Bio.2.2.2
Explain how the use, protection and conservation of natural
resources by humans impact the environment from one
generation to the next.
resources by humans impact the environment from one
generation to the next.
Protection and Conservation
Through the protection and conservation of natural resources, humans can impact the environment in a number of ways. Although we have already done and continue to do a lot of damage to the environment, people are taking steps to slowly try to undo all of that damage. There are two sciences dedicated to this they are called conservation biology and restoration ecology.
Conservation Biology
This involves measuring the biodiversity of an ecosystem and determining how to protect it.
Restoration Ecology
This involves the restoration of broken ecosystems.
How to conserve
Turn it off
Whether it be water or electricity- TURN IT OFF. Turning off the water while you brush your teeth, taking shorter showers, or turning off the light when you leave the room, are all steps that will help with conservation. Converse what we already have so that we don't have to take more!
Recycle
Recycling plastics, glass, and paper does the world a huge favor. It keeps those items out of landfills or from being burned. It allows up to reuse this so less trees are cut down to build what we need. Less water is used. By reusing what we already have, reducing the amount we use, and recycling what we don't need anymore the world will become cleaner.
How to protect
Don't pollute
By not polluting, the environment is being protected. We went over pollution and its harmful effects in the previous standard. By not polluting, the environment can be protected. There is already millions of tons of trash in ecosystems. Don't add to the pile; help protect the environment.
Clean Up
The next step after not polluting is helping to clean up the pollution that is already there. Cleaning up protects the environment because it helps to restore ecosystems. Whether it be cans off of the side of the road, or cleaning up an oil spill, it can all help.
Take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints
All over national and state parks, there are signs just like the one to the left. By not taking anything, the ecosystem remains untouched and able to function properly without any changes. By leaving nothing, no pollutants enter the ecosystem.
By conserving what we have now, we will be able to impact the environment for generations to come. Cleaning up will leave a cleaner environment for future generations. It will also teach the next generation to continue to conserve and protect. A cleaner today makes a cleaner future if conservation and protection is upheld in future generations.