Human Impacts on the Environment

Human impact on the environment or anthropogenic impact on the environment includes impacts
on biophysical environments, biodiversity and other resources. The term anthropogenic designates an
effect or object resulting from human activity. The term was first used in the technical sense by Russian
geologist A. P. Pavlov, and was first used in English by British ecologist Arthur Tansley in reference to
human influences on climax plant communities. The atmospheric scientist Paul Crutzen introduced the
term "anthropocene" in the mid-1970s. The term is sometimes used in the context of pollution emissions
that are produced as a result of human activities but applies broadly to all major human impacts on the
environment.
Agriculture:
The environmental impact of fishing can be divided into issues that involve the availability of fish to be
caught, such as overfishing, sustainable fisheries, and fisheries management; and issues that involve the
impact of fishing on other elements of the environment, such as by-catch.
The environmental impact of irrigation includes the changes in quantity and quality of soil and water as a
result of irrigation and the ensuing effects on natural and social conditions at the tail-end and downstream
of the irrigation scheme.
The environmental impact of meat production includes pollution and the use of resources such as fossil
fuels, water, and land. According to a 2006 report by the Livestock, Environment And Development
Initiative, the livestock industry is one of the largest contributors to environmental
degradation worldwide, and modern practices of raising animals for food contributes on a "massive scale"
to air and water pollution, land degradation, climate change, and loss of biodiversity
Palm oil is under increasing scrutiny in relation to its effects on the environment.
Energy Production:
The environmental impact of biodiesel is diverse.
The environmental impact of coal mining and burning is diverse.
The environmental impact of electricity generation is significant because modern society uses large
amounts of electrical power. This power is normally generated at power plants that convert some other
kind of energy into electrical power. Each such system has advantages and disadvantages, but many of
them pose environmental concerns.
The environmental impact of nuclear power results from the nuclear fuel cycle, operation, and the
lingering effects of the Chernobyl disaster.
The environmental impact of the oil shale industry includes the consideration of issues such as land
use, waste management, and water and air pollution caused by the extraction and processing of oil
shale. Surface mining of oil shale deposits causes the usual environmental impacts of open-pit mining. In
addition, the combustion and thermal processing generate waste material, which must be disposed of, and
harmful atmospheric emissions, including carbon dioxide, a major greenhouse gas. Experimental in-situ
conversion processes and carbon capture and storage technologies may reduce some of these concerns in
future, but may raise others, such as the pollution of groundwater.
The environmental impact of petroleum is often negative because it is toxic to almost all forms of life.
The possibility of climate change exists.
The environmental impact of reservoirs is coming under ever increasing scrutiny as the world demand for
water and energy increases and the number and size of reservoirs increases.
Compared to the environmental impact of traditional energy sources, the environmental impact of wind
power is relatively minor. Wind power consumes no fuel, and emits no air pollution, unlike fossil fuel
power sources. The energy consumed to manufacture and transport the materials used to build a wind
power plant is equal to the new energy produced by the plant within a few months. While a wind farm
may cover a large area of land, many land uses such as agriculture are compatible, with only small areas
of turbine foundations and infrastructure made unavailable for use.
Manufactured products
The environmental impact of cleaning agents is diverse. In recent years, measures have been taken to
reduce these effects.
Nanotechnology's environmental impact can be split into two aspects: the potential for nanotechnological
innovations to help improve the environment, and the possibly novel type of pollution that
nanotechnological materials might cause if released into the environment. As nanotechnology is an
emerging field, there is great debate regarding to what extent industrial and commercial use of
nanomaterials will affect organisms and ecosystems.
The environmental impact of paint is diverse. Traditional painting materials and processes can have
harmful effects on the environment, including those from the use of lead and other additives. Measures
can be taken to reduce environmental impact, including accurately estimating paint quantities so that
wastage is minimized, use of paints, coatings, painting accessories and techniques that are
environmentally preferred.
The environmental impact of paper is significant, which has led to changes in industry and behavior at
both business and personal levels. With the use of modern technology such as the printing press and the
highly mechanized harvesting of wood, paper has become a cheap commodity. This has led to a high
level of consumption and waste. With the rise in environmental awareness due to the lobbying
by environmental organizations and with increased government regulation there is now a trend
towards sustainability in the pulp and paper industry.
The environmental impact of pesticides is often greater than what is intended by those who use them.
Over 98% of sprayed insecticides and 95% of herbicides reach a destination other than their target
species, including non-target species, air, water, bottom sediments, and food. Pesticide contaminates land
and water when it escapes from production sites and storage tanks, when it runs off from fields, when it is
discarded, when it is sprayed aerially, and when it is sprayed into water to kill algae.
The environmental impact of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) is largely speculative.
PPCPs are substances used by individuals for personal health or cosmetic reasons and the products used
by agribusiness to boost growth or health of livestock. PPCPs have been detected in water bodies
throughout the world. The effects of these chemicals on humans and the environment are not yet known,
but to date there is no scientific evidence that they have an impact on human health
Mining:
The environmental impact of mining includes erosion, formation of sinkholes, loss of biodiversity, and
contamination of soil, groundwater and surface water by chemicals from mining processes.

Transport:
The environmental impact of aviation occurs because aircraft engines emit noise, particulates, and gases
which contribute to climate change and global dimming. Despite emission reductions from automobiles
and more fuel-efficient and less polluting turbofan and turboprop engines, the rapid growth of air travel in
recent years contributes to an increase in total pollution attributable to aviation.

The environmental impact of roads includes the local effects of highways (public roads) such as on
noise, water pollution, habitat destruction/disturbance and local air quality; and the wider effects
including climate change from vehicle emissions.

The environmental impact of shipping includes greenhouse gas emissions and oil pollution. Carbon
dioxide emissions from shipping is currently estimated at 4 to 5% of the global total, and estimated by
the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to rise by up to 72% by 2020 if no action is
taken.[45] There is also a potential for introducing invasive species into new areas through shipping,
usually by attaching themselves to the ship's hull.

War:
As well as the cost to human life and society, there is a significant environmental impact of war. Scorched
earth methods during, or after war has been in use for much of recorded history but with
modern technology war can cause a far greater devastation on the environment. Unexploded ordnance can
render land unusable for further use or make access across it dangerous or fatal.