental crisis.
Conclusion:

Scientific consensus overwhelmingly supports the notion that human activity is the main driver
of global warming. The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and gas, releases heat-trapping
gases like carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, leading to a rise in global temperatures.
It is important to recognize that environmental degradation arises from the actions of living
organisms. The interconnectedness of different ecosystems highlights the significant impact
humans have on their overall health and well-being. While our dependence on the environment
for survival is undeniable, it is regrettable that our actions often result in unintended harm to
the environment.
.
CITATIONS

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