Concepts of Environmental

Science UNIT 2 HUMAN IMPACT ON

ENVIRONMENT

Structure
2.0 Introduction
2.1 Objectives
2.2 Human and Enviroment
2.2.1 Social development
2.2.1.1 Hunting and Gathering Societies
2.2.1.2 Agricultural Socities
2.2.1.3 Industrial Socities
2.3 Urbanization
2.4 Industrialization
2.5 Occupational Health Hazards
2.6 Food Security
2.7 Public Health
2.8 Energy Crisis
2.8.1 Natural Resource Depletion in India
2.8.2 Energy Conversion Technology
2.8.3 Energy Crisis Management
2.9 Let Us Sum Up
2.10 Suggested Further Readings\References
2.11 Answers to Check Your Progress

2.0 INTRODUCTION
Human activities are causing rapid environmental changes on the earth. Humans
have greatly impacted on the environment included impacts on biophysical
environments, composition, and diversity of terrestrial ecosystems and other
resources etc. Human activity has changed our planet and environment. Human
influence has impacted everything from ecosystems to the geochemistry of Earth,
from the atmosphere to the ocean. Many scientists define this time in the planet’s
history by the scale of human influence, and label it as a new geological epoch
called the Anthropocene. Human-caused environmental changes can alter the soil
nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, and pH levels, herbivore, pathogen, and predator
densities. Human-caused environmental changes can effect the water resources
and alter, the amount, distribution, timing, and quality of water. Flooding and
runoff have the ability to contaminate water and pollute it. Land-use changes and
unsustainable land management are direct human causes of land degradation with
agriculture being a dominant sector driving degradation. Changes in environmental
limiting factors caused by humans are likely to result in a major loss of plant
diversity; plant communities dominated by weedier species can change the
ecological functioning. This unit covers the impact of human driven environmental
change on the food security, public health, and inequalities:

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 Human Impact on
2.1 OBJECTIVES Environment

After reading this unit, you should be able to:

• understand the origin of life and geological time scale;
• explain the impact of human populations and their impact on environment;
• describe the human impact on ecosystem functioning and on global energy
flow; and
• describe the impacts of human driven environmental change on the food
security, public health and inequalities.

2.2 HUMAN AND ENVIRONMENT

Human actions are changing many of the world’s natural environmental systems
like life processes, fundamental of human health. Changes in the Earth’s energy
balance and global climate have resulted from human activities. We all know that
humans have unmistakably influenced the planet, Greenhouse gasses such as
CO2 (carbon dioxide), CH4 (methane), and N2O (nitrous oxide) caused by fossil
fuel combustion and industrial processes are increasingly concentrated in our
atmosphere, causing heat to become trapped on Earth and resulting in rising global
temperatures. On our current path, ice cap melt will cause sea levels to rise to
levels where many major cities will be at very high risk of flooding, and natural
disasters will cause damage to our communities at catastrophic levels on a much
more regular basis. Forests are shrinking at a startling pace If temperatures rise
by only the most conservative estimates, at least 20-40% of Earth’s animal diversity
will be at increased risk of extinction, and pollution and poaching will lead to the
extinction of dozens more species. All of these problems are exacerbated by an
ever-growing human population.

Risks to health will arise by direct and indirect pathways

• Effects of heat waves and other extreme events
• Changes in patterns of infectious disease
• Effects on food yields
• Effects on freshwater supplies
• Impaired functioning of ecosystems (for example, wetlands as water filters)
• Displacement of vulnerable populations (for example, low lying island and
coastal populations)
• Loss of livelihoods

2.2.1 Societal Development

In this section we will discuss the type of society. Table 2.1 reflects the types of
society and its characteristics.

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Concepts of Environmental Table 2.1 Types of Society and its characteristics
Science
Type of society Key characteristics
Hunting-and- These are small, simple societies in which people hunt
gathering and gather food. Because all people in these societies
have few possessions, the societies are fairly egalitarian,
and the degree of inequality is very low.
Horticultural Horticultural and pastoral societies are larger than
and pastoral hunting- and-gathering societies. Horticultural societies
grow crops with simple tools, while pastoral societies
raise livestock. Both types of societies are wealthier than
hunting-and-gathering societies, and they also have more
inequality and greater conflict than hunting-and-gathering
societies.
Agricultural These societies grow great numbers of crops, thanks to
the use of plows, oxen, and other devices. Compared to
horticultural and pastoral societies, they are wealthier
and have a higher degree of conflict and of inequality.
Industrial Industrial societies feature factories and machines. They
are wealthier than agricultural societies and have a
greater sense of individualism and a somewhat lower
degree of inequality that still remains substantial.
Post-industrial These societies feature information technology and
service jobs. Higher education is especially important
in these societies for economic success.

