‘The Invisible Effects of Human Activity on 

Nature’

Introduction

Is scientific advancement unfavorably fluctuating the lifestyle of other living species? The article ‘The

invisible effects of human activity on nature,’ by Maxime Thomas, Hugo Asselin, Mebarek
Lamara and Nicole Fenton, was published by The Conversation on June 7, 2023. The article

helps in recognizing the weighty implications of human disturbances on plant species and their

chemical properties. Recognizing these consequences becomes crucial for effectively conserving

biodiversity and preserving the invaluable traditional knowledge and cultures of Indigenous

communities. The article is a well-crafted and assertive piece, that explores essential truths and

valuable information to raise awareness about the impact of human actions on our natural

environment.

Summary

The article ‘The invisible effects of human activity on nature,’ by Maxime Thomas, Hugo

Asselin, Mebarek Lamara and Nicole Fenton, published by The Conversation on June 7, 2023,

highlights information about the recent COP15 biodiversity conference in Montréal, which

uncovered and emphasized the negative impact of human activities on wildlife, leading to

declining populations and potential extinction. The adaptability of plants to disturbances caused

by human activities can delay population decline but we may underestimate the consequences. It

tells how the chemical properties of plants change when they adapt, affecting their nutritional

and medicinal properties. Indigenous communities relying on wild plants for sustenance and

medicine are particularly affected. A study on Labrador tea, an important plant for Indigenous

communities, revealed devastating effects of human disturbances such as hydroelectric

transmission lines and mining sites on the plant's chemical composition. Understanding and

recognising these effects is crucial for biodiversity conservation and acknowledging the

significance of Indigenous knowledge.

 Critique Response.

Proper Research:

One of the strongest suits of this article is the strong and experienced guild of writers it

possesses. Notably assertive, well-written and relevant, it diligently presents research supported

by factual evidence and real world finds. Its partnership with indigenous communities further

enhances its value, as it caters directly to their needs.

Excerpt from the article: -

‘To study how the adaptation of plants affects their chemical properties, we conducted a project

in partnership with three Indigenous communities in northwestern Québec. Members of the

communities suggested that we work on Labrador tea because of its cultural importance and

medicinal uses. Labrador tea leaves are used in infusion to treat many ailments, such as

osteoarthritis, diabetes, or kidney problems . The leaves contain antioxidants called flavonoids in large

quantities.’

Furthermore, the article establishes intricate connections with various linked sources that

reinforce the researchers' discoveries. . Many of the findings are informative, as well as shedding

light on a budding, lesser-known issue., it is informative and helpful in understanding just what

in the nature is affected and the adverse effects. The article mentions a specific study conducted

on Labrador tea, an important plant for Indigenous communities. The study reveals the
devastating effects of human disturbances such as hydroelectric transmission lines and mining

sites on the chemical composition of the plant. This study serves as a concrete example of the

issue discussed.

Relevance:

The article references the recent COP15 biodiversity conference in Montréal, which likely

presented scientific research and discussions on the negative impact of human activities on

wildlife and biodiversity. Against this backdrop, the article highlights the issue at hand – the

adaptability of plants to human disturbances, which may temporarily delay population decline.

However, the consequences, particularly, the changes in chemical properties affecting nutrition

and medicinal aspects, are often underestimated, making it a significant yet less acknowledged

concern with great relevance at present.

Excerpt from the article: -

‘Discussions at the recent COP15 biodiversity conference in Montréal highlighted once again

the impact of human activities on wildlife. Many species are forced to migrate, are seeing their

populations declining, or worse, are finding themselves on the brink of extinction. For example,

the populations of woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus) are declining as a result of the damage

of logging on their habitat.’

The adaptability of plants to human disturbances can temporarily delay population decline, but

we often underestimate the consequences, including changes in their chemical properties that
affect nutrition and medicinal properties. Consequently, this is a significant yet less talked about

issue, which furthers its relevance.

Moreover, the alteration in chemical properties of plants due to adaptation has direct implications

for their nutritional and medicinal properties. The article suggests that these changes may go

underestimated, potentially impacting the efficacy and safety of traditional uses of these plants

by Indigenous communities. This is even more relevant as people are more and more conscious

of what they are putting in their bodies and straying further away from things supporting global

warming.

Overt use of scientific language:

One of the biggest drawbacks the article faces is the sheer amount of excessive technical and

scientific terms. As a person with little scientific background, at times I felt a bit lost. Though

many articles have been linked for better information, it is only so many times one can read or

access them to understand.

Excerpts: -

 ‘Textual evidence from the main source: One example of these

is polyphenols.’

 ‘Labrador tea leaves are used in infusion to treat many ailments, such as

osteoarthritis, diabetes or kidney problems.’

  ‘For example, chemicals potentially harmful to human health, such

as triclopyr or glyphosate, may be used to maintain hydroelectric

transmission lines.’

Even though, it is accurate but even the linked articles are a strenuous read as they too feature

intensely technical information. Furthermore, at present, people rarely have time to be able to

read articles, but since it is difficult to understand at times, people may simply abandon the

article, which would ultimately defeat the purpose of writing it in the first place. Therefore, it

would be immensely beneficial to feature less of the technical language, even if it is crucial. By

making the article more accessible and appealing to a broader audience, awareness of this

significant topic can be effectively raised.

Conclusion:

The article ‘The invisible effects of human activity on nature,’ by Maxime Thomas, Hugo

Asselin, Mebarek Lamara and Nicole Fenton, was published by The Conversation on

June 7, 2023. The article highlights the urgent need to acknowledge and understand the

depth of consequences of human activities on plant species. The devastating effects of

human disturbances on plants, as in the case of Labrador tea, not only disrupt the delicate

balance of ecosystems but also pose threats to Indigenous communities that rely on these

plants for sustenance. Acknowledging and understanding these effects is crucial for

biodiversity conservation and the preservation of Indigenous knowledge.

 References:

 Asselin, H., Thomas, M., Lamara, M., & Fenton, N. (2023, June 7). The invisible effects

of human activity on nature. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/the-invisible-

effects-of-human-activity-on-nature-201363

 Shashank Kumar, Abhay K. Pandey, "Chemistry and Biological Activities of Flavonoids:

An Overview", The Scientific World Journal, vol. 2013, Article ID 162750, 16 pages,

2013. https://doi.org/10.1155/2013/162750

 Gajewski, K. (2023, March 7). Global warming is changing Canada’s boreal forest and

tundra. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/global-warming-is-changing-

canadas-boreal-forest-and-tundra-198959

 Uprety, Y., Asselin, H., Dhakal, A. et al. Traditional use of medicinal plants in the boreal

forest of Canada: review and perspectives. J Ethnobiology Ethnomedicine 8, 7 (2012).

https://doi.org/10.1186/1746-4269-8-7