Humans and Soil Interactions

Energy and fuels humans use are derived from natural sources and their use affects the environment. Some resources are renewable over time, others are not.

Societal activities have had major effects on the land, ocean, atmosphere, and even outer space. Societal activities can also help protect Earth's resources and environments.

Humans depend on Earth's land, ocean, atmosphere, and biosphere for different resources, many of which are limited or not renewable. Resources are distributed unevenly around the planet as a result of past geologic processes.

Human activities have altered the biosphere, sometimes damaging it, although changes to environments can have different impacts for different living things. Activities and technologies can be engineered to reduce people's impacts on Earth.

Resource availability has guided the development of human society and use of natural resources has associated costs, risks, and benefits.

Sustainability of human societies and the biodiversity that supports them requires responsible management of natural resources, including the development of technologies.