Lesson 9: Human Impact on the Environment

Section 1: Introduction

Human Impact on the Environment

The environment is the world around us: the air we breathe, the water we drink, the forests, the animals, and all the ecosystems. For thousands of years, humans have depended on the environment for food, shelter, and resources. However, human activities have also begun to change the environment, sometimes in harmful ways.

In this lesson, we will explore how human actions, such as cutting down trees, using fossil fuels, and creating cities, have affected the environment in Canada and countries in the Pacific Rim, such as Japan and China. These places are important because they show how different regions of the world deal with environmental challenges caused by humans. Understanding these impacts can help us find solutions to protect the environment for future generations.

Why Canada and the Pacific Rim?

Canada is a country rich in natural resources. It has large forests, many lakes and rivers, and a wide variety of wildlife. At the same time, Canada is also known for its oil sands in Alberta and industrial cities, which can harm the environment through pollution and deforestation.

Pacific Rim countries like China and Japan face similar environmental challenges. For example, China is known for its large factories, which produce goods for the world, but these factories also create air and water pollution. Japan, on the other hand, is an island country where overfishing and urban development have impacted its oceans and land. These countries are interesting because they offer both challenges and solutions for environmental problems.

What You Will Learn

This lesson builds on what you've learned in previous lessons about climate change, sustainable resource use, and human settlement. In Lesson 7, you explored how countries manage their natural resources, and in Lesson 8, you learned about the effects of climate change on the Arctic and Pacific regions​​. In this lesson, we will focus on how human activities specifically affect the environment in Canada and Pacific Rim countries.

By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:

• Identify key human activities that negatively impact the environment.

• Compare the environmental challenges in Canada with those in Pacific Rim countries.

• Understand how human activities contribute to global environmental problems like climate change and pollution.

• Think about what individuals and governments can do to reduce harmful impacts.

Section 2: Human Activities and Their Environmental Impacts

Human activities can have both positive and negative effects on the environment. Unfortunately, many of the activities that help our societies grow and develop can harm ecosystems. Let’s explore some of the main ways humans are impacting the environment, with a focus on Canada and Pacific Rim countries.

1. Deforestation and Habitat Loss

Deforestation is the cutting down of large areas of trees, often to make room for farms, roads, or cities. Trees are important because they absorb carbon dioxide from the air and provide homes for wildlife. When forests are destroyed, it not only removes these benefits but also releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, which contributes to climate change.

• Canada: Canada’s Boreal Forest is one of the largest forests in the world. It’s home to many animals, including bears, wolves, and moose. However, the forest is being cut down for timber and to make way for oil extraction. Deforestation in Canada affects not just the animals that live there, but also the air and water quality.

• Brazil: The Amazon Rainforest in Brazil, which is often called "the lungs of the Earth," is another example of deforestation. Large parts of the Amazon are cleared for farming and cattle ranching. This has a big impact on biodiversity because many species lose their homes and cannot survive elsewhere.

In both Canada and Brazil, governments are working to reduce deforestation by protecting certain areas and encouraging replanting efforts. However, balancing economic growth and environmental protection is a challenge.

2. Pollution: Air, Water, and Soil

Pollution occurs when harmful substances enter the environment, making it unsafe for humans, animals, and plants. The most common forms of pollution are air, water, and soil pollution. Each type has serious consequences for health and ecosystems.

• Air Pollution: In Pacific Rim countries like China, air pollution is a major problem. Many of China’s factories burn coal for energy, which releases smoke and harmful gases like carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide into the air. This leads to smog, which can cause respiratory problems for people and animals. Air pollution also contributes to global warming because it increases the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
  Canada, especially areas near industrial sites like the Alberta oil sands, also experiences air pollution. Burning fossil fuels, whether for energy or transportation, releases greenhouse gases that lead to climate change.

• Water Pollution: In both Canada and Pacific Rim countries, industrial waste, chemicals, and plastic pollution are major concerns. For example, many rivers in China have been heavily polluted by factories dumping waste. This harms aquatic life and makes the water unsafe for drinking. In Canada, water pollution affects lakes and rivers, particularly near urban areas. The Great Lakes, which are shared by Canada and the United States, have been affected by pollution from industry and agriculture.

• Soil Pollution: Soil pollution is caused by chemicals, waste, and deforestation. When harmful substances like pesticides or industrial chemicals get into the soil, they can poison plants, animals, and even people. Soil pollution also makes it harder for crops to grow. Both Canada and Pacific Rim countries are working on ways to clean up polluted land and prevent further damage.

