Taking a Look at the Earths Biosphere - 604 Words

The Earth’s biosphere is considered to be the most inclusive layer on the planet; simply put, the biosphere is where life happens. What makes the biosphere so exceptional is the fact that there is no record of life existing anywhere else in space. All of the organisms that inhibit the biosphere impact it in some way. However, humans have the largest impact on the biosphere through the means of industrialization, reproduction, and consumption. As with all of the other organisms inhibiting the biosphere, humans have basic needs in order to thrive. We need habitats, protection, reproductive success, and sustenance. However, unlike other organisms, we have proclivities that span beyond the essential tools needed to survive. We have the unique gift of insight, and with it, the ability to innovate beyond the parameters of any other species on the planet. From the use of fire to the invention of the smartphone, there is a continuum of technological advances. In today’s industrialized societies, these technological conveniences have become vital in order for one to compete for resources. With this dependency, comes a cost, and it threatens the very system that supports life on earth. In North America, 700,000 tons of air pollution is released into the atmosphere every day (Biology). This stems from the use of fuel-burning transportation, product manufacturing, and mining. There are two main classes of air pollution, particles and gases. The discharge of elements into theShow MoreRelatedRogerian Argument Essay1181 Words   |  5 Pagespossibly harm the Earth’s planetary biosphere, or has it already done so; in fact, many worldwide scientists have protested that the Earth is at its ‘tipping point’ but no efforts have been adapted to save the biosphere? A support of this controversial topic; congressional meeting and testimony, is from one of the top U.S. climate scientists, James Hansen to Former Vice President A l Gore, with an emphasis on the cause of C02. Beyond the ozone layer is atmospherically holey, Earth’s temperature is risingRead MoreThe Ethics For Respect For Nature1477 Words   |  6 Pagesspecies population, or biotic community is â€Å"deserving of the concern and consideration of all moral agents simply in virtue of their being members of the Earth’s community of life† (Taylor 104). Taylor’s second principle of â€Å"intrinsic value† is the idea that, â€Å"regardless of what kind of entity it is in other respects, if it is a member of the Earth’s community of life, the realization of its good is something intrinsically valuable† (Taylor 104). This means that a living being should never be treatedRead More Global Warming: A Theory of Accelerating Process of Climate Change2015 Words   |  9 Pagesexplaining the phenomena of accelerating change in the number and size of weather-related disturbances. This is a synthesis of thr ee books: Al Gores an inconvenient truth, Stuart Kauffmans At Home in the Universe, and Dr. James Lovelocks Gaia: A new look at life on Earth, presenting a theory predicting the general parameters of global warming over the coming years. 1. Introduction. This paper is intended as a starting point for creating a framework within which to discuss and analyze whatRead More Lifestyle Sustainability and the Environment Essay examples2587 Words   |  11 PagesOur current lifestyle is not environmentally sustainable. We consume more and more of the earths resources and give very little, if any, in return. The Brundtland Commission defines lifestyle sustainability as being development that seeks to meet the needs and aspirations of the present without compromising the ability to meet those of the future. Many factors are contributing to how humankind uses the earths resources and how humankind views the goal of sustainability. Public opinion, governmentRead MoreHumans and the Decline of Biodiversity Essay2861 Words   |  12 Pages With this waning state of diversity on the planet earth, how will it affect all of humankind. Together with all of these other species a web has been formed, and although it is an extremely large and convoluted web it is also very fragile. The biosphere of Earth is just one potential species death away from catastrophic consequences in some cases, but the issues are still not addressed. Humankind’s overuse of planetary resources is part of the problem, but it is definitely not the only problem.Read MoreHydrosphere - Types, Importance3847 Words   |  16 Pageshydrosphere (Greek hydro means water) describes the collective mass of water found on, under, and over a planets surface. The Earths hydrosphere consists chiefly of the oceans, but technically includes clouds, inland seas, lakes, rivers, and underground waters. Hydrosphere refers to that portion of Earth that is composed of water. The hydrosphere represents one component of Earths system, operating in conjunction with the solid crust (lithosphere) and the air that envelopes the planet (atmosphere). TheRead MoreGlobal Warming: Are Humans to Blame?2304 Words   |  10 Pagesof global warming (also referred to as climate change), you must first understand what it means and how it happens. Global warming is a result of a process known as the greenhouse effect, in which the light and heat from the sun are trapped in the Earth’s atmosphere by greenhouse gases; which subsequently raises the average temperature on Earth. The greenhouse gases responsible for this process are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, chlorofluorocarbons, and tropospheric ozone, all of which areRead MoreBeing A Zoo Camp Counselor At The Oakland Zoo Essay1966 Words   |  8 Pagesanother endangered animal that actually provides real benefits to its ecosystem and the world as a whole. Although pandas initially provided small services for their ecosystem, they currently lack a significant ecosystem service to contribute to the biosphere. In a world without humans, pandas would have no trouble surviving - they lack a true predator in their natural environment, though some animals do prey on their cubs. Thus, they only possess one main limiting factor on their growth: the availabilityRead MoreEffects Of Capitalism On Production And Conservation Of Nature3956 Words   |  16 Pagesclouding the knowledge of people about climate crisis. These factors have played a major role in affecting the efforts to counter climate change. The present projects which are cropping up as a response to the ecological crisis such as Eden Project and Biosphere 2 have been discussed and their relevance and impact upon climate change have been dealt in greater detail. The relation between efforts to isolate and conserve nature and fear of uncertain future was also a topic worth exploring t hrough the aboveRead MoreChristians Should All Have The Same Goal1849 Words   |  8 Pagescreated the heavens and the earth.† (bible) By understanding this verse and realizing he essentially made it for us, we should be humbled and try our best to watch over it. By humbling ourselves and recognizing our role as His servants we realize taking care of the environment and being proactive in the restoration of it makes us good followers in His eyes. Revelation 11:18 â€Å"The nations raged, but your wrath came, and the time for the dead to be judged, and for rewarding your servants, the prophets