Global Social Issues and Change
Global Social Issues and Change Paper
SOC/100
August 27, 2012
Arlina Wong
Global Social Issues and Change Paper
According to Conacher (2009), “Land degradation occurs in all climatic environments, with ‘land’ interpreted to include vegetation and water as well as landforms and soils” (para. 2) Land is one of the resources that all living things on Earth are running out of that humans cannot reproduce of. Because of the expansion of the human population through urbanization, industrialization, agriculture, and land pollution having a direct effect on this resource as well as endangered plants and animals. Although there are many causes and effects of this issue, which no one really thinks about, it does play a role in today’s economy, politics, environment and culture.
According to Conacher (2009), “‘Land degradation’ is considered to be caused or, at least, exacerbated by human actions, and is thereby distinguished from ‘natural hazards’” (para. 2). Land degradation impacts the environmental aspect through deforestation that contributes to global warming. Deforestation is the cutting and removal of the rain forest and its inhabitants. Because the human population is expanding, we need room to grow. Forests are cut down to accommodate human occupancy. When there is a high demand for lumber, buildings, and roads there is a need for infrastructure. In the 21st century we are more connected than ever. Agriculture is another big contributor to land depletion because the demand for crops. Poor practices of farming have also contributed to the unnecessary loss of land because of companies stimulating the world economies for profit. When companies are trying to make a quick buck they will cut through a piece of land to meet the supply and demand.
Land pollution to include industrial waste is another contributor to land degradation. In essence because of the large industrial growth creating so much trash we are running out of places to dispose of it and currently
SOC/100
August 27, 2012
Arlina Wong
Global Social Issues and Change Paper
According to Conacher (2009), “Land degradation occurs in all climatic environments, with ‘land’ interpreted to include vegetation and water as well as landforms and soils” (para. 2) Land is one of the resources that all living things on Earth are running out of that humans cannot reproduce of. Because of the expansion of the human population through urbanization, industrialization, agriculture, and land pollution having a direct effect on this resource as well as endangered plants and animals. Although there are many causes and effects of this issue, which no one really thinks about, it does play a role in today’s economy, politics, environment and culture.
According to Conacher (2009), “‘Land degradation’ is considered to be caused or, at least, exacerbated by human actions, and is thereby distinguished from ‘natural hazards’” (para. 2). Land degradation impacts the environmental aspect through deforestation that contributes to global warming. Deforestation is the cutting and removal of the rain forest and its inhabitants. Because the human population is expanding, we need room to grow. Forests are cut down to accommodate human occupancy. When there is a high demand for lumber, buildings, and roads there is a need for infrastructure. In the 21st century we are more connected than ever. Agriculture is another big contributor to land depletion because the demand for crops. Poor practices of farming have also contributed to the unnecessary loss of land because of companies stimulating the world economies for profit. When companies are trying to make a quick buck they will cut through a piece of land to meet the supply and demand.
Land pollution to include industrial waste is another contributor to land degradation. In essence because of the large industrial growth creating so much trash we are running out of places to dispose of it and currently
References: Conacher, A. (2009). Land Degradation: A Global Perspective: Commentary. New Zealand Geographer, 65(2), 91-94. Dupac, M. (2010). Soil erosion and degradation based on sand particles transport caused by wind blowing. Natural Resource Modeling, 23(2), 121-137. Information for Action. (n.d.). Land Pollution. Retrieved from http://www.informaction.org/index.php?menu=menua.txt&main=landpol_gen.txt Moatar, M. M., Lazureanu, A., & Chisalita, I. (2011). Land degradation and ways to prevent and combat them with forest vegetation. Agricultural Management, 13(2), 413-418. Our Environment. (n.d.). The Causes of Land Degradation. Retrieved from http://sawse.org/the-causes-of-land-degradation/ PreserveArticles.com. (2012). What are the main causes of land degradation? Retrieved from http://www.preservearticles.com/201101082863/main-causes-of-land-degradation.html United Nations. (2008). Combating land degradation for sustainable agriculture. Retrieved from http://www.un.org/events/desertification/2008/combating.shtml