3. Overfishing in the Pacific

Overfishing happens when too many fish are caught, and the fish population cannot recover quickly enough. This leads to a decline in fish species and harms marine ecosystems. In the Pacific Ocean, overfishing is a serious issue, especially for countries that rely on fish as a major food source.

• Japan: Japan is one of the world’s largest consumers of seafood. Fishing has been a part of Japanese culture for centuries, but overfishing has caused fish stocks to drop dramatically. Species like bluefin tuna are at risk because they are caught faster than they can reproduce. Overfishing also harms the balance of the marine ecosystem, affecting not just fish but also coral reefs and other sea life.

• Canada: Canada’s Pacific Coast is also affected by overfishing. Fish like salmon, which are vital to the ecosystem and local Indigenous communities, have been overfished in some areas. Canada has introduced laws to limit fishing in certain areas to allow fish populations to recover, but illegal and unregulated fishing continues to be a problem.

Sustainable fishing practices, such as using fewer nets or allowing fish populations to replenish, are being encouraged in many countries to prevent further damage.

4. Urbanization and Land Use Changes

Urbanization refers to the growth of cities as more people move to urban areas. While cities are important for economic growth, they can also lead to significant environmental challenges, such as the loss of green spaces, pollution, and increased energy consumption.

• Vancouver, Canada: Vancouver is one of Canada’s largest cities, located in British Columbia. It’s known for its beautiful natural surroundings, but urban development has taken a toll on the environment. Building new roads, houses, and industries has reduced the amount of forested land and green spaces. As the city grows, there’s also an increase in energy use and pollution.

• Tokyo, Japan: Tokyo, one of the most densely populated cities in the world, faces similar challenges. As more people move to the city, more land is needed for housing and infrastructure, which means less space for nature. Urbanization in Tokyo has also led to pollution and high energy demand, putting a strain on the environment.

To combat these issues, cities like Vancouver and Tokyo are investing in green spaces, efficient public transport, and renewable energy to reduce their environmental impact.

5. Energy Production and Mining

Energy production, especially from fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, is one of the biggest contributors to climate change. Burning these fuels releases large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. Mining for coal and oil can also cause deforestation and pollution.

• Canada’s Oil Sands: The Alberta oil sands are one of the largest sources of oil in the world. While they provide jobs and energy, the extraction process is harmful to the environment. It requires large amounts of water and energy and results in deforestation, pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions.

• China’s Coal Industry: China relies heavily on coal for energy, especially to power its factories. This has led to significant air pollution, contributing to smog and global climate change. However, China is also investing in renewable energy sources like solar and wind to reduce its reliance on coal.

Countries around the world, including Canada and China, are working on shifting to renewable energy sources, such as wind, solar, and hydroelectric power, to reduce the harmful impacts of energy production.

Section 3: Case Studies – Canada and Pacific Rim Countries

One of the best ways to understand the impact of human activities on the environment is by looking at real-world examples. In this section, we’ll explore environmental challenges and solutions in Canada, Japan, Brazil, and China. These countries face different types of environmental problems, but they are all working toward reducing harm to their ecosystems.

1. Canada: The Oil Sands and Forests

Canada is a country with vast natural resources, but managing them comes with environmental challenges. Two key issues Canada faces are oil extraction from the Alberta oil sands and deforestation.

• Oil Sands in Alberta: The oil sands are one of Canada’s most important energy resources. The process of extracting oil from the sands is called mining. While it provides jobs and fuels Canada’s economy, oil sand mining harms the environment. It requires a lot of water, which is taken from rivers, and the extraction process releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The oil sands also result in deforestation, as large areas of forest are cleared to make room for mining sites. This disrupts wildlife habitats and contributes to climate change.
  To address these issues, Canada is investing in renewable energy, such as wind and solar power, to reduce its reliance on oil. The government has also put in place regulations to ensure that companies operating in the oil sands replant trees and restore the land after mining.

• Deforestation in Canada’s Boreal Forest: Canada’s Boreal Forest is one of the largest forests in the world, covering over 300 million hectares. This forest is important for regulating the Earth’s climate because it absorbs carbon dioxide and produces oxygen. However, logging and oil extraction have led to deforestation in certain areas. When trees are cut down, it not only affects the forest but also the wildlife that depends on it for food and shelter.
  The Canadian government has taken steps to protect large parts of the Boreal Forest by creating national parks and limiting the amount of logging that can take place. Reforestation efforts are also in place, meaning that for every tree cut down, new trees are planted to help the forest recover.

