Figure 1.7: FIGURE 1.7 PHOTO ESSAY: Human Impacts on the BiosphereHumans have had enormous impacts on the biosphere. The map and insets show varying levels of these impacts on the biosphere. The map is derived from a synthesis of hundreds of studies. High-impact areas often have roads, railways, agriculture, or other intensive land uses. Low- to medium-impact areas have biodiversity loss and other disturbances related to human activity.

[Sources consulted: United Nations Environment Programme, “Human impact, year 1700 (approximately),” and “Human impact, year 2002,” (New York: United Nations Development Program), 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, at http://www.grida.no/graphicslib/detail/human-impact-year-1700-approximately_6963 and http://www.grida.no/graphicslib/detail/human-impact-year-2002_157a]