Human activities which have harmed ecosystems have resulted in a loss of diversity in both living things and the nonliving environment.

-Ex: of these changes include land use, the cutting of vast areas of forest, and pollution of the soil, air, and water.

Another way humans have changed ecosystems in a harmful way is by adding or removing specific organisms to these ecosystems.

Our ever increasing demand for energy has impacted ecosystems negatively as well.

Many environmental risks are associated with our use of fossil and nuclear fuels.

Many factors associated with human populations have influenced environmental quality.

-These include population growth and distribution on our planet, our use of resources, the ability of technology to solve environmental problems, as well as the role of economic, political, ethical, and cultural views in solving these problems.