What are some ways the use of natural resources by humans can negatively impact an ecosystem, and what steps are being taken to lessen those effects?

Explanation:

Land-use change: Humans may destroy natural landscapes as they mine resources and urbanize areas. This is detrimental, as it displaces residing species, reducing available habitats and food sources.

Pollution: Pollution can occur from the runoff or disposal of chemical substances, or from energy sources (noise and light pollution).

Introduced species: Humans may unintentionally, or intentionally, introduce a non-native species into an ecosystem. This can negatively effect an ecosystem because the introduced species may outcompete native organisms and displace them.

Resource exploitation: Humans consume large amounts of resources for their own needs. Some examples include the mining of natural resources like coal, the hunting and fishing of animals for food, and the clearing of forests for urbanization and wood use.

Extensive overuse of nonrenewable resources, like fossil fuels, can cause great harm to the environment. Recycling products made from nonrenewable resources (such as plastic, which is made from oil) is one way to reduce the negative impacts of this resource exploitation. In addition, the development and use of renewable resources, like solar or wind energy, can help decrease the harmful effects of resource exploitation.

Ways to lessen: Conservation

Conservation efforts work to protect species and the places in which they live. There are many different kinds of conservation efforts.

Species protection is one way to help combat extinction. Although extinction is a natural process, it is occurring at a much faster, much higher rate than normally expected.

The creation of local, national, and international legislation can help prevent the loss of endangered species. In addition, captive-breeding programs may help protect endangered species by maintaining a healthy population of endangered species in captivity.

Habitat protection, preservation, and restoration is essential in protecting biodiversity. This ensures that the protected species have places to live that can support them.

Ultimately, saving one habitat can have a cascading effect, and help to protect an entire ecosystem. Scientists have determined several biodiversity hotspots, which are a high priority for protecting.