This week?s readings focus on human impacts on global systems. These readings will set the stage for the rest of the quarter, and will help frame some of the issues and questions we will be investigating.
Please answer the following questions in full and complete sentences in 12pt type. The total length of this assignment should be between 1.5 and 3 double-spaced pages.
Vitousek et al. 1997
1. What does Vitousek identify as the major sources of Land Transformation? Identify low, high and medium impact land transformations, based on the reading.
2. How do humans alter oceans? What ocean systems are most affected?
3. What biogeochemical cycles are altered by humans? What are the consequences of these alterations?
4. What effect do humans have on the Earth?s biota?
Foley et al. 2005
1. What is the main irony of human land use?
2. In what ways has human food production changed in the last 40 years, and what are the consequences of these changes?
3. In what ways do agricultural practices alter freshwater resources?
4. Human activities also alter a number of other resources and processes mentioned in this paper. Pick one, and explain how human activities have altered this resource or process.
5. Foley lists several ?win-win-win? land-use practices. Pick one, and list the environmental, social and economic benefits of these practices
Synthesis (focus on these questions, as they will come up in class discussion as well)
1. Humans are clearly affecting change on environmental systems. Do these papers give the impression that humans are part of, or apart from, natural systems? Does this viewpoint matter? Explain your answer.
2. Are these changes important if they have no negative consequences for human-kind? Explain your answer.
3. Do you believe your daily actions (e.g. eating) have global consequences? Explain your answer