2.2.1.1 Hunting and Gathering Societies

Societies that rely primarily or exclusively on hunting wild animals, fishing, and
gathering wild fruits, berries, nuts, and vegetables to support their diet. Hunting
and gathering societies represent “A mode of subsistence dependent on the
exploitation of wild or non-domesticated food resources".

Characteristics of Hunting-Gathering Societies

• Small in size
• Nomadic in nature
• No desire to acquire wealth
• Family and Kinship are the only defined institutions
• Absence of political institution
• Limited or no division of labour
• Constant need to face danger
• Simple religious belief

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Example: Aeta people, Andamanese people, Onge, Indigenous Australians, Jarawa Human Impact on
Environment
people (Andaman Islands), Kawahiva people

2.2.1.2 Agricultural Societies

An agricultural society is any community, whose chief occupation is agriculture,
and the economy is based on producing and maintaining crops and farmland.
Agrarian societies have existed in various parts of the world as far back as 10,000
years ago and continue to exist today

2.2.1.3 Industrial Societies

Social order changes resulting from industrial changes in production and economy
are many, complex, and controversial. Overall, their influence in different world
regions constitutes the main research agenda of contemporary anthropology, which
is exacerbated by the impact of “modernization” on various cultural traditions.
Industrial societies can be characterized very broadly in terms of urbanization of
society, breakdown of local community structures and identities, nuclear family
engagement, development of a middle class, and advanced status dynamics.

Following are the effects of industrialization on the environment:

1. Pollution: Generally Pollution is responsible for air, water, soil contamination
2. Extraction: Resource demand is directly proportional to extraction and its
impact.
3. Urbanization: Industrialization increases population migration towards urban
areas which results in pressure on land and resources.
4. Waste Material: Industrialization produces a greater amount of waste, both
directly due to the production of goods and the disposal of those goods once
their purpose has been served.
Check Your Progress 1
Note: (a) Write you answer in 50 words.
(b) You can check your answers given at the end of the unit.
1. What are the main characteristics of hunting and gathering society.
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2.2.2 Impact on Environment

The uncontrolled growth of the population termed as “population explosion” is
the most serious notion that has an adverse impact on local and global environments.
Eventually, the population explosion impairs the carrying capacity of the
ecosystem. ‘Carrying ability’ can be defined as the maximum population size that
the environment can sustain indefinitely. However, humans alter their environment
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Concepts of Environmental to increase their carrying capacity threatening the biodiversity of an area. The
Science
population, resources, and environment were interlocked to one another and have
been the center of discussion.
Some of the potential solutions to cope with population growth and environmental
limitations are i) Poverty alleviation, women empowerment, gender equity, human
rights, environmental protection, and male responsibility in sexual behavior and
adolescent reproductive health and safe abortion have been emphasized in the
International Conference on Population and Development (ICPD) 1994. ii)
Strengthening family planning and other reproductive health services are important
for population growth. The establishment of better contraceptives and organized
family planning programs have successfully met the demand for small families
and decreased fertility. iii) Health, educational, or financial incentives have also
proved effective in dealing with some population issues.
Population growth in India: India is the second-most populous country in the
world after China. India’s population is estimated to be close to 1.37 billion or
1,369 million in 2019, compared to 1.354 billion in 2018. The population growth
rate for 2019 is estimated at 1.08%, and India’s population will be 1.49 crore in
2019. The population density of India is 455 people per sq km (1180 per sq mi).
Environmental challenges: Population growths lead to many serious
environmental problems in India. These include land pressure, desertification,
loss of biodiversity, changing consumption patterns, hiking energy demand, air
pollution, global warming, climate change, and water scarcity.

2.3 URBANIZATION
Industrialization leads to urbanization and mass literacy and facilitates the
integration of labor unions, mass political parties, and the working class.
Urbanization involves population shifting from rural areas to urban areas.
Urbanization and economic growth of a country or region entail more job
opportunities, improved health facilities, infrastructure services, and increased
income. Urbanization also leads to serious environmental problems in the urban
sector, such as a rise in carbon or vehicular emissions.

