SCI 219 Milestone Two Worksheet

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Southern New Hampshire University *

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219

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Arts Humanities

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Dec 6, 2023

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SCI 219 Milestone Two Worksheet For the Milestone Two activity, you will submit this completed worksheet in which you will outline and identify the elements below regarding your chosen environmental issue. See the Final Project Guidelines and Rubric document for more detailed information. Be sure to integrate any feedback you received from your instructor from Milestone One. For this milestone worksheet assignment, complete the following: 1. Download this Milestone Two Worksheet document. 2. Review the Milestone Two Rubric. 3. Complete the nine parts below that address the critical elements. NOTE : Refer to your module resources as well as additional resources you identify for information to help you answer the questions below. Remember that you will need to use current APA style guidelines for your citations and reference list in the final project submission. You will note that each question in the worksheet has you track your citations. You do not need to provide long answers to the questions. You should be concise, writing 3- to 4-sentence responses. Once you receive feedback from your instructor, you will expand on your answers to complete the final paper at the end of the course. 1

Part II: Human Impact Ecological Processes B. Explain how human activities directly and indirectly impact the related ecological processes. Support your explanation with examples. Include citations for your resources using APA guidelines as needed. Human activities directly and indirectly impact ecological processes, causing water pollution, habitat destruction, and the introduction of invasive species. Industrial waste and agricultural runoff can contaminate water sources, leading to the death of aquatic organisms and disruption of food chains (Burger et al., 2018). Deforestation for urban development or agriculture destroys habitats, reducing biodiversity and disrupting ecosystem functions (González-Moreno et al., 2019). Indirectly, human activities can influence ecological processes through climate change. Increased greenhouse gas emissions from burning fossil fuels contribute to global warming, leading to shifts in temperature and precipitation patterns that can harm ecosystems, such as altering the timing of plant flowering and disrupting animal migration patterns. These disruptions can lead to biodiversity loss and decreased overall ecosystem resilience. Environmental issues like water pollution, biodiversity loss, and food availability are crucial for human health and well-being. They are worsened by human activities like industrial manufacture, agriculture, and inappropriate waste disposal, which release dangerous chemicals, pesticides, and fertilizers, causing nutrient runoff and hazardous pollution. Agriculture pollution is the leading cause of US water contamination, disrupting ecosystem balance and causing dangerous algal blooms (Burger et al., 2018). Sustainable agricultural techniques, stricter procedures, and industry waste disposal rules are essential for protecting ecosystems and the agricultural industry. Access to clean, safe drinking water remains a global issue, with water pollution causing 1.7 million annual fatalities due to unclean water and inadequate sanitation (World Health Organization, 2017). Addressing water pollution is crucial for human health, preserving natural systems, and ensuring a sustainable future. Contaminated water increases the risk of waterborne illnesses, organ damage, and developmental disorders, especially in vulnerable populations (Ramrez-Castillo et al., 2015). Human activities, such as clearing forests for agriculture or urban development, directly impact ecological processes by causing habitat loss and disrupting the natural balance of ecosystems (Daiz et al., 2019). These activities destroy species' habitats, reduce ecosystems' ability to regulate climate and provide essential services like water purification. The degradation of ecosystems can lead to species extinction, loss of biodiversity, and increased vulnerability to natural disasters. Destroying habitats can disrupt migration patterns, food chains, and ecosystem stability (WWF, 2020). Indirectly, human activities can impact ecological processes through pollution, as industrial and agricultural runoff introduce 2

Part III: Potential Solutions Potential Solutions A. Identify potential solutions that have been proposed by the scientific community for mitigating the environmental issue, and briefly describe each. Include citations for your resources using APA guidelines as needed. The scientific community has proposed several solutions to address water pollution, including stricter regulations on industrial emissions, financial incentives for cleaner technologies, and sustainable agricultural systems. These measures aim to improve natural water cycles and meet Sustainable Development Goals by preserving the freshwater ecosystem (Weerasooriya et al., 2019). Incentives and tax breaks can also encourage industries to invest in cleaner technologies. Sustainable agricultural systems provide ecosystem services such as pollination, biological pest control, soil and water quality regulation, soil structure, fertility preservation, carbon sequestration, greenhouse gas emission reduction, nutrient cycling, hydrological services, and biodiversity preservation (Rehman et al., 2022). Community education and awareness programs can empower individuals to make more sustainable choices in their daily lives. Promoting sustainable agricultural practices, such as biofertilizers and composts from waste materials, is crucial for environmental protection and human health (Srivastav et al., 2022). Implementing effective waste management systems, such as proper disposal and treatment of sewage and industrial waste, can prevent pollutants from entering water bodies. B. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of each proposed solution. Support your explanation with scientific facts. Include citations for your resources using APA guidelines as needed. Stricter regulations, sustainable practices, and advanced technologies can reduce water pollution, improve air quality, and hold companies accountable for their environmental impact. International cooperation is crucial, as pollutants can cross borders. Penalties encourage ecological responsibility, research, and innovation, promoting a greener industrial sector. The EPA and NPDES highlight water pollution in the industrial sector as a major concern, affecting aquatic ecosystems and human health (EPA & NPDES, 2023). Real-time tracking systems can help monitor emission reduction goals, while stricter regulations can drive innovation in clean technologies and renewable energy sources, leading to a sustainable, green economy. Companies that disclose emissions data are more likely to invest in these strategies (Howell, 2022). Public reporting of emissions can enhance transparency and trust with stakeholders. Still, stricter renewable energy controls may lead to higher costs, hardship for smaller firms, and job losses in fossil fuel-dependent sectors. Disadvantages include potential costs and industry resistance, infrastructure upgrades, and increased assistance for fossil fuel-exporting nations. Additionally, developing and implementing renewable energy technologies requires substantial research and development investments, posing challenges for economies with limited financial resources. Water pollution from agriculture can be reduced through effective management practices like nutrient management, erosion control, and precision irrigation. Enforcing pesticide and fertilizer regulations can minimize water source contamination and protect aquatic 4

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