Human Activity and Its Ecological impact Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 1

Human Activity and Its Ecological impact - Essay Example The increase in human activity in mountainous regions has contributed to the rise in global warming, primarily owing to the adverse environmental impacts caused by the development and construction of ski resorts (Todd and Williams, 1996). The constant rush of tourists, and the overuse of natural resources at popular ski resorts take a toll on the surrounding environment, disturbing the natural habitat in the process (Waldron and Williams, 2002; Wilde 1998). Furthermore, the increasing popularity of ski resorts attracts tourists in hordes, thus leading to an increased pressure on the natural resources by way of increased demand and consumption of water, energy, and other natural resources, thus further raising deep concerns regarding its sustainability in the long run. Ski resorts, rely heavily on energy to lift and pump water to high altitudes, provide drinking water, operate heavy machinery, and fuel vehicles used for transportation. Furthermore, there are concerns regarding soil degradation caused by construction and constant human activities in ski resorts (Ries, 1996); leading to loss of vegetation, soil erosion and may lead to increased chances of floods. Flora and fauna are deeply affected due to activities such as the construction of ski slopes. The surrounding environment and the natural habitat of fauna is disturbed due to increased sound levels and noise pollution caused by tourists (Mountain Wilderness, 2007).