1. Introduction
Many research efforts have demonstrated that a direct environmental impact from a single action is often insignificant, and in reality, it is the numerous minor impacts from multiple actions that cause the greatest environmental harm (Dales 2011, Franks et al. 2012, DNRM 2013, Finlayson et al. 2008, Neville 2009, Sonter et al. 2013). These are referred to as cumulative impacts, “the successive, incremental, and combined impacts of multiple actions on the environment” (Dales, J 2011). There are four characteristics of cumulative impacts as summarized from Franks et al. 2012, these include;
1. Cumulative impacts may be caused by future, present or past activities,
2. Cumulative impacts can differ greatly in intensity, space
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2012).
Due to population growth, much pressure has been placed on natural resources and the ecosystem services that are essential to human life (Franks et al. 2012). Rapid changes to the environment such as climate change and the use of natural resources affect the resilience of natural systems. Therefore, appropriate management and assessment of cumulative impacts on the terrestrial and marine environment from anthropogenic activities is crucial, albeit difficult, as impacts often extend outside of the geographic location of a development. Further, impacts from an action can have a compounding effect on outside systems already under stress from unrelated activities. Although much legislation has been enacted in attempt to buffer stressors caused by anthropogenic land use, environmental impact assessment and management approaches are often reactive, and consider mainly the impacts of individual activities and how to mitigate them (Dales, J 2011, Sonter et al. 2013). Therefore, a more integrated, proactive and holistic approach needs to be applied when it comes to the assessment and management cumulative impacts.
In the following essay, I will explore cumulative impacts on the terrestrial and marine environment resulting from groundwater use, mining and agricultural practices in the Australian context. Using examples from the Murray Darling Basin, Bowen Basin, the Fitzroy River and the Great Barrier Reef, I will
The message of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment’s Governing Board is that human impacts on this resilient natural world are so unprecedented and extensive that we crossed the line into unsustainable consumption some time ago and are now depleting ecosystem capital stock instead of living off its sustainable goods and services.
Soil erosion is proven to be the dominant sediment source within catchments, comprising up to 63% of the sediment flowing into rivers (McKergow, Prosser, Hughes, & Brodie, 2005, pp.200). It is estimated that by the end of the 20th century, agricultural purposes had caused the clearing of more than 50% of the natural vegetation in Queensland (Bowen & Bowen, 2002, pp. 407). In 1999, 90% of all land cleared in Australia was located within Queensland, an estimated 400,000 hectares (Bowen & Bowen, 2002, pp. 407). Cropping, particularly sugarcane, and beef grazing are the main sources of soil erosion, as well as cotton and minor urban development (Brodie et al., 2007). Use of nitrogen fertilization (De’ath & Fabricius, 2010) has also caused a flux of nutrients to make their way to the Great Barrier Reef, causing eutrophication in some areas (Brodie, Wolanski, Lewis, & Bainbridge, 2012, pp. 267). Degradation of land assigned for Pastoral purposes has been the main contemporary source of sediments, owing the impact they have to the sheer amount of cleared land that is designated to beef grazing (Neil, Orpin, Ridd, & Yu, 2002, pp. 733). Unlike agricultural practices which use highly fertilized soils, the exported nutrients from cattle grazing land are from natural, unfertilized soil that results from erosion inland (Brodie et al.,
1. Look at print resources and non-print resources, critically analyzing sources for their quality of material Use your critical reading skills!
