4.1.

3- The impact of
threats on society and
outdoor environments
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From the Study Design…
KK -environments,
The impact of threats on society and outdoor
including two of the following:
• Land degradation
• Introduced species
• Urbanisation
• Climate change
• Flood KS -outdoor
Analyse threats to society and
environments
• Fire

For the exam:

 Analyse = Be able to identify components/elements and the significance of the
relationship between them; draw out and relate implications
 So… what is it about these threats that poses an impact to society and the
environment?
 What are the potential implications of this threat?
 Can you relate this specifically to environments we have studied/visited?
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Background…
Australia's 40 million years of isolation (and erratic
climate and geological stability) have resulted in a
unique environment that holds about 10% of the
world's biodiversity. This diversity, adapted to harsh
conditions, creates a fragile ecosystem vulnerable to
external changes. Climate change, new species
introductions, outdated farming, industrial pollution,
and urbanization threaten native flora and fauna, as
well as human society reliant on the land's productivity.
These threats have already led to declines in native
species and contamination of soil, water, and air.
Addressing these issues is crucial to preserving
Australia's biodiversity for future generations.
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We are going to focus on three
Environmental threats specific threats (the ones that fit best
with our focus environments and
in Australia experiences).
But… we will briefly investigate each
of the key threats to Australia’s
outdoor environments and how this
also impacts society. This includes:
 Land degradation
 Introduced species
 Urbanisation
 Climate change
 Flood
Lake Mountain (8/7/24) – climate change is  Fire
having noticeable impacts on this alpine
environment
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Land degradation
What is it?
Deterioration in the quality of land, its
topsoil, vegetation, and/or water resources,
caused usually by excessive or inappropriate
exploitation.
Causes:
Dry land soil salinity due to land clearing
cropping and irrigation. Soil contamination
due to fertilizing crops and wetland
drainage for agriculture. Erosion due to
land clearing, overgrazing, pest animals and
salinity.

Impacts on Society and OE’s:

Increased erosion and salinity, insufficient nutrient to support vegetation, reduction in
native habitats, reduction in biodiversity. Reduces amount of productive land for
agriculture (food production), reduction in water resources, reduction in biodiversity.
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Introduced species
What is it?
An introduced species is one that is not naturally
occurring in Australia (not native) eg: Foxes, rabbits, deer,
cats, rats, mice, pigeons, indian mynas, cane toads, ivy,
hawkweed, blackberries…
Unfortunately this is a very long list!
Causes:
Early settlers bringing fauna for sport and farming e.g.
cows, rabbits, foxes etc. Early settlers bringing flora and
fauna to make Australia more like home. Species attaching
to equipment or vessels e.g. Northern Pacific Seastar
underneath ships.
Impacts on Society and OE’s:
Compete with and displace native species for nutritious
soil and food, reduce biodiversity, contribute to land
degradation. Loss of biodiversity, some landscapes
dominated by pest and introduced species.
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Urbanisation What is it?
The physical growth of urban areas as a result of rural
migration and even suburban concentration into cities,
particularly the very largest ones.
Around 90% of Australia's population lives in urban areas.

Causes:
Access to education, healthcare, employment opportunities and other urban amenities.

Impacts on Society and OE’s:

Habitat modification through loss of vegetation, introduced species, loss of habitat and
biodiversity. Loss of river flows due to the demand for water, reducing availability for
native flora and fauna. Loss of vegetation for human use. Loss of places to recreate,
inspire and be creative in. Increased pressure on agriculture industry to provide food.
Increased pressure on water supply (translates to higher cost).
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Climate change
What is it?
A significant and lasting change in the
statistical distribution of weather patterns
over periods ranging from decades to
millions of years. It may be a change in
average weather conditions, or in the
distribution of weather around the average
conditions (i.E., More or fewer extreme
weather events).
Causes:
Whilst climate change can be seen as a natural process, human processes - through
the burning of fossil fuels – have contributed largely since the industrial revolution.
Impacts on Society and OE’s:
Increased risk of bushfires, greater intensity of droughts/floods, reduction of fish
stocks due to reduction in stream flow. Less snow fall resulting in increased need for
man made snow, reduced availability of water for nature and human consumption
(agriculture and manufacturing), species extinctions due to inability to adapt.
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Flood
What is it?
Natural part of many Australian ecosystems following
from rain events of high intensity, frequency and
duration.
Impacts on Society and OE’s:
Damage to public infrastructure, such as roads, rail networks, and transport hubs,
affects a broad population and can significantly impact regional and national
economies. Regional tourism often suffers short-term downturns post-flood due to
cancellations and reduced tourist numbers.
Human-altered regions are more vulnerable to floods' negative impacts, including
habitat loss, spread of invasive species, pollution, reduced fish populations, impaired
wetland functions, and destruction of recreational areas.
But… Floods are crucial for ecological functions and biodiversity, connecting rivers with
their surroundings, recharging groundwater, replenishing wetlands, enhancing aquatic
habitat interconnectivity, and transporting sediment and nutrients.
Flooding can benefit the economy by increasing fish production, recharging
groundwater, and maintaining recreational environments.
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Fire
What is it?
Bushfires, a type of wildfire, cause widespread destruction to vegetation and built
environments. They can start naturally, like from lightning, or through human activities,
such as unattended campfires or arson. Climate change increases bushfire frequency
and intensity by prolonging droughts, drying out vegetation.
Impacts on Society and OE’s:
• Bushfires lead to loss of life, property, and infrastructure – this can result in
Psychological trauma due to emergency evacuations, loss of homes, pets,
belongings, livestock, and livelihoods.
• They harm public health by degrading air quality, affecting humans and animals,
and deteriorating soil and water quality - Smoke from bushfires can be fatal and
causes fine particle air pollution, posing direct health risks.
• Bushfires devastate plants, animals, and ecosystems, with effects lasting beyond
the initial fire.
• Climate change exacerbates bushfires, which in turn increase greenhouse gas
emissions, creating a feedback loop that heightens global warming and the
likelihood of future megafires.
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The Focus Three…
Australian Alpine Environments
Introduced Species
01
Australian Alps Education Kit - Conservation

Climate Change
02 Australian Alps Education Kit - Climate

Fire
03 Australian Alps Education Kit - Fire

Reminder – This topic (4.1.3) is a focus of Outcome 3