Prepare: In this discussion post you will be considering the role of land degradation, desertification, and biodiversity loss in an ecosystem. Land degradation can be caused by extreme weather conditions such as drought and coastal surges.
However, it is also caused by human activities that degrade the productivity of the soil and impact the production of ecosystem goods and services (Land degradation and desertification, n.d.). In the past century, the growing pressures of agricultural and livestock production, urbanization, and deforestation have significantly contributed to land degradation and desertification (Land degradation and desertification, n.d.). As you are reading the reports and watching the movie take notes on how these social, economic, and policy factors contribute to land degradation and desertification.
Land degradation and desertification also impacts human health and well-being. The degradation of land puts considerable stress of food-producing systems which often leads to malnutrition. Water scarcity and air pollutants are also associated with land degradation. As you learned in Week Two, the lack of clean water and poor hygiene can cause higher incidences of water- and food-borne diseases (Land degradation and desertification, n.d.). Likewise, in Week One you learned that wind erosion and air pollutants cause higher rates of respiratory diseases in populations. Dryland climates, created through land degradation and desertification, lead to poverty, emigration, and overall reduced human well-being. The migration of populations from dryland areas to more hospitable areas often leads to the spread of infectious diseases.
Land degradation and desertification also contributes to biodiversity loss. Biodiversity is an integral part of functioning ecosystems and affects food production. Biophysical diversity of vegetation ensures sustainable productivity of soils. It is also instrumental in soil conservation and in the regulation of rainfall infiltration, surface run-off, and local climate (Land degradation and desertification, n.d.). A variety of foods is needed to maintain human health. The nutritional composition between foods varies significantly and biodiversity loss affects the micronutrient availability in a person’s diet (Biodiversity, n.d.). In essence, our health is connected to the health of different species and on the natural functioning of its ecosystems (Chivian and Bernstein, pg 5). Enhanced food production including the use of fertilizer and pesticides as well as the introduction of crop varieties and cropping patterns significantly contributes to biodiversity loss (Biodiversity, n.d.). Biodiversity is also important for medical and pharmacological discoveries. A loss in biodiversity could limit the discovery of new medical treatments and the creation of new drugs (Biodiversity, n.d.). Traditional medicines are an important part of health care around the world and communities rely on natural resources collected from ecosystems for medicine (Biodiversity, n.d.).
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