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Deforestation is defined as the conversion of forest to other land uses (regardless of whether it is human-induced). [14] Deforestation and forest area net change are not the same: the latter is the sum of all forest losses (deforestation) and all forest gains (forest expansion) in a given period. Net change, therefore, can be positive or ...
Sunscreen can enter the ocean indirectly through wastewater systems when it is washed off and from swimmers and divers or directly if the sunscreen comes off people when in the ocean. Some 14,000 tons of sunscreen ends up in the ocean each year, with 4000 to 6000 tons entering reef areas annually. [ 50 ]
Ocean deoxygenation is the expansion of oxygen minimum zones in the oceans as a consequence of burning fossil fuels. The change has been fairly rapid and poses a threat to fish and other types of marine life, as well as to people who depend on marine life for nutrition or livelihood.
With primary causes being warming ocean waters, ocean acidity, and pollution. [148] In 2008, a worldwide study estimated that 19% of the existing area of coral reefs had already been lost. [ 149 ] Only 46% of the world's reefs could be currently regarded as in good health [ 149 ] and about 60% of the world's reefs may be at risk due to ...
Many [quantify] people value the complexity of the natural world and express concern at the loss of natural habitats and of animal or plant species worldwide. [53] Probably the most profound impact that habitat destruction has on people is the loss of many valuable ecosystem services.
Ocean acidification can impact marine ecosystems that provide food and livelihoods for many people. About one billion people are wholly or partially dependent on the fishing, tourism, and coastal management services provided by coral reefs. Ongoing acidification of the oceans may therefore threaten food chains linked with the oceans. [70] [71]
Biodiversity loss has bad effects on the functioning of ecosystems. This in turn affects humans, [45] because affected ecosystems can no longer provide the same quality of ecosystem services, such as crop pollination, cleaning air and water, decomposing waste, and providing forest products as well as areas for recreation and tourism. [122]
Deforestation in Brazil is a major issue; the country once had the highest rate of deforestation in the world. By far the most deforestation comes from cattle ranchers that clear rainforest (sometimes illegally, sometimes legally), so as to make room for sowing grass and giving their cattle the ability to graze on this location.