![]() ![]() production of wastes from a range of activities including agriculture, industry and mining, as well as wastes from our own bodies.use of natural resources such as land, food, water, soils, minerals, plants and animals.The links between human activity and the environment are complex and varied, but can be grouped into two main types of activity: These changes have rapidly increased the human impact on the environment. For example, we now use powerful chainsaws to cut down trees and industrially produced chemical fertilisers and pesticides for crop production. Industrialisation has allowed for a greater exploitation of resources. People at that time lived in agricultural societies using hand tools and simple technologies with limited environmental impact (Figure 1.1). Prior to industrialisation, the impacts of human activity were not very significant because the technologies used were not capable of modifying the environment on a large scale. Our relationship with the environment changed with industrialisation, which began in the 18th century in the UK, shortly followed by elsewhere in Europe and North America, and then spreading across the world. In Study Session 10 you will learn more about the effects of floods and droughts. ![]() They can also damage water sources and pipelines, causing water contamination and spreading waterborne diseases. These can lead to the displacement of people and can cause injury, loss of life and destruction of livelihoods. We are also affected by major environmental events such as earthquakes, floods and drought that damage homes, property and agriculture. However, harsh environments, such as a very hot climate, limited water and infertile land, make it more difficult for people to survive. are aspects of the physical environment that enable people to live and thrive. ![]() In this section we will introduce some of the ways in which humans influence their environment and how the environment influences us, both positively and negatively.Ī good climate, accessible clean water, fertile soil, etc. A simple example is the way we change our clothes in response to cold or hot weather. Conversely, the environment affects us in many different ways as well. For example, humans have been cutting down forests to clear land to grow crops for centuries and by doing so we have altered the environment. Humans have been interacting with their environment since people first walked the Earth. It also refers to the wider natural world of land, sea and atmosphere. Our environment means our physical surroundings and the characteristics of the place in which we live. This study session introduces you to many of the topics that are further developed later in the Module.ġ.1 Relationships between human activity and the environment In this study session you will learn about the relationships between humans and the environment, and the ways in which we use environmental resources. The impact of environmental problems on humans is significant, affecting all human activities, including health and socio-economic development. Advances in science and technology have helped us to exploit the environment for our benefit, but we have also introduced pollution and caused environmental damage. Humans need to interact with the environment to obtain our food, water, fuel, medicines, building materials and many other things. To understand the context of the WASH sector you need to understand the nature of the interactions between us as human beings and our environment. The WASH sector is concerned with provision of safe water, the separation and management of wastes, and promotion of hygienic practices to improve people’s health and well-being. This Module is about the context and background to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in Ethiopia. Study Session 1 Human Interactions with the Environment Introduction ![]()
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