Ecopedia Part 2
ByBiodiversity
The term “biodiversity” is a combination of the words “biological” and “diversity.” It encompasses the variety of all living things on Earth. So far, scientists have discovered about 1.75 million species of plants and animals, but they estimate that the total number of species on Earth could range anywhere from 7 to 20 million. – McGraw-Hill Concise Encyclopedia of Environmental Science
Human activities have a significant impact. By cutting down trees and polluting bodies of water, we disrupt delicate ecosystems where hundreds or thousands of unique species of plants and animals exist. Such disruptions cause some species to die out while others are growing beyond their capacities, sustainable practices would result in a sea change in such actions. It is important that we keep protecting new and existing endangered species as developing factors such as climate change will continue to influence biodiversity.
Biofuels
Biofuels are fuels created from organic material, especially plants. Plants convert carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into energy through photosynthesis. When those plants are burned, or made into fuel in other ways, they release the energy they produced as well as the carbon dioxide they utilized to create that energy. Therefore, we can attach the energy that exists in plants while maintaining a balance of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Biofuels are thought to be more environmentally friendly than fossil fuels. However, the creation of biofuels has recently become a relevant political concern. Now that demand for biofuels is increasing, farmers are devoting a larger percentage of their crops to the production of biofuels rather than for sale as food. This not only causes food shortages, but also drives up the price of food as supply decreases with respect to demand. Recent debates centre on whether the burning of biofuels produces adequate energy to justify the world’s reduced food supply.
Bisphenol A (BPA)
Bisphenol A, commonly referred to as BPA, is a synthetic chemical compound used in the creation of polycarbonate plastics. BPA is primarily used to make polycarbonate plastic food and beverage containers, plastic food wrap, as well as epoxy resins used to line metal cans for food, such as cans of soup. Bisphenol A is acutely toxic, and the toxins can leach from the plastic into liquids that you ingest, especially when the containers are heated or scratched.
Human exposure to BPA is widespread. A Centers for Disease Control study in the US found that 95% of people tested had been exposed to BPA. Bisphenol A is a hormone disruptor and studies link low-dose BPA exposure with such effects as: permanent changes to genital tract; increase prostate weight; a deterioration in testosterone; breast cells predisposed to cancer; prostate cells more sensitive to hormones and cancer; and hyperactivity. Fetuses, infants and children around puberty are at high risk, especially fetuses as their immature detoxification systems make them more vulnerable and they are at a fragile stage of development.
The Canadian federal government has formally declared Bisphenol A to be a hazardous substance as of October 2008 and added it to a list of toxic substances. Health officials wrote in Canada Gazette that “It is concluded that Bisphenol A be considered as a substance that may be entering the environment in a quantity or concentration or under conditions that constitute or may constitute a danger in Canada to human life or health.”