2. Japan: Overfishing and Urbanization

Japan is an island nation with a long history of fishing and sea-based industries. However, human activities like overfishing and urban development have caused significant environmental problems.

• Overfishing: Japan is one of the world’s largest consumers of seafood. Fishing is an important part of the Japanese economy and culture, but overfishing has caused many fish species to decline. For example, bluefin tuna, a popular fish in Japan, has been overfished to the point where it is now endangered. Overfishing not only affects the fish population but also the entire marine ecosystem. When too many fish are caught, it can disrupt the balance of the ocean’s food chain, which harms other species.
  To combat overfishing, Japan has introduced fishing limits and protected areas where fishing is restricted. The government is also promoting sustainable fishing practices, which means catching fish in ways that allow populations to recover.

• Urbanization in Tokyo: Tokyo, the capital city of Japan, is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. As more people move to Tokyo, the city has expanded, taking over green spaces and agricultural land. Urbanization has caused problems such as air pollution, increased energy consumption, and waste management challenges. The more the city grows, the more resources are needed to support it.
  In response, Tokyo has introduced green initiatives, such as rooftop gardens and energy-efficient buildings, to reduce the environmental impact of urbanization. Public transportation systems, like Tokyo’s famous subway network, help reduce the number of cars on the road, cutting down on air pollution.

3. Brazil: Deforestation of the Amazon Rainforest

The Amazon Rainforest in Brazil is the largest tropical rainforest in the world. Often called "the lungs of the Earth," it plays a vital role in absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. However, deforestation in the Amazon is a major environmental issue that affects not only Brazil but the entire planet.

• Causes of Deforestation: The Amazon is being cut down to make room for agriculture, especially cattle ranching and soybean farming. Large areas of the forest are cleared for farms, which contributes to the loss of biodiversity. Many species of plants and animals live only in the Amazon, and when their habitat is destroyed, they often cannot survive.

• Global Impact: Deforestation in the Amazon has global consequences because the rainforest helps regulate the Earth’s climate. When trees are cut down, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere, which contributes to global warming. In addition, the loss of trees means the Amazon can no longer absorb as much carbon dioxide.
  The Brazilian government has introduced laws to protect parts of the Amazon, and there are efforts to replant trees in deforested areas. However, illegal logging and farming continue to threaten the forest. Many international organizations are working with Brazil to find solutions that balance economic development with environmental protection.

4. China: Air Pollution and Renewable Energy

China is the world’s most populous country and one of its largest economies. While China has grown rapidly, this growth has come with environmental challenges, particularly air pollution and the need for cleaner energy sources.

• Air Pollution: China’s industrial sector, which includes factories that produce everything from electronics to clothing, relies heavily on coal for energy. Burning coal releases large amounts of carbon dioxide and other pollutants into the air, leading to smog and health problems for people living in cities. Major cities like Beijing often experience severe air pollution, which can make it difficult to breathe and causes illnesses such as asthma.
  In response to these issues, China has started to shift away from coal and toward cleaner energy sources. The country is now one of the world’s leaders in renewable energy, investing heavily in solar and wind power. China has built thousands of solar panels and wind farms to reduce its reliance on coal and lower its carbon emissions.

• Renewable Energy: China’s push for renewable energy is part of a broader effort to reduce its environmental impact. The country has set ambitious goals for reducing its carbon footprint and is investing in green technologies to improve air quality. Renewable energy not only helps reduce pollution but also provides jobs and energy security for China’s growing population.

Comparing These Countries

While Canada, Japan, Brazil, and China face different environmental challenges, they share some common problems, such as deforestation, pollution, and the need for sustainable resource management. Each country has made efforts to reduce its environmental impact, but they still have a long way to go.

• Canada and Brazil are both rich in natural resources, but they face the challenge of balancing economic growth with environmental protection. Deforestation and resource extraction are major issues for both countries.

• Japan and China, as densely populated countries, must deal with the environmental consequences of urbanization and industrialization. Air pollution is a significant problem in China, while Japan struggles with overfishing and the loss of green spaces in its cities.

What we can learn from these countries is that while economic development is important, it must be done in a way that protects the environment for future generations. Sustainable practices, such as using renewable energy and protecting natural habitats, are key to reducing the harm humans cause to the environment.

Section 4: Solutions and Sustainable Practices

While human activities can harm the environment, many countries are working to reduce these impacts by adopting sustainable practices. "Sustainability" means using resources in a way that meets today’s needs without harming the ability of future generations to meet theirs. In this section, we’ll explore some of the ways Canada and Pacific Rim countries are finding solutions to environmental problems.

