Effects of Human Activity on the Earth

A detailed Summary of Effects of Human Activity on the Earth


In this section (chapters 2-4) of J.R. McNeill's Something New Under the Sun he extensively utilizes scientifically and mathematically derived statistics to explain the overall negative changes in Earth's lithosphere (Earth's outer rock shell), pedosphere (soil), atmosphere and stratosphere. McNeill contends that these transformations could not have occurred with the same magnitude lacking human interaction.

The ever changing face of Earth has been dependent upon volcanic activities, earthquakes, glacial melting and natural erosion. Yet, these forces, which all affect the lithosphere, have nearly been matched by human processes of mining and increased erosion. For instance, New Caledonia was discovered to contain nearly a third of the world's oxidized nickel under its mountainous landscape. This metal was eventually in great demand for aircraft manufacture, weaponry and nuclear power creation. From 1890 to 1990 the Societe le Nickel unearthed 2.5 million tons of nickel while moving


McNeill clearly demonstrates how humans have harmfully altered the planet from it's lithosphere to the stratosphere. Conversely, he shows that humanity has taken an overall responsibility in its actions and attempted to reverse their effects. Specifically, since the 1990s Earth has seen a leveling off and gradual decline in air, land and water problems thanks to organizations such as the United Nations Environment Programme. McNeill also reveals how these changes of the Earth could possibly be justified. He points out that the great success of humanity as a population could not have occurred without the underlying forces which caused the planet's problems. For instance, fertilization of soils enabled the world's population to have sufficient food supplies. It is necessary to realize how humanity has changed the planet and even more important to recognize how this happened and prevent it.

The atmosphere, or simply air, has dramatically become more polluted as industrial revolutions

Some common words found in the essay are:
Fritz Haber, McNeill's Sun, Thomas Midgley's, Programme McNeill, John Lawes, , atmosphere stratosphere, nutrient depletion, air pollution,

Approximate Word count = 669
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: Science

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