'Anthropogenic' effects, processes, objects, or materials are those that are derived from
human activities, as opposed to those occurring in
natural environments without human influences.
The term is often used in the context of
environmental externalities in the form of
chemical or
biological wastes that are produced as
by-products of otherwise purposeful human activities. For instance, a scientific consensus holds that man-made
carbon dioxide is the primary factor driving
climate change.
Sources
Anthropogenic sources include
industry,
agriculture,
mining,
transportation,
construction, and
habitations.
Industry
★ Release of gases and dust into the atmosphere.
★
Waste disposal practices.
★
Air pollution,
water pollution.
Agriculture
★ Conversion of woodlands into fields and pastures including
slash-and-burn techniques.
★ Diversion of surface and groundwater.
★ Ground water
salinization due to inadequate drainage.
★ Pollution of soil and water by
chemicals found in
fertilizer and
pesticides.
★ dirty or unclean water
Mining