estruction of the land. Deforestation of both old growth forests and rain forests have contributed to the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere because this means that there are less trees that can recycle this carbon dioxide to oxygen, thus the impact of the natural carbon cycle is limited. This mass clear cutting of forests also destroys the habitat of many species that are unique only to those environments, not to mention the posiblities for medical cures that could be found in the plants themselves ( 25% of perscription drugs in the US contain plant extracts that cannot be synthesized). Then of course we have just developed all just about all economically feasible areas, if not destroying the environment, severely damaging it and making it virtually uninhabitable for many species.Finally, our water systems have become dumping areas. In rivers at least the pollutants are washed away and diluted more by converging flows, but in ground water it sits stagnate because the movement of ground water is so slow it is not purified. Groundwater is a major source of municipal drinking water because of its relative abundance in areas in which there is little other alternatives, like in Los Angeles. Another major problem eutrophication of lakes due to agricultural runoff, almost 10,000 lakes are effected. This causes algae growth which can use up most or all of the oxygen, leaving none for fish and other organisms.The main solutions to all of these problems is alternate energy sources, more effective ways of waste disposal ,with emphasis on recycling, and somehow putting a cap on the growing population. Doesn't sound impossible, but it involves changing people's lifestyles, which is the hardest thing to do. If it doesn't affect that it is much easier to implement a change ,but it is also more difficult to think of "solutions". To begin any change, education must occur so that the general population understands what problems we are facing. General e...
