Land and Water Use Impacts

Land and Water Use Impacts

• Urbanization: Cities experience increased population density, creating urban heat islands. Urbanization leads to habitat loss, increased impervious surfaces reducing groundwater infiltration, and water pollution from runoff (e.g., oil, heavy metals).
• Mining: Surface mining (e.g., open-pit, strip mining) and subsurface mining damage habitats, erode soil, contaminate water sources (acid mine drainage), and pollute the air (dust, emissions). Mining creates jobs but also poses health risks and often causes conflict over resources.
• Ecological Footprints: Ecological footprints measure resource consumption (energy, water, waste, and land) and are often higher in developed nations. Comparing footprints reveals sustainability challenges. Efforts to decrease impacts include improving energy efficiency and adopting sustainable agriculture/urban planning.

Sustainability

• Sustainability Principles: The triple bottom line (environment, economy, society) and the distinction between renewable and non-renewable resources are crucial. Sustainable practices include conservation, restoration, waste reduction, and pollution control.
• Urban Runoff Reduction: Increased flooding and water pollution occur due to urban runoff. Measures such as permeable pavements, rainwater harvesting, vegetated swales, and retention basins help reduce this problem.

Pest Management and Sustainable Practices

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM): IPM aims to control pests with minimal environmental impact. Methods include biological controls (predators, parasites), cultural practices (crop rotation), physical controls (traps), and limited chemical use. Reduced pesticide use is a benefit, but IPM requires education and monitoring.
• Sustainable Agriculture: Main practices include crop rotation, polyculture, organic farming (permaculture), reduced tillage, and soil conservation. Sustainable agriculture enhances soil health and reduces water consumption and pollution. However, these methods can be labor-intensive and face challenges in market demand and cost.
• Aquaculture: Aquaculture (fish farming, shellfish farming, algae cultivation) increases global food production. However, environmental concerns include habitat destruction (mangroves), water pollution, and the spread of diseases to wild populations. Sustainable practices include closed-loop systems and IMTA (integrated multi-trophic aquaculture). Regulations and certifications also play a role.