Human impact on climate and atmosphere

How Do Humans Affect the Environment?

Human activity has had an effect on the environment for thousands of years, from the time of our very
earliest ancestors.

In ways both positive and negative—and likely in more ways than you’d even think—human civilization
and technology have affected our earth, altering our planet forever. Consider these five tangible impacts
our species has had on the environment, and whether you’re one who will advance their effects or
intercede to halt them.

1. The Population Bomb

2. Agriculture, Domesticated Animals and Genetic Modification

3. Deforestation…and Reforestation

4. Pollution

5. Global Warming and Climate Change

Human impact to climate

The human impact on climate change is the most frequently misunderstood aspect of climate science.
Some sectors of the public continue to debate whether these ideas can be true, despite the well-
established science.

The potential for human activities to increase the temperature of the Earth through greenhouse gas
emissions has been described and calculated for over a century.

Human impact on atmosphere

Life on Earth depends on energy coming from the Sun. About half the light energy reaching Earth's
atmosphere passes through the air and clouds to the surface, where it is absorbed and radiated in the
form of infrared heat.
The industrial activities that our modern civilization depends upon have raised atmospheric carbon
dioxide levels by nearly 50% since 1750. This increase is due to human activities, because scientists can
see a distinctive isotopic fingerprint in the atmosphere