The Impact of Human activities

on Natural Resources
Done by:
Keyon’dre McBean
Dania-lee Wint
Shemarie Irons
Zachary Groves
Makayla Johnson
 Introduction
The human population is currently growing at about 1.2% per
year. This growth, together with improved standards of living, is
having a profound effect on all living organisms, natural resources
and the environment in general.
Human activities are having a negative impact on both non-
renewable and renewable natural resources, and in many cases,
theses resources are being rapidly depleted.
 What are natural resources?
Natural resources are materials and substances that occur naturally and
can be used for economic gain. They include minerals, forests, fertile land,
and water. Some natural resources, such as soil and water, are essential for the
existence of life.

Humans, animals, and other living organisms have relied on natural

resources for survival since the beginning of time. The conservation of
natural resources is important as the world population continues to grow, with
many of the most important natural resources being finite and non-renewable.
Types of Natural Resources
Non-renewable Resources
Non-renewable resources are present in the Earth in finite
amounts; they cannot be replaced, and consequently they are
running out. These include:

Energy resources such as fossil fuels, i.e. natural gas and coal
and radioactive fuels, e.g. uranium.

Mineral resources such as iron ore, bauxite, copper and tin.

Renewable Resources
Renewable resources can be replaced by natural processes.
However, many plant and animal species are being overexploited
such that their numbers are decreasing, in some cases to the
point of extinction.

Many marine organisms are being overfished for food, e.g.

lobsters, whales, turtles, sea eggs and conch.

Some terrestrial organisms are being overhunted for products

such as fur and ivory, e.g. mink, seal and elephants.
Vast areas of forest are being cut down to provide land for
housing and agriculture, and to provide materials for fuel,
building and the manufacture of paper.
 Energy
We use energy in our everyday life. Majority of the energy we use is obtained from fossil fuels, e.g. oil,
coal, etc. A lot the World’s important commercial energy resources are found in Trinidad and Tobago.

Enhanced Greenhouse Effect

Since the advent of the industrial revolution, fossil fuels have been burnt more to get energy for
machines. This has increased the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere significantly. This
carbon dioxide was in the fossils for millions of years, locked away. The increase of this greenhouse
gas has caused global warming. This resulted in, loss of sea ice, a rise in sea level rise; and longer,
more intense heat waves.
Oil Spills
Most countries import fossil fuels such as oil, which is transported across the ocean
in supertankers, and it is moved over land by pipeline, rail, and truck. In every mode
of transport mentioned, oil spills are possible, and these affect the environment
negatively, especially if the oil spill occurs in the ocean. This oil spill can result in the
formation of ‘slicks’ on the sea which prevents marine life from getting oxygen and
light. It also prevents birds from flying and feeding. It ruins beaches, clogs
respiratory system of fish and is toxic to marine life.
The Impact of human activities on Minerals
The impact of human activities on mineral resources can be of a negative nature causing
it to move from a local crisis to a global crisis. It can lead to the depletion of vital minerals
such as Gold, Silver, Bauxite, etc. These are used in the manufacturing of jewelry and foil
paper. The impacts of too much mineral consumption has strongly implicated the growth
and development of global warming, acid rain and the destruction of the ozone layer.
Other impacts can result in erosion, sinkholes, loss of biodiversity. There is concern that
the earth is reaching its limit of mineral-related pollution. The term used for the removal of
minerals from the earth’s crust is known as Mining. However, not all human activities are
said to be negative.

It has been discovered that one such positive impact of human activities on minerals has
resulted in the finding of over 200 new minerals. Mineral resources remain the
most important source of energy for humans. These human activities include mining,
which is often a source of local employment and may contribute to local and regional
economies.
a. Types of minerals b. Land where
minerals are taken from.
 Over Fishing
Overfishing is a very serious problem we face in today’s society. Overfishing is the removal of a
species of marine life for sport or food at a rapid rate, in a way as such the species cannot
reproduce enough offspring in order to maintain its population. Overfishing is mainly associated
with fishermen, especially the ones that can catch at a large and fast rate. The main reason for
a species to be overfished is the demand for it, example: the lobster and parrot fish population
in Jamaica. Lobsters and parrot fish were being extracted at an alarming rate, so much so that
laws have been put in place to help preserve these sea creatures.

Overfishing can be bad for many reasons, one being the effect on the coral reefs. By
overfishing, humans are removing a vast population of different aquatic species. Some of these
species like the parrot fish who feed on algae, when removed from an ecosystem will affect the
reef badly. It will cause an abundance of algae to grow. While the algae and the reefs have a
mutualistic relationship where the algae provides food for the coral and the coral provides a
home for the algae, too much algae can cause reefs to be smothered which prevents them form
obtaining sunlight and will encourage the growth of harmful bacteria. Too much algae will also
create an overabundance of nutrients in the environment which will harm the fragile balance of a
coral reef system.
Deforestation
Deforestation refers to the cutting, clearing or removal of forest
where the land is thereafter converted to a non-forest use. For
example: agricultural croplands, urbanization or mining
activities.
Every week, at least one million acres of forests are cleared or
degraded worldwide. Even though a forest is a renewable
resource, removal at that rate is much greater than the rate at
which the trees can be replaced.
Short term Environmental Effects
Increased Soil Erosion
Soil erosion is caused by the absence of leaves to break the
force of the rain and the roots to bind the soil. When the forest is
in place, it intercepts the rainwater and lets it trickle slowly to the
soil. When the trees are removed, rain falls directly on the soil
causing erosion of the topsoil as it runs off the surface of the
land. The soil below is not as fertile so will not be able to sustain
growth as well as the lost topsoil.
Habitat Fragmentation
This disrupts the animals habitat. 70% of land animals live in
forests. The trees provide the canopy that regulates the
temperature. This results in a more drastic temperature that most
animals can’t manage.
Long-term Effects
Species destruction
The plants removed may become extinct. The habitats of many
organisms are destroyed and the food chains that depend on those
plants will break down. The animals that are left behind will be more
accessible to hunters and poachers. Many animals may become extinct.

Climate Change
Forests help to mitigate carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas
emissions. When the trees are cut, burned or otherwise removed they
become carbon sources. This will lead to rising temperatures, changed
patterns of weather and increase of extreme weather events.
Over Population
+ Overpopulation refers to a population which exceeds its
sustainable size within a particular environment or habitat.
Overpopulation results from an increased birth rate, decreased
death rate, the immigration to a place with fewer predators, or
the sudden decline in available resources. Therefore,
overpopulation describes a situation in which a population in a
given ecosystem limit the resources available for survival.
Questions
 Is fossil fuel a renewable or non-renewable resource?
Non-renewable

 Does the burning of fossil fuels affect the environment positively or negatively?
Negatively

 What does the parrot fish do to help the reefs In the environment?

They clean the algae of the reef.

Questions
 List 3 impacts of too much consumption of minerals

Global Warming
Loss of biodiversity
Erosion

 List 3 examples of minerals.

Quartz
Diamond
Bauxite

 What is one short term effect of deforestation?

Increased Soil Erosion
or
Habitat Fragmentation
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