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Trees are cut down for lumber; rainforests are burned for agricultural pastures; cleared land is used for plantations of commodities. “Road construction into forested areas increases incentives to clear these areas and allows access to forest resources, which increases the probability for deforestation” (Marsik, Stevens and Southworth). Increased resource extraction without proper reforestation results in damaged habitats, biodiversity loss, and aridity. 1.3 OVERFISHING
More than three-quarters of earth is covered in water. Millions of people across the globe depend on the ocean for their livelihood. According to a 2008 United Nations report, the world’s fishing fleets are losing $50 billion each year through depleted stocks and poor fisheries management (Black). Most of the problems associated with overfishing have been caused in the last fifty years by the rapid advances in fishing technology. Many fishing boats have been replaced by massive factory-ships which are able to stay out at sea for weeks at a time.
ECOS Magazine reported that the 2010 tuna catch was estimated at 2.4 tons, the second highest annual catch on record (2012). The article also urged that “bigeye tuna fishing needs to be reduced by thirty-two percent from average levels for 2006-2009 to ensure the long-term profitability and security of the fishery …show more content…
Walk or ride a bicycle, take public transportation, unplug appliances, line-dry clothes, use compact florescent light bulbs, turn off lights not in use, and choose energy efficient appliances. 2.2 DEFORESTATION
As previously mentioned, rainforests are vital to the earth’s health. Rainforests regulate global and regional climate-systems by acting as heat and water pumps. They release moisture into the atmosphere which returns to the ground as rain. When the forest is cleared, the water cycle is disrupted, temperatures increase, droughts become common, and eventually even deserts may form.
Many paper companies have sought to strive for sustainability. Heidi Tolliver-Nigro found that one paper company managed more than 100,000 acres of forest and produced seventy-five percent of their pulp from that forest (2010). The same company also sold 70,000 acres to the Nature Conservancy. In an effort to reduce their impact on the environment, offices and businesses are being urged to cut down on their use of paper. Ways to cut back
More than three-quarters of earth is covered in water. Millions of people across the globe depend on the ocean for their livelihood. According to a 2008 United Nations report, the world’s fishing fleets are losing $50 billion each year through depleted stocks and poor fisheries management (Black). Most of the problems associated with overfishing have been caused in the last fifty years by the rapid advances in fishing technology. Many fishing boats have been replaced by massive factory-ships which are able to stay out at sea for weeks at a time.
ECOS Magazine reported that the 2010 tuna catch was estimated at 2.4 tons, the second highest annual catch on record (2012). The article also urged that “bigeye tuna fishing needs to be reduced by thirty-two percent from average levels for 2006-2009 to ensure the long-term profitability and security of the fishery …show more content…
Walk or ride a bicycle, take public transportation, unplug appliances, line-dry clothes, use compact florescent light bulbs, turn off lights not in use, and choose energy efficient appliances. 2.2 DEFORESTATION
As previously mentioned, rainforests are vital to the earth’s health. Rainforests regulate global and regional climate-systems by acting as heat and water pumps. They release moisture into the atmosphere which returns to the ground as rain. When the forest is cleared, the water cycle is disrupted, temperatures increase, droughts become common, and eventually even deserts may form.
Many paper companies have sought to strive for sustainability. Heidi Tolliver-Nigro found that one paper company managed more than 100,000 acres of forest and produced seventy-five percent of their pulp from that forest (2010). The same company also sold 70,000 acres to the Nature Conservancy. In an effort to reduce their impact on the environment, offices and businesses are being urged to cut down on their use of paper. Ways to cut back