DTW GED PREP

Human beings have made significant changes to every natural environment in which they have settled. From the earliest times, humans have altered the landscape to meet their needs, such as by clearing forests for farming or construction, turning over soil for crops, and building systems for irrigation and waste management. These activities have reshaped the environment in profound ways. For instance, in agricultural societies, people would fell entire forests to make space for farmland, significantly impacting local ecosystems. Additionally, the construction of walls and fences marks territorial boundaries, which also transforms the landscape. As civilizations grew, the scale of human impact increased, with the development of infrastructure such as bridges, roads, cities, factories, mines, and railroads. These large-scale projects have dramatically altered natural environments and ecosystems.

As societies expand and industrialize, the management of natural resources becomes essential. Natural resources are materials or substances that are valuable and useful to living beings, such as water, forests, minerals, air, animals, fossil fuels, plants, and rocks. Since the Industrial Revolution, beginning in the 19th century, the consumption of natural resources has accelerated at an unprecedented rate. Resources like coal, oil, and natural gas are finite, meaning that once they are used up, they cannot be replenished. This finite nature of resources has led to growing concerns about sustainability. Sustainability refers to using natural resources in a way that ensures they are not depleted or destroyed, allowing future generations to also benefit from them.

The industrialization of societies has also led to significant environmental pollution. Air, water, and land have all been polluted on a massive scale due to the widespread use of fossil fuels, industrial waste, and the increasing volume of human activity. The consequences of this pollution have become more evident over time, culminating in global warming, a phenomenon marked by rising average global temperatures. As a result, glaciers are melting, and sea levels are rising, threatening ecosystems and human communities. The negative impact on the environment has prompted a global response, leading to the rise of the “green movement,” which advocates for more environmentally responsible practices.

The green movement has led to various efforts aimed at reducing environmental damage. One of the primary strategies has been recycling, which helps reduce waste and minimize the need for new raw materials. In urban areas, people have started planting gardens on vacant lots, rooftops, and in city parks to improve air quality and provide local food sources. Additionally, farmers have adopted sustainable farming methods to preserve soil health, and many have shifted to organic farming, which avoids the use of harmful pesticides and synthetic chemicals. These changes aim to make farming more sustainable and less damaging to the environment.

However, not all nations have embraced these environmental protections. Some countries, particularly those heavily reliant on industrial production, may fear that transitioning to cleaner methods of production could damage their economies. For example, converting factories to use environmentally friendly technologies and implementing cleaner waste disposal methods may require costly investments and may lead to job losses in industries that rely on traditional, more polluting methods. As a result, there is often resistance to these changes, especially in developing nations or regions with economies built on resource extraction and heavy industry.

In conclusion, human activities have had a profound and lasting impact on the environment, from the earliest agricultural practices to the widespread industrialization of the modern era. While some nations and communities are taking steps to reduce their environmental footprint and promote sustainability, the challenge remains to balance economic development with the need to protect and preserve natural resources for future generations.

HUMAN CHANGES TO THE ENVIRONMENT

Directions: Choose the best answer to the following question. Question 1 is based on the following graph:

1. Based on the graph, in which decade did total water usage surpass 3000 km³ per year?
   A. 1970s
   B. 1980s
   C. 1990s
   D. 2000s
2. According to the graph, the volume of water used for agriculture rose from 1500 km³ per year in 1960 to ____________________ km³ in 2000.

1. Based on the graph, in which decade did total water usage surpass 3000 km³ per year?

✅ B. 1980s
🟩 Explanation: The graph shows that the total global water withdrawals (sum of agriculture, industries, and municipalities) crossed the 3000 km³/year mark during the 1980s.

2. According to the graph, the volume of water used for agriculture rose from 1500 km³ per year in 1960 to ____________________ km³ in 2000.

✅ Answer: Approximately 2500 km³
🟩 Explanation: The green section of the graph (representing agriculture) reaches close to 2500 km³/year by the year 2000.