Lec 17 Consequences - University of Minnesota DuluthLEC 17的后果-明尼苏达大学德卢斯.pptVIP

Consequences Human Footprint grows with affluence! Food Waste Water Quality Energy Energy Air pollution (the most widespread and obvious form of environmental damage) Global Warming Acid Rain Lead and Mercury Ozone, etc. Water pollution Oil spills (surface water) leaking gas tanks, gas additives (ground water) Pollution from Power Plants Sulfur (90% of urban S is anthropogenic) Combines with water in air to make sulfuric acid Nitrogen (60% from fossil fuel burning) Nitrogen oxides combine with water in air to make nitric acid Lead and Mercury Metal toxins Forestry Fragmentation of habitats Loss of biodiversity (extinctions) Clear cutting Soil erosion Water quality Urban Sprawl Fragmentation of habitats Loss of Biodiversity (extinctions) Water pollution Runoff from lawn fertilizers/pesticides Blacktop keeps water from percolating into soil where some pollutants filled out – hard on streams In developing countries – raw sewage!! * * Fig. 11.7 In USA * Prevailing winds SW to NE * TX: Industry Self- Regulated Toxics Concentrated in Eastern states “Although some emissions that cause acid rain have been reduced, the Northeast is still suffering its harmful effects with far greater damage to the environment than previously thought, according to a major new study by the nations leading acid rain researchers.” SPECIAL TO THE WASHINGTON POST  Monday, March 26, 2001 * CS Fig. 16.22 * * *