Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 4: Land and Water Use
The Earth is comprised of continents and water resources, which are interrelated dynamic and complex sys-
tems. Humans depend on both systems for food, shelter, and resources that sustain our lives and economic
structure. Land is used by people for agriculture, forestry, rangeland, and minerals, as well as for development,
infrastructure, and recreation. Through fishing and aquaculture, water resources provide food, while minerals
can be attained from the oceans. The resources provided from both land and water provide the basis of the
global economic structure and its use is regulated through many laws and treaties.
Agriculture
One of the great challenges of humanity's transition from hunter-gatherer societies to cities was feeding a
densely packed population. Now with the Earth's population pushing toward 7 billion, the challenge is greater
than ever, requiring the development of efficient farming and livestock techniques. These techniques have so
far allowed the food supply to keep pace with the population (though problems in markets and distribution
leave many hungry millions). Still, agricultural science is not without its drawbacks including the potential for
environmental damage. Note: The term agriculture applies to both crops and livestock, but this section focuses
on farming of crops.
Feeding a Growing Population
Earth's human population is growing exponentially, from 1 billion people in 1800 to almost 2 billion in 1900 to
6 billion in 2000. More people require more food, and more food requires the use of more land, water, and
fossil fuels, all of which impacts the environment.
Human Nutritional Requirements
Globally, the amount of food being produced per person has increased in modern times, and the ability to farm
food has become faster and less work-intensive due to current technologies. Still, approximately 1.2 billion
people do not get enough to eat on a daily basis and are considered undernourished according to the Food and
Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Malnutrition (in which people do not consume enough daily
nutrients) and undernourishment (in which people do not receive enough calories) are worldwide issues, even
with the modern abundance of food and reliability of food sources. The United Nations Commission on Hu-
man Rights estimates that every second, one person dies of starvation or hunger-related diseases. At the same
time, others struggle with over-nutrition (receiving too many calories), which can lead to obesity and many
related health issues.
Types of Agriculture
The practice of agriculture includes growing crops and raising livestock. The human practice of agriculture
began about 10,000 years ago, following the period of the nomadic hunters and gatherers. At that time, humans
began to cultivate crops, which required settling in one area to plant, tend, and harvest them. Along with this
newly settled lifestyle, humans began raising livestock (and keeping domesticated animals including dogs).
Crop agriculture that used human power, animal power, and simple tools is considered traditional agricul-
ture. In its simplest form, traditional agriculture is conducted by a family for its own consumption and use.
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