9.3 Technological Advances: Debates about the Environment after 1900

Introduction

Environmental destruction has been a major issue throughout modern history, with a range of factors contributing to this trend. Population growth, urbanization, industrialization, and globalization have all played a role in the depletion and degradation of natural resources, leading to issues such as deforestation, desertification, and pollution. These problems can have serious consequences for both the environment and human societies, as they can lead to the loss of biodiversity, climate change, and other negative impacts. 

In this study guide, we will delve into the various causes and consequences of environmental destruction, exploring the ways in which human actions have contributed to this trend and the steps that can be taken to address these issues. We will examine the historical context of environmental destruction, as well as the scientific and social factors that have shaped this trend over time. By understanding the root causes and impacts of environmental destruction, we can gain a better appreciation of the challenges facing our planet and the actions we can take to protect the natural world.

Causes of Environmental Destruction

Over the past few centuries, there have been several key factors that have contributed to environmental destruction around the world. One of the main drivers has been population growth. As the global population has increased, there has been an increased demand for resources such as food, water, and energy, leading to the depletion and degradation of natural systems. For example, the population of the world has more than tripled since the turn of the 20th century, rising from around 1.6 billion people in 1900 to over 6 billion in 2000. This increase in population has put a tremendous strain on the planet's resources, leading to issues such as deforestation, overfishing, and water scarcity.

Urbanization has also had a major impact on the environment. As more and more people move into cities, there is a greater demand for resources such as housing, transportation, and infrastructure, which can lead to the destruction of natural habitats and the depletion of resources. Industrialization and globalization have also played a role in environmental destruction. The demand for goods has led to the creation of products that often involve pollutants and other harmful substances, which can have negative impacts on the environment. For example, the manufacture of products such as plastics and chemicals can release harmful substances into the air and water, causing pollution and other environmental problems.

Deforestation + Desertification

Deforestation has been a major contributor to environmental destruction throughout modern history. When large areas of trees and vegetation are cleared out, it can lead to a range of environmental problems. One example of deforestation that has had significant impacts on the environment is the deforestation of the Amazon Rainforest in the early 1990s. This process involved the clearcutting of vast tracts of rainforest for agriculture, logging, and other purposes, leading to a range of negative consequences such as habitat destruction, soil degradation, and climate change.

Another trend that has contributed to environmental destruction in recent history is desertification. This process involves the transformation of previously fertile land into dry and unusable land that is unable to support farming or other forms of agriculture. Desertification can be caused by a range of factors, including overgrazing, deforestation, and climate change. It can have serious consequences for both the environment and local communities, as it can lead to the loss of biodiversity and the displacement of people who depend on the land for their livelihoods.

Pollutants

In recent decades, the rapid development of technology has contributed to the introduction of more pollutants and toxic chemicals into the environment. These substances can have negative impacts on the surrounding ecosystem, harming soil, air, and water quality. There are many sources of pollution, including automobiles, deforestation, oil, industrial waste, and various human activities. 

For example, the burning of fossil fuels for transportation and industry can release harmful substances such as carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change. Deforestation can also lead to pollution, as the removal of trees can disrupt the balance of the ecosystem and lead to soil erosion and other problems. Industrial waste and other forms of human activity can also contribute to pollution, releasing harmful substances into the air, water, and soil.

Global Warming

Greenhouse gases are gases like CO₂ (carbon dioxide), CH₄ (methane), and N₂O (nitrous oxide). They are only harmful to the environment in excess! When too much of these gases are in the Earth’s atmosphere, infrared radiation is reflected back into Earth’s atmosphere and is given off as heat. This is known as the Greenhouse Effect. 

Why is this bad? I thought we liked summer! 🌞Well, this greenhouse effect raises temperatures and creates uninhabitable ecosystems for many species, including humans! Rising ocean temperatures contribute to the death of coral, the melting of the nordic poles, and the extinction of species. Humans are also affected by global warming because of flooding and soaring local temperatures. This often leads to desertification (a huge problem for farmers).

Actions Against Climate Change

Kyoto Protocol

The Kyoto Protocol was an agreement reached in Kyoto, Japan, in 1997, mandating that industrialized nations cut their greenhouse gas emissions. However, sadly, more than 100 developing countries, including China and India, were exempted from the treaty. The treaty could not go into effect until at least 55 countries, accounting for 55% of the world's emissions in 1990, ratified it.

Oil Pollution Act of 1990

In 1990, the United States passed the Oil Pollution Act in an effort to prevent oil spills off the coast. It declared the United States responsible for paying for damage created by their own oil spills. This was an initiative sparked by the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, also known as the Mega Borg, which spilled 5.1 billion gallons of oil into the ocean 😬