1. Renewable Energy

One of the most important ways to reduce environmental harm is by using renewable energy. Renewable energy comes from natural sources like the sun, wind, and water, which do not run out or harm the environment as much as fossil fuels do.

• Canada: Canada is a leader in using renewable energy, especially hydroelectric power. Hydroelectric power is energy made by the movement of water, such as rivers and waterfalls. This type of energy doesn’t produce harmful emissions, unlike fossil fuels. Provinces like British Columbia and Quebec get most of their energy from hydroelectric power. Canada is also expanding its use of wind and solar power to reduce its reliance on oil and gas.

• China: China is also a major investor in renewable energy, especially solar power. China has built thousands of solar panels and wind turbines across the country. In fact, China is now the world’s largest producer of solar energy. This helps reduce air pollution and cuts down the amount of coal the country needs to burn for energy. Even though China still uses a lot of coal, the shift to renewable energy is helping to reduce its environmental impact.

• Japan: Japan, an island nation, is focusing on renewable energy as well. After the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011, Japan began moving away from nuclear power and investing more in solar and wind energy. Japan is also using geothermal energy, which comes from heat stored inside the Earth, to power homes and cities.

Using renewable energy helps lower the amount of greenhouse gases that are released into the atmosphere, which is essential for slowing down global warming.

2. Reforestation Efforts

Reforestation is the process of planting trees in areas where forests have been cut down. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the air, provide homes for wildlife, and help regulate the climate. Reforestation is one of the most effective ways to combat deforestation and restore ecosystems.

• Canada: Canada is home to vast forests, particularly in the Boreal Forest region. Logging and oil extraction have caused deforestation in some areas, but Canada has strict laws requiring companies to replant trees after they are cut down. Reforestation helps bring back the forest’s ability to absorb carbon dioxide and support wildlife. National parks and protected areas also help ensure that certain parts of the forest remain untouched by human activity.

• Brazil: In Brazil, reforestation efforts are focused on the Amazon Rainforest, which has experienced severe deforestation due to agriculture and logging. The Brazilian government, along with international organizations, is working to restore parts of the Amazon by planting new trees and creating protected areas where logging is not allowed. While these efforts are helping, illegal logging continues to be a problem, and the challenge remains to protect one of the world’s most important ecosystems.

Replanting trees is a crucial step in repairing the damage done by deforestation and ensuring that forests can continue to play their role in fighting climate change.

3. Green Urban Development

As cities grow, it’s important to build them in a way that minimizes their impact on the environment. Green urban development focuses on creating cities that use resources efficiently, reduce waste, and provide healthy spaces for people to live and work. This can include things like green buildings, public transportation, and parks.

• Vancouver, Canada: Vancouver is known as one of the "greenest" cities in the world. The city has implemented many environmentally friendly practices, including energy-efficient buildings, electric buses, and bike lanes to reduce the number of cars on the road. Vancouver also encourages its residents to recycle and compost their waste, which helps reduce the amount of garbage that ends up in landfills. The city’s goal is to become the greenest city in the world by 2050, focusing on clean energy and sustainable living.

• Tokyo, Japan: In Tokyo, green urban development is also a priority. With its dense population, Tokyo has invested heavily in public transportation, which helps reduce air pollution and traffic. The city has also introduced rooftop gardens and vertical farms, where people can grow food in the middle of the city. This not only provides fresh produce but also helps lower the city’s temperature during the hot summer months by reducing heat trapped by buildings.

Creating "green cities" helps reduce the environmental impact of urbanization while providing a better quality of life for people living there.

4. International Agreements

Countries around the world recognize that environmental problems like climate change and pollution require global cooperation. One of the most important international efforts to combat climate change is the Paris Agreement.

• Paris Agreement: The Paris Agreement is an international treaty that aims to limit global warming to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Over 190 countries, including Canada, Japan, China, and Brazil, have signed the agreement, committing to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. Each country has its own plan to achieve this goal, and they work together to share ideas and technology.

By participating in the Paris Agreement, countries are taking responsibility for their role in climate change and working toward a future where the environment is protected for everyone.

5. Individual Actions

While governments and companies play a big role in protecting the environment, individuals can also make a difference. Even small actions, when done by many people, can have a big impact.

