Ecosystems
Environmental Impacts on Ecosystems
Introduction
An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (plants, animals and microbes) in conjunction with the nonliving components of their environment (things like air, water and mineral soil), interacting as a system. These biotic and abiotic components are regarded as linked together through nutrient cycles and energy flows. Ecosystems are controlled both by external and internal factors. Once outside factors affect these systems (things like habitat change, climate change, invasive species, overexploitation, and pollution), some ecosystems tend to deteriorate and die.
Littering
Human activities contaminate ecosystems around the world—from pole to pole, from the highest mountains to the ocean deep. One of the major concerns about littering is the impact on wildlife and marine life. Debris impacts the environment, economy, and human health and safety. The extent of the impacts is determined by the type of debris and where it settles. In the ocean (e.g., submerged, floating, or within a sensitive habitat) fishing nets, plastic bags, and tires can sink to the ocean floor and break and smother coral reefs. Fishing line can float along the ocean surface and catch vessel propellers causing costly damage. A syringe can wash up on the beach and be stepped on by a beachgoer resulting in a wound and possibly an infection. Regardless of the type or the location of the marine debris, it can have serious impacts. Litter has a devastating effect on wildlife as well. Animals can swallow or get entangled in many of the litter items that people leave in the environment. Living in a littered environment can have a depressing effect on people. (World Wildlife, 2014)
Litter in the United States is an environmental issue and littering is often a criminal offense, punishable with a fine as set out by statutes in many places. Litter laws, enforcement efforts, and court prosecutions are used to help curtail
Introduction
An ecosystem is a community of living organisms (plants, animals and microbes) in conjunction with the nonliving components of their environment (things like air, water and mineral soil), interacting as a system. These biotic and abiotic components are regarded as linked together through nutrient cycles and energy flows. Ecosystems are controlled both by external and internal factors. Once outside factors affect these systems (things like habitat change, climate change, invasive species, overexploitation, and pollution), some ecosystems tend to deteriorate and die.
Littering
Human activities contaminate ecosystems around the world—from pole to pole, from the highest mountains to the ocean deep. One of the major concerns about littering is the impact on wildlife and marine life. Debris impacts the environment, economy, and human health and safety. The extent of the impacts is determined by the type of debris and where it settles. In the ocean (e.g., submerged, floating, or within a sensitive habitat) fishing nets, plastic bags, and tires can sink to the ocean floor and break and smother coral reefs. Fishing line can float along the ocean surface and catch vessel propellers causing costly damage. A syringe can wash up on the beach and be stepped on by a beachgoer resulting in a wound and possibly an infection. Regardless of the type or the location of the marine debris, it can have serious impacts. Litter has a devastating effect on wildlife as well. Animals can swallow or get entangled in many of the litter items that people leave in the environment. Living in a littered environment can have a depressing effect on people. (World Wildlife, 2014)
Litter in the United States is an environmental issue and littering is often a criminal offense, punishable with a fine as set out by statutes in many places. Litter laws, enforcement efforts, and court prosecutions are used to help curtail
References: Christensen, N. (2013). The Environment and You. Glenview, IL: Pearson Education, Inc. Oleen, J. S. (2014, March). States with Littering Penalties. Retrieved from NCSL: National Conferrenceof State Legislatures: http://www.ncsl.org/research/environment-and-natural-resources/states-with-littering-penalties.aspx World Wildlife. (2014). Retrieved from http://www.worldwildlife.org/threats/pollution