Earth's Changing Environments: Before & After

Exploring Environmental Changes Over Time Grade 6 Environmental Science

What Are Environmental Changes?

Natural processes that alter landscapes Human activities that modify environments Changes can happen quickly or over long periods Some changes are reversible, others are permanent

Aral Sea: A Dramatic Transformation

Causes of Environmental Change

{"left":"Natural earthquakes and volcanic eruptions\nClimate patterns like droughts and floods\nErosion by wind and water\nPlant and animal population changes","right":"Human farming and agriculture\nBuilding cities and roads\nIndustrial activities and pollution\nCutting down forests for resources"}

Before & After Detective

Look at the image pairs Identify what changed between the photos Determine if the change was natural or human-caused Discuss whether the change is positive or negative

Deforestation in the Amazon

Amazon rainforest covers 60% of Brazil Called 'lungs of the Earth' for oxygen production Deforestation for cattle ranching and farming Affects global climate and wildlife habitats

Think About It

If you could travel back in time 100 years, what environmental changes would you expect to see in your local area? Would these changes be mostly positive or negative for wildlife?

Positive Environmental Changes

Reforestation projects restore forests Cleaning up polluted rivers and lakes Creating national parks to protect wildlife Renewable energy reduces pollution

London's Air Quality Transformation

What Can We Do?

Reduce, reuse, and recycle materials Plant trees and create gardens Use less water and energy Support conservation organizations Learn about local environmental issues Make environmentally friendly choices