The Human Disconnection

Questions

Does our species have the power to shape the evolution of so many others?

Is biological evolution inseparable from cultural change?

Human Impact on the Planet and Other Life-

Forms

The greatest challenges faced by humans today is from the environments we’ve created

Human Population Growth

Humans and the Impact of Culture

Human impact on the environment increased dramatically when sedentary life developed

Increasingly exhausted nonrenewable resources

Global Climate Change

Burning fossil fuels releases carbon dioxide, which traps heat

Deforestation diminishes planet’s ability to absorb excess carbon dioxide

Global Climate Change

Excess carbon dioxide contributes to acidification of the oceans

Soon reaching levels not seen in 20 million years.

Diminishing marine biodiversity and food sources

Impact on Biodiversity

Humans now the “world’s greatest evolutionary force”

History of Earth characterized by several mass extinctions

The ongoing mass extinction caused by Homo sapiens

Impact on Biodiversity

Hunting, introducing non-native species to new environments and habitat reduction

Acceleration of Evolutionary Processes

Human activities also accelerate evolutionary processes for bacteria and viruses

Use of antibiotics led to evolution of resistant strains

DDT used to reduce mosquitoes, but also proved disastrous to many bird species

Such cases make understanding evolutionary relationships essential

Looking for Solutions

Most problems faced by humans are result of our adaptive strategy gone awry

Many actions could be taken to curb the negative effects

Is There Any Good News?

Population growth has slowed

Improvements in education reduce family size and curb growth

Ecotourism represents compatibility of environmental sustainability and economic growth

Some international cooperation has begun