Soil Erosion has taken place all over the world, especially in coastal regions. The oceans are constantly beating down on the soil and land on the coast, which over time breaks down the soil and effectively makes the land mass smaller. The erosion of soil and land on the coasts has put many homes in danger, and has caused lots of damage. Harbors and other human structures can exacerbate the process of soil erosion, by blocking the flow of sediment. The coast has undergone the most soil erosion, due to the close proximity to bodies of water.

This article is one of the countless examples displaying the grave effects of climate change. At the moment, only a select group of communities and cities are really feeling the effects of  coastal soil erosion. However, eventually, all cities on the coast will be seriously affected by it; this is due to the rapid rising of sea level. The problem of global warming is being expedited by human effects. There must be steps taken to reduce our effect on the environment; we need to reduce our carbon footprint, otherwise, sea levels will continue to rise. If no steps are taken, we will begin to see cities consumed by the rising oceans.

Arnall, K. (2015, August 20). Ongoing erosion along the WA coastline part of changing

landscape. Retrieved August 23, 2015, from

http://www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2015/08/20/4297027.htm

As it is, productive, fertile land for farming is a finite resource; this has been an effect of overproduction of crops, increased urbanization, as well as natural disasters and extreme weather. Soil crucial in order to support animals and plants, and to produce food for the ever-increasing population. This article states that an “estimated 2 to 5 million hectares of arable land are lost every year to soil erosion”, this figure is astounding, at this rapid rate of depletion, there will eventually be insufficient soil to produce food for our population. Scientist  “estimate a 30 % reduction in food production due to degradation of agricultural land by 2040”, further proving that steps need to be taken to protect our land.

This article supports the claim made by Jared Diamond that the adoption of agricultural advances has been the worst mistake in our history. The rapid growth of the human population is leading to a depletion of resources that can’t be continued; the agricultural system used today is not sustainable, and has to be changed. Humans are placing too much demand on the environment, and there must be an increased focus on conserving the precious, finite resources that we require to survive.

Rickson, J. (2015, August 5). Conserving soil: Precious, finite and under threat. Retrieved

August 23, 2015, from

http://www.theecologist.org/blogs_and_comments/Blogs/2961577/conserving_soil_precious_finite_and_under_threat.html

Recently, there have been incredibly strong winds in the northern hemisphere, more specifically, in Greenland. These powerful winds are blowing over the ice sheets in Greenland, and are eroding the soil in the nearby Tundra. These winds are exacerbating the problem of Soil Erosion in the Tundra; causing a loss of productive and fertile land for animals to graze on or live on. Fertile  soil that supports animals in the northern hemisphere is already scarce, the soil erosion taking place is only making the problem worse.

The above Article carefully points out that soil erosion is not just a problem faced by farmers, it is also a serious problem for the animals that habitat these lands. Animals and plants/vegetation are losing land to inhabit, effectively reducing the carrying capacity for organisms in these regions. Global warming and climate change is most likely at the heart of these problems, if humans take more steps to limit their carbon footprint, there most likely be a reduction in the amount of soil Erosion.

Greenland ice sheet’s winds driving tundra soil erosion, study finds. (2015, August 12).

Retrieved August 23, 2015, from

http://phys.org/news/2015-08-greenland-ice-sheet-tundra-soil.html

Nebraska Farmers are facing the severe problem of soil erosion, despite taking precautionary measures to halt the destructive process. After a season of heavy rainfall, many farmers in the Midwest are facing unusually extreme cases of soil erosion. Soil erosion is caused when soil is exposed to lots of wind or water, which takes the nutrients out of the soil, creating unproductive farmland. To reduce the effects of soil erosion, the NRCS, or the Natural Resources Conservation Service, has implemented a policy to reduce the tilling of land, and have begun to use new fertilizing tactics to improve the productivity of the farmland.

This article is shows that the effects of Soil Erosion are far-reaching, and can have a major impact on the agriculture in the US. Soil Erosion is leading to a depletion in productive farmland; causing a decrease in agricultural production, and a lack of resources. There must be steps taken to mitigate the effects of Soil Erosion, if there are no measures taken, humans will lose the capacity to grow enough crops to provide for the constantly growing population. The possibility of running out of resources, or land, to produce food is real, and could lead to a famine in the US.

Derickson, C. (2015, August 11). Soil erosion is costly; look at these numbers. Retrieved August

23, 2015, from

http://www.kearneyhub.com/opinions/kearneyview/soil-erosion-is-costly-look-at-these-numbers/article_4f716f34-403d-11e5-ab41-a32ed5aa0f95.html