Policies must mitigate environmental degradation and educate them to adopt green
technology in urban industrial and residential sectors through the campaign. It is estimated
that by 2030, 70 percent of new jobs could be generated in cities and which contributes
about 70 percent of India’s GDP, and it is four times the per capita income across the
country.
Causes of urbanization:
• An Increase in Employment Possibilities
• Access
• Modernization

2.4 INDUSTRIALIZATION
Industrialization took place in the 18th and 19th centuries in Europe and North
America. This includes rapid changes in the importance of manufacturing,
production and all other forms of work within national or regional economies.
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Initially, industrialization is characterized by the large-scale transfer of labor Human Impact on
Environment
from agriculture to factories with capital equipment concentrations. This process
is accompanied by the technological and organizational change associated with
an increase in total income, the standard of living, cultural change, and change in
the balance of power among nations.

Industrialization and Economic Development: Industrialization plays an

important role in the economic development of developed countries. The following
facts are responsible:
• change in national income;
• living standard;
• economics;
• stimulated progress;
• employment opportunities;
• agricultural production;
• technological progress;
• savings and investments;
• government revenue;
• markets development.

2.5 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH HAZARDS

Anything with the potential to harm in terms of injury or ill health and damage to
property in the workplace environment may be defined as an occupational hazard.
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Occupational
Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and Environmental Protecting Agency
(EPA) collaboratively develop guidance and manual for occupational safety and
health. Hazards are categorized as chemical hazards, biological hazards, and
physical hazards that can cause an immediate danger to life and vary according to
the location on site.

Chemical Hazards
A large variety of chemicals are used in industries, and some of them are
carcinogenic, corrosive, skin sensitizing. Chemical substances exist in three solid,
liquid, and gaseous forms and can enter the body through inhalation through direct
contact with skin or ingestion. It is important to ensure that chemicals are properly
managed at work, as many of them are inherently dangerous while others may
pose a danger due to chemical incompatibility.

Biological Hazards
Many pathogenic organisms co-exist in the environment and cause syndrome by
entering the body. Wastes from hospitals, research facilities, or industries such as
tannery, food processing may contain disease-causing organisms that could infect
personnel on-site. These biological hazards scattered in the environment via water
or wind enter the body through inhalation or in contact with minor cuts scratches.
Protective clothing and respiratory equipment can help reduce the chances of
exposure. Thorough washing of any exposed body parts and equipment will help
protect against infection. 37
Concepts of Environmental Physical Hazards
Science
Noise is generated from machines, equipment, work, operations, and processes.
Prolonged exposure to excessive noise can cause noise-induced deafness or permanent
hearing loss. Other detrimental effects of excessive noise include tinnitus and acoustic
trauma.

So, Occupational health and safety are important for the effective and efficient operation
of work. The Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Act ensure the health and safety
of all persons at work and ensure the workplace is safe and without health risks.

2.6 FOOD SECURITY

The United Nations’ Committee on World Food Security defined food security as: all
people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and
nutritious food that meets their food preferences and dietary needs for an active and
healthy life. Changing environmental conditions, growing global population, and rising
food prices have significant consequences on food security. Adaptation strategies and
policy responses to global change, including options for handling water allocation, land
use patterns, food trade, post-harvest food processing, food prices, and safety, are
urgently needed. Three main elements of food security are:

Food Availability: Food availability is the oldest and the most influential in terms of
food security, which means food availability in sufficient quantities and consistently
focusing on the balance or imbalance between population and food. It is determined
by the level of food production, stock levels, and net trade.

Food Access: Consumers must be able to regularly buy sufficient quantities of food
through purchase, home production, barter, gifts, borrowing, or food aid. It depends
on the household’s affordability to purchase food at prevailing prices or has enough
land and other resources to grow its own food.

Food Utilization: Consumed food must meet the physiological requirements (nutritional
value) of each individual. Nutritional quantity is affected by preparation, processing,
storage, hygiene practices, and cooking method of food within the household.

Food Insecurity: People are unable to meet their minimum food requirements
over a sustained period of time. Food insecurity was generally of types: chronic
and transitory food insecurity. The severity of food insecurity was measured by
the undernourished (dietary energy consumption is less than a pre-determined
threshold) population. The programs to enhance direct access to food include

i) Targeted direct feeding programs.

ii) Food-for-work programmes.
iii) Income-transfer programs.

