Question

how is the biosphere being degraded by our actions

Answer 1

Dear Student,
The Biosphere is a system containing all the living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) things. It is the sum of all ecosystems such as land, rivers, lakes, mountains, etc. Human activities have shown many harmful effects on the biosphere and are still degrading it in a very constant manner. Following are human activities that have led to biosphere degradation:-

1. Deforestation: Forests are useful in replacing the atmospheric carbon dioxide into oxygen which is essential for the survival of organisms. But humans keep cutting off these forests for the use of land and industrialisation. Because of this, many forest-dwelling animals become homeless and are going extinct because of the loss of their natural habitat.
2. Pollution: Increase in industrialisation and the number of vehicles has led to pollution and global warming which further depletes the ozone layer. This ultimately affects humans as well as animals and plants by causing various respiratory and skin disorders.
3. Resource exploitation: Natural resources such as minerals and fossil fuels that we get from mining are being extensively used by humans. These resources take a lot of time to get replenished and might even get exhausted.
4. Soil quality degrading: Extensive use of chemical fertilisers on agricultural lands has led to degradation in the quality of the soil. Enough time is not given for the soil to replenish its natural minerals because of which soil erosion takes place. The use of chemicals in farms also affects the crops. These chemicals wash out in rain and contaminated other water bodies and the groundwater table thus making these water bodies very harmful for consumption.
5. Excessive use of plastic has also been very harmful, as these cannot be recycled.

Regards