what governments, groups and individuals can do. let’s start big picture: what can governments...
Post on 22-Dec-2015
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Example: Lake Erie In the 1970s, Lake Erie was full of sewage,
farm chemicals and industrial chemicals This pollution caused huge algal blooms =
large growths of algae Algal blooms caused other organisms in
Lake Erie’s ecosystem to die It was called “Dead Lake”
1) Restoring Ecosystems
1978: U.S. and Canada signed the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement
The governments created management plans to clean up the Great Lakes and to restore the ecosystems
The amount of pollution entering the lake was monitored and controlled
As a result, Lake Erie made a great “comeback”
Government Action
Algal blooms continue to plague Lake Erie because of run-off from fertilizers
This is an example of non-point source pollution
The overuse of fertilizers is an unsustainable practice
Also, sewage is overflowing from overburdened sewage plants in busy cities
Work Needs to Continue
Conservation biologists work to find ways we can understand and protect biodiversity
Remember: strong biodiversity is key to keeping ecosystems intact
There are currently over 200 species at risk of extinction in Ontario
There are two main ways governments and groups are trying to protect biodiversity…
2) Conserving Biodiversity
1) Protecting Species in Human-Made Habitats◦ Example: Metro Toronto Zoo◦ This strategy is used when the species’ habitat is
threatened or no longer exists, or if the remaining population is extremely small
◦ Example: the black-footed ferret is part of the zoo’s captive breeding program
Conservation Strategies
Conservation Strategies 2) Protecting Species in
their Native Habitat◦ The main strategy is to protect
a species’ habitat◦ Example: the loggerhead
shrike is an endangered bird◦ Its habitat is short grasslands
with trees, shrubs and hedgerows
◦ Much of this habitat has been changed by farmers who have removed hedgerows to grow crops
◦ Conservation biologists have worked with farmers to help maintain the hedgerows to help the shrike population survive
In 2007, Ontario passed the Endangered Species Act◦ Prohibits killing, capturing, possessing, selling or
trading species endangered in Ontario◦ It also makes it illegal to damage or destroy
ecosystems on which these species depend◦ E.g. the badger has protected status
3) Protecting Endangered Species
National and provincial parks Wildlife reserves Marine sanctuaries Protected areas help keep ecosystems intact by
leaving them relatively undisturbed Conservation biologists have identified some
“biodiversity hotspots” that have many unique ecosystems and whose biodiversity is threatened these hotspots need protected areas
Parks also allow humans to enjoy ecosystems, but it can be challenging to balance human and ecosystem needs
4) Protected Areas
5) Preventing Introduction of Invasive Species
BOO!
Example: the Asian long-horned beetle is an invasive species that may have arrived in wooden packing crates used to deliver goods from Asia
It is a threat to hardwood tree species in Ontario
Toronto has by-laws against moving wood that may contain the beetle
Agriculture Canada has strict laws about citizens or visitors bringing any foreign food, animals or plants into the country
This is to prevent accidental introduction of other invasive species
Being an environmental steward means taking care of our natural resources in a sustainable way that will ensure they will be around for future generations
Individuals and Communities
Reduce emissions (ride your bike, take public transit, use fuel-efficient vehicles)
Save energy (use less heat and AC, unplug small appliances, use energy-efficient lights)
Eat locally produced food (reduces pollution from transport and pesticides)
Plant wisely (native species, drought-tolerant plants)
Buy wisely…and less Get involved
YOU can…
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