2.7 PUBLIC HEALTH

According to WHO, “the art and science of preventing disease, and promoting the
health of communities through the organized efforts of society by educating public and
policymaking for prevention of disease are defined as public health. Public health
focuses on promoting better health, well-being and sustainably eradicating particular
38 diseases.
The World Health Organization and the Institute of Medicine of the U.S. National Human Impact on
Environment
Academy of Sciences outlined three main objectives of public health:
• To assess, monitor, and identify the health problems, their nature, and the
means of dealing with them;
• to formulate policy for the encouragement of what should be done about health
problems;
• To assure the implementation of policy
• Public health is facing some challenges in preventing illness and promoting
health, like
1. economic crisis - economic downturn has a direct impact on low socio-
economic groups and their health. The low socio-economic condition have
been seen to have different health effects: mortality, mental health, excessive
alcohol consumption, health-related quality of life, long-standing illness, and
disability.
2. migration and urbanization lead to inadequate sanitation and hygiene, Cramped
and crowded living conditions, and less access to prevention and treatment.
3. Environmental damage and climate change will bring new and emerging health
issues, including heatwaves and other extremes

2.8 ENERGY CRISIS

Energy crisis is a concern that is causing the depletion of natural resources due to the
huge demand for power in today’s industry. Globally buildings are responsible for
approximately 40% of the total world annual energy consumption. High living standards
of peoples correspond to increased consumption of energy like fossil fuels. There has
been a dramatic increase in the use of energy in many developed nations where people’s
lives are driven by fossil fuels

Causes that are leading to an energy crisis:

• Over-dependence on conventional sources of energy
• Inefficiencies in energy transmission & distribution
• Inability to store energy effectively
• Modernization leading to higher energy requirements
• Limited use of renewable sources for energy generation
• Growth in population
• Environmental pollution resulting in calamities and damage
• Wars & political unrest
• Turning a blind eye to energy conservation and green initiatives
• Industrial actions
• Overexploitation
• Mismanagement of resources
a. Human-made Energy Crisis: Mankind has always needed energy, and over
time the sources and uses of energy have changed, and some patterns remain
stable. During consecutive wars and political drama in the Middle East, upon 39
Concepts of Environmental which the world is still heavily dependent for oil, the world’s largest
Science
consumers of oil, the United States, Western Europe, and Japan/South Korea,
endured either shortages or eye-watering sticker shock at climbing prices. In
1974, India topped the UNs list of the 30 developing countries most badly
affected by the world energy crisis. The year 1974 was a year of “blackouts”
and industrial shut-downs. Failure of rains, and to some extent, inefficient
management of coal mining and power generation plants resulted in acute
shortfalls in energy availability. The crucial needs of agriculture compelled
the authorities to divert a major portion of the meager energy available to
farm and fertilizer production operations, hitting the industry hard.
b. Renewable and sustainable energy:The terms “sustainable” and
“renewable” are often used to describe some interchangeable primary energy
sources. Renewable resources are naturally replenished over time, like the
growth of new organisms or the natural recycling of material. Solar, wind,
hydro, tidal, geothermal powers are the main sources of renewable energy
production. Sustainable energy use results in less environmental impact Often
fossil fuel supporters claim that these resources are sustainable. Butif
consumption is higher than a generation, it will deplete in some time.
c. Natural Resources Depletion: Natural resource depletion refers to more
consumption than a renewal, and it will pose a big threat to humankind. In
the race of development and various developmental activities like the
implementation of huge projects, environment-related problems have
acquired alarming magnitude and all-natural resources such as water, air,
minerals, forests, oils, etc., are available in restricted quantities.
Causes of natural resources depletion:
• Overpopulation
• Over-consumption and waste
• Deforestation and the destruction of ecosystems
• Mining
• Technological and industrial development
• Soil erosion
• Pollution and contamination of resources
Effects of natural resources depletion:
1. Resource Scarcity
2. Rising Prices
3. Water Shortages
Solutions to prevent/reduce natural resource depletion
• Reduced Use of Fossil Fuels
• Keep Water Clean
• Preserve Trees and Forests
• Protect Coastal Ecosystems

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2.8.1 Natural Resource Depletion in India Human Impact on
Environment

Due to rapid population growth, India is facing an ecological crisis and the
depletion of its natural resources due to excessive exploitation of land and water
resources.

Even in the previous 6 years, the growth rate of forest resources was decreased by
more than 10% in almost all states. From 2006-07 to 2010-11, except Goa and
Sikkim,

all other states have shown such a turndown. However, from 2010-11 to 2015-16,
there was a slight change in forest cover in states Assam and Uttarakhand, but the
stock has decreased by more than 10 %.

