theme 4 - human environment interaction

what question does human environment interaction answer?

what is the relationship between humans and the environment?

what are the key concepts when talking about human environment interaction?

-humans DEPEND on the environment for resources

-the environment forces humans to ADAPT to it

-humans MODIFY the environment in positive and negative ways

what do humans depend on the environment for?

natural resources - they provide food, shelter, raw materials for tools/products, trade, and employment

what is a renewable resource?

a resource that has the potential to be replaced over time by natural processes. the earth will not run out of this resource

what is a nonrenewable resource?

a resource whose stock or reserves is limited or fixed. the earth can run out of these

what is sustainability?

considering whether or not it is possible to continue using natural resources the way they are currently being used. if the resources are protected for the future it is sustainable, and if not it is unsustainable

how do humans change the environment?

-building farms and cities to make it easier for people to live

-building roads and bridges for movement

-planting trees to protect nature

-turn the land into farmland to increase food

how do humans adapt to their environment?

changing their jobs, clothes, food, culture, customs, etc, to help them in their environment