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Environmental Impact Describe and explain how economic activities impact on the environment, with reference to examples that you have studied. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question B - 2015
Question B
Environmental Impact Describe and explain how economic activities impact on the environment, with reference to examples that you have studied.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Environmental Impact Describe and explain how economic activities impact on the environment, with reference to examples that you have studied. - Leaving Cert Geography - Question B - 2015
Step 2
Description and explanation of economic activities 1. Deforestation The agricultural industry often leads to deforestation as land is cleared to create space for crops or livestock. This activity can result in loss of biodiversity, as many plant and animal species lose their habitats. Additionally, deforestation contributes to increased carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change. 2. Overfishing Economic demand for seafood can result in overfishing, which depletes fish stocks and disrupts ocean ecosystems. When key species are overfished, it can lead to unbalanced marine environments, affecting not only the fish populations but also the communities that rely on them for their livelihoods. 3. Industrial Pollution Manufacturing activities often lead to industrial pollution, releasing harmful substances into the air and waterways. This can lead to health issues for nearby populations and damage to local wildlife. 4. Urbanization Economic growth drives urbanization, leading to the development of infrastructure at the cost of natural land. This transformation can result in habitat loss and increased greenhouse gas emissions from transportation and construction activities. 5. Mining Mining activities can have devastating impacts on the environment. They often lead to land degradation, water pollution, and habitat destruction as minerals and resources are extracted from the earth. 6. Agriculture Intensive agriculture practices, including the use of fertilizers and pesticides, can contaminate soil and water. Such practices can lead to nutrient runoff into nearby bodies of water, causing algal blooms and harming aquatic life. 7. Tourism Tourism can have a mixed impact, where economic benefits can be offset by environmental degradation. Areas heavily frequented by tourists often experience strain on local resources and ecosystem disruptions due to increased waste and pollution. 8. Renewable Energy Projects While aimed at decreasing reliance on fossil fuels, the development of renewable energy can also have environmental impacts. For instance, large solar farms can lead to habitat destruction, and wind turbines can pose threats to local bird and bat populations.
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