2.8.2 Energy Conversion Technology

• Pulverized coal power plants
• Fluidized bed coal plants
• CO2 Capture and Sequestration for coal
• Simple Cycle Combustion turbines: Simple cycle combustion turbines (CTs)
generate power by compressing and heating ambient air and then expanding those
hot gases through a turbine which turns an electric generator
• Natural Gas Combined Cycle power plants
• Nuclear power plants
• Hydroelectric plants
• Wind plants
• Solar plants
• Biomass

2.8.3 Energy Crisis Management

• Shifting towards renewable sources of energy
• (4R) Reduce, Reuse, Recover and Recycle
• Plantation
• Environmental concerned decisions
• Efficient plans
• Reduce reliance on non-biodegradable items
Check Your Progress 2
Note: (a) Write you answer in 50 words.
(b) You can check your answers given at the end of the unit.
1. What are differences between conservation and preservation of natural
resources?
.......................................................................................................................
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....................................................................................................................... 41
Concepts of Environmental 2. Describe soil as basic natural resource. Add a note on desertification.
Science
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2.9 LET US SUM UP

Addressing the environmental problem, humans are mainly responsible for the
destruction of the environment. Pollution, deforestation, overpopulation, wastage
of natural resources, waste generation are the main effects by humans towards
environments. This unit will provide the consequences of anthropogenic problem on
environment and efforts to control the problem through various existing various
technology. The interaction of human with environment is now an important theme to
understand socio economic and ecological dimensions of environmental pollution, hunting
and gathering societies, human population, ecotoxicology, food security and
environmental impact assessment. The discussion on human impact touches various
aspects of climate change, health impact and mitigation strategies. The growth of human
population and problem of urbanization are also discussed.

2.10 SUGGESTED FURTHER READING/

REFERENCES
Odum, Eugene Pleasants, and Gary W. Barrett. Fundamentals of ecology. Vol. 3.
Philadelphia: Saunders, 1971.
The Atmosphere: An Introduction to Meteorology by Frederick K. Lutgens
Environmental Chemistry-Wiley-Interscience (2007)
Ronald A. Hites, Jonathan D. Raff(auth.)-Elements of Environmental Chemistry, Second
Edition (2012)
Donahue N. M., A. L. Robinson, and S. N. Pandis (2009).Atmospheric organic
particulate matter: From smoke to secondary organic aerosol, Atmos. Environ., 43,
97-109
Environmental Chemistry: A global perspectiveby Gary W. vanLoon and Stephen J.
Duffy
Energy: Its Use and the Environment (with InfoTrac) by Roger A. Hinrichs and Merlin
H. Kleinbach
Chemistry for Environmental Engineering and Science—fifth edition-Tata McGraw-
Hill Edition (The McGraw-Hill Series in Civil and Environmental Engineering)
by Clair N Sawyer
Natural Resource Conservation: Management for a Sustainable Future (10th
Edition) by Daniel D. Chirasand John P. Reganold
Barry, Roger G., and Richard J. Chorley. Atmosphere, weather, and climate.
Routledge, 2009.
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Gylfason, Thorvaldur. “Natural resources, education, and economic development.” Human Impact on
Environment
European economic review 45.4-6 (2001): 847-859.
Heinsohn, Robert Jennings, and Robert Lynn Kabel. “Sources and control of air
pollution: Engineering principles.” (1998).
Dincer, Ibrahim, and Marc A. Rosen. Exergy: energy, environment, and sustainable
development. Newnes, 2012.
Gradstein, Felix M., et al., eds. The geologic time scale 2012. Elsevier, 2012.
Steffen, W., J. Grinevald, P. Crutzen, and J. Mcneill. “The Anthropocene: Conceptual
and Historical Perspectives.” Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A:
Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences 369, no. 1938 (2011): 842-67.

2.11 ANSWERS TO CHECK YOUR PROGRESS

Answers to Check Your Progress 1

1. Characteristics of Hunting-Gathering Societies

• Small in size
• Nomadic in nature
• Not desire to acquire wealth
• Family and Kinship are the only defined institutions
• Absence of political institution
• Limited or no division of labour
• Constant need to face danger
• Simple religious belief
Answers to Check Your Progress 2
1) These two terminologies’ aims differ not only in terms of their explicit and
implied long-term objectives, but also in terms of their justifications,
immediate targets and challenges, and methods for achieving these objectives.
2) The soil is an important part of the landscape and contributes to determine
the way in which natural vegetation, crops and human settlements are
distributed on the territory. The soil is also very important for men and other
living organisms as it affects water composition. Desertification is the long-
term destruction of dryland habitats as a result of climatic changes and human
activities.

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