• Conserving Energy: One of the easiest ways to help the environment is by conserving energy. Turning off lights when they’re not in use, using energy-efficient appliances, and walking or biking instead of driving can reduce the amount of energy needed and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

• Recycling and Reducing Waste: Recycling helps reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills. By recycling materials like paper, plastic, and glass, we can reduce the need to extract new resources from the environment. Composting food scraps and yard waste also helps by turning waste into useful materials, like fertilizer for gardens.

• Supporting Green Products: Choosing products that are made from renewable materials or that use less packaging can help reduce your environmental footprint. Many companies now offer "green" products that are better for the environment. Supporting these companies helps encourage more businesses to adopt sustainable practices.

Section 5: Comparative Analysis

Now that we’ve looked at the environmental challenges and solutions in both Canada and Pacific Rim countries, it’s important to compare how these countries approach protecting their environment. Each country faces different challenges based on their geography, economy, and resources, but they all share a common goal: reducing the impact of human activities on the planet.

Canada vs. Pacific Rim Countries: Similarities

• Natural Resource Management: Both Canada and Pacific Rim countries like Brazil and Japan depend heavily on their natural resources. In Canada, forests and oil sands are key resources, while in Brazil, the Amazon Rainforest plays a huge role in the economy. Japan relies on its surrounding ocean for fishing. Each of these countries must balance using these resources with protecting the environment.

• Urbanization and Population Growth: Cities in both Canada (like Vancouver) and Pacific Rim countries (like Tokyo) are growing rapidly. Urbanization can lead to pollution, loss of green spaces, and increased demand for energy. These countries are working to make their cities more sustainable by investing in green spaces, energy-efficient buildings, and public transportation.

• Climate Change: All these countries are affected by climate change, but in different ways. Canada experiences warming temperatures and melting ice in the Arctic, while Pacific Rim countries like Japan face rising sea levels and more frequent natural disasters like typhoons. Both regions are working to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions through international agreements like the Paris Agreement and by investing in renewable energy.

Canada vs. Pacific Rim Countries: Differences

• Energy Use: Canada and China have very different energy needs and sources. Canada relies heavily on hydroelectric power, which is a renewable source of energy. China, on the other hand, has been heavily dependent on coal, which is a major cause of air pollution. However, China is now leading the world in the production of solar energy, which is helping to reduce its reliance on coal.

• Environmental Laws: Canada has strict environmental laws to protect its forests and water, with regulations requiring companies to restore land after it has been used for logging or mining. In Brazil, while there are also laws to protect the Amazon Rainforest, illegal logging remains a significant problem. Countries like Japan have strong fishing laws to prevent overfishing, but they continue to face challenges with balancing economic needs and environmental protection.

• Pollution and Reforestation: China and Japan face severe air pollution issues due to industrial growth and urbanization, while Canada’s main challenges are related to deforestation and managing its vast forests. China is making progress with renewable energy and reforestation efforts, while Japan is working on reducing its overfishing problem through stricter regulations.

What Can Be Learned?

Although these countries face different environmental challenges, they can learn from each other’s successes. Canada’s focus on green urban development can serve as an example for countries with rapidly growing cities, while China’s large-scale investment in renewable energy offers lessons for other countries looking to shift away from fossil fuels.

What is clear from both Canada and Pacific Rim countries is that sustainable practices are essential to protecting the environment. Whether it’s through reforestation, reducing pollution, or using renewable energy, countries must continue to work together and share their solutions to tackle global environmental problems.

Section 6: Conclusion

Human activities have a significant impact on the environment, both in Canada and Pacific Rim countries. Throughout this lesson, we’ve seen how deforestation, pollution, overfishing, and urbanization can damage ecosystems and contribute to global problems like climate change. These challenges are serious, but there are also many solutions being developed to reduce the harm we are doing to the planet.

Countries like Canada, Brazil, Japan, and China are all working to address their environmental issues. Canada is protecting its forests and investing in renewable energy, while Japan is focusing on sustainable urban development and controlling overfishing. China, a global leader in solar energy, is making strides in reducing its air pollution, and Brazil is working to protect the Amazon Rainforest from deforestation.

These efforts show that while the challenges are big, they are not impossible to solve. By working together and sharing successful ideas, countries can reduce their environmental impact and help protect the planet for future generations. The Paris Agreement is an example of how nations can come together to fight climate change by setting goals to limit global warming and reduce emissions.

As individuals, we also have a role to play. Simple actions like conserving energy, recycling, and supporting sustainable products can make a difference. Every small step adds up to a larger impact. By thinking about how we use resources and how we treat the environment, we can all contribute to a more sustainable future.