Common change is perhaps the most fundamental trademark peril to the future accomplishment of Australians. Left unaddressed, change when all is said in done carbon outpourings is required to have a true blue and over the top impact on agribusiness, establishment, biodiversity and regular frameworks in Australia (Garnaut 2008).Climate change may other than increment Australia's other standard issues. While most trademark insidiousness has occurred as expected in view of country development and the abuse of near to boondocks, most future mischief is depended on to occur around urban locales and water resources. Affirmation proposes Australia's courses are continuing to rot. In 2000, even before the imperativeness dry season, about a fourth of
Global warming is the number one concern on the planet right now (Ankara 1). Ankara University suggests that “the most common definition of global warming is the process in which Earth’s temperatures increase due too many human activities” (“The Impact of Global…” 1). A basic background of how climate change is provoked is that it is caused by fossil fuels and carbon dioxide being released in the air due to many human activities. This event can potentially harm the human population and put many ecosystems around the world to extinction. Marine ecosystems, in general, are parts of the Earth’s hydrosphere, which make up large parts of the Earth and contain magnificent biodiversity from beautiful fish to the
Jon Brodie is a Research Scientist for the Australian Centre for Tropical Freshwater Research at James Cook University in Townsville in Australia. He has over 30 years experience in the environmental research field, working with different areas. He used to manage the Water Quality Research and Management Program for the GBRMPA for 11 years. His primary research area is associated with water quality issues for the GBR, and he is also highly involved in the policy advice to the Australian government regarding management of water quality issues for the reef. Brodie has published many articles and reports in his field. And he’s one of the experts when it comes to water quality and water pollution in GBR. He also used to work for GBRMPA for several years. Unfortunately we didn’t have the chance to meet him in person, but we still managed to receive answers to our questions from him through emails.
The early signs of the Australian environmental impacts were introduced by the colonial settlement in the 18th -19th century. The coastal population, the bringing of new species, the land degradation and the water conflicts, are the agents that contributed to the start of the environment deterioration.
The effects of increased anthropogenic greenhouse gas admissions is causing crippling effects on Australian coastlines and agriculture.
The findings and information I give through-out my Inquiry assessment will be validated by reliable Academic resources. The issue of sustaining the Great Barrier Reef is of upmost importance to the Australian government as well as international and national organisations. Majority of my resources will be internet sources, such as Government legislations and documents. Case studies involving multiple organisations such as Project Catalyst will be useful material for statistics and comparing the damage to the reef caused by farming and agriculture. In addition to these main resources I will also use; journal articles, books, Documentaries/ Interviews and various search engines such as Google Scholar and Curtin University technology Library.
A verity of environments has many different impacts on companies and there customers. The types of environments that create certain impacts are: economic environments, socio-cultural environments, technological environments, global environments, and competitive environments. Along with these environments, regulations can also impact a company and its customers. Speedway is not exempt from the impacts that are brought on by the environments and regulations.
Six million hectares of primary forest have been lost annually since 2000, and average hard coral cover in the Caribbean has decreased from 50% to 10%. Both of these changes occurred in a short period of time, and humans have been the primary cause. Human impact on biodiversity and the environment is very significant. Research has defined humans uses of renewable and nonrenewable resources, their positive and negative impacts on ecosystems, and our solutions and ideas for maintaining biodiversity.
The environmental statement presents the results of EIA conducted by MegaCorp for the exploration and development of W field, in the North – West Region of Australia, in
Marine fisheries make up some of the largest ecosystems/habitats that span from the coastal regions all the way through the various oceans of the globe. In addition, the habitats and ecosystems of marine fisheries contain some of the most diverse groups of organisms worldwide just because of the sheer amount of the planet’s surface that the oceans cover. Although the range and diversity of marine fisheries are vast, they are declining at increasing rates. There are many factors that have led to this decline which include climate change, pollution, and the introduction of invasive species into particular habitats. However, the two largest factors behind the collapse of marine fisheries are directly correlated with human interaction with the marine fisheries. One is the overexploitation by the fishing industry, while the other is habitat alteration (mainly around the coastal areas) (Layman et. al 2011).
Made in Brunel products are thought to be the most innovative products around the global. Its quality is of high standards and can be accepted all over. Made in Brunel is composed of engineers and experts with experience who showcase a product that is tailored to make the difference in the life of people. The temperature twisted kettle is of high quality and meet the Made in Brunel standards. This kettle is portable, robust and durable. As Made in Brunel (2011) stated;
Water is the greatest basic natural resource. For plants and animals alike, water is vital for life, making up as much as 65% of the human body (90% of an infant’s body). It also provide habitat for fish and animals, refuge, food, navigation, electricity and mechanical power, as well as coolant, a waste stream, and prospects for recreation. No body of water, however, can support all of these different usages without suffering some degree of disturbance: under poor management, disturbance may result from even one primary use. (Perry & Vanderklein, 1996). In Canberra, the foremost unsustainable wicked problem that the Sullivans creek catchment is experiencing at the moment is the deteriorating of water quality, which relatively affects the