With the expansion of the global population and the advancement of civilizations, the magnitude of the impact has grown exponentially. The rise of mass agriculture, the extraction of natural reserves, and the development of urban infrastructure are just a few notable signs of how mankind has evolved.
A computational materials scientist from the University of Bath, Adam Symington, has recently mapped the influence of the human race on Earth, starting from 1993 to 2009.
To precisely assess and quantify human impact, the researchers collected and analysed data from 1993 to 2009, focusing on eight key factors that indicate human influence. These factors included, Built environments: this variable examines the extent of human-made structures, including cities, towns, and infrastructure such as buildings, roads, and bridges. Population density: this variable helps scale the concentration of human inhabitants in specific areas, highlighting regions with high population density. Night-time lights: by analysing satellite imagery of Earth at night, researchers can map the intensity and spread of artificial lights, providing insights into urbanisation and human activity. Croplands: This variable focuses on the extent of land used for agricultural purposes, such as cultivating crops and food production. It reveals the areas where significant agricultural activity occurs.
Pasture: examining the extent of land dedicated to grazing animals, this variable highlight the impact of livestock farming and the need for space to sustain animal populations. Roads: mapping the network of roads allows researchers to understand the connectivity and accessibility of different regions, emphasising areas with significant transportation infrastructure. Railways highlight the presence and extent of railway systems, which are critical for transportation, trade, and economic development. And lastly, navigable waterways: by analysing the presence and significance of rivers, canals, and other water bodies, this variable offers insights into regions where water transport plays a crucial role in human activities.
Results showed that rising human populations, infrastructure, and roads were the highest factors. Regions including South America and Asia also witnessed the influence of growth in farming and urban development. Countries including India and Pakistan were also among the areas where the highest influence was recorded.
On the other hand, some regions, including northern Canada, eastern Russia, and Iceland, experienced the least influence. Similarly, places with no to very few human inhabitants, such as the Amazon rainforest, deserts, and plateaus, also had minute changes. However, the changes were mostly influenced by natural reserve extraction or developing infrastructure.
While there were still unmarked areas on Earth in 2009, subsequent fluctuations in demography, political conditions, and population have the potential to significantly amplify the impact on the planet, both currently and in the future.
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by Arooj Ahmed via Digital Information World
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