The environment is an important aspect that ensures peaceful coexistence of the human race and nature. This paper will consider the various aspects that humans are exposed to on earth that assist as well as hinder their survival.
1. What is meant by desertification? Describe how the process of erosion leads to a loss of water holding capacity and, hence desertification.
Desertification refers to a process whereby an arable land turns into a desert due to poor agricultural practices, deforestation or drought.
When the rain pours on an uncovered ground, due to deforestation or overgrazing, it sweeps away the compacted soil, which is unable to soak and hold water. Over time, the ground remains a rock, hence desertification. The few soil particles left behind, lose the water holding capacity (Wright, and Boorse 95).
2. What are drylands? Where are they found, and how important are they for human habitation and agriculture?
Drylands are areas on earth, which are not covered by water; they are characterized by transpiration from plants and evaporation from the earth’s surface, which helps balance precipitation. Drylands are found in climatic zones and occupy about 41% of the world’s space (Wright, and Boorse 68). Drylands are important as they provide homes for humans as well as farming areas, hence ensure nutrition and food security for the humans. Moreover, drylands are important for climate regulation, which makes it possible for humans to inhabit and farm.
3. What are radioactive emissions and how are most humans exposed to them?
Radioactive emissions are the loss of energy by an unstable nucleus. The loss of energy occurs when the proton and neutron ratio is not ideal. Man is constantly exposed to radioactive emissions since the emissions are everywhere from the food we eat to the walls of our homes and the earth’s crust. Moreover, there are radioactive gases that are taken in through breathing and others from outer space known as cosmic radiation (Loireau M 17).
Conclusion
Taking care of the environment is a noble task as it ensures the continuity of the human race in a sustainable way. Just as the environment takes care of humans, so should the humans.
Work cited
Loireau M, Fetoui M. "Linking Spatialized Indicators Of Desertification Risks With Observed Land Use/Land Cover Change: An Operational Monitoring System Of Desertification". Journal Of Earth Science " Climatic Change, vol 06, no. 01, 2015, pp. 5-46. OMICS Publishing Group, doi:10.4172/2157-7617.1000252. Accessed 14 Oct 2018.
Wright, Richard T. and Dorothy T. Boorse. Environmental science: toward a sustainable future. 12th ed., 2014 Pearson/Prentice Hall, 2005.
