5 Stages Of Human Impact

Two trucks driving through a green landscape symbolizing environmental pollution caused by humans.

Humans have always had an influence on the environment; either significant or non-significant. This impact occurred deliberately and steadily at different speeds in various parts of the world.

  1. Hunting and Gathering:

This stage is better known as the pre-historic stage. At this stage the human population was minimal. The population was solely in areas with accessibility to natural resources. The supply of resources was superior to demand. Lifestyle equipped by people was nomadic which demanded less offsprings. Human beings were susceptible to calamities, faunal aggression and diseases.

Soon, when the population increased steadily the equilibrium between the supply and demand broke.

Prehistoric cave carvings on rock walls showing early human life inside a cave.
  1. Agricultural Stage:

New societies, cities and communities were developed. People evolved and learned to cultivate. They owned agriculture fields and livestock which boosted the resource availability for their survivance. The children were wanted more (especially the male child to strengthen their social standing), so that they could possibly assist families in labour. The population increased exponentially and swiftly, the demand of resources exceeded the supply. 

Farmers working in agricultural fields using traditional farming methods.
  1. Industrial Stage:

The unparallel revolution throughout was Industrialization. This commenced in the mid-18th century. The blue collared force was replaced by machinery, instruments and apparatus. Groundbreaking discoveries and innovations were made to make life effortless and smooth. Alongside, there was a population explosion. This stage holds crucial significance because environmental depletion and pollution began here.

Smoke emissions from industrial factories causing air pollution.
  1. Transitional Stage:

This is the contemporary stage. It’s crucial to decide which pathway to acquire. If the human population multiplies at the same rate the globe might explode because it might exceed it carrying capacity. The resources are diminishing; the environmental events are more aggressive and frequent. The keen option is Sustainability. Sustainability is to meet the needs and requirements of today without compromising the quality of life for the future human generations.

Renewable energy sources including solar panels and wind turbines.
  1. Post- Industrial Stage:

The concluding stage at which the human population will thrive at. The population will explode beyond its limits and the losses to the environment by humans will become irreversible and irreparable. The resources will be depleted and will be inaccessible, making it very difficult and complicated for humans to shift and drift to other options and alternatives. 

A mesmerizing aerial view of Hong Kong city through the clouds
A mesmerizing aerial view of Hong Kong city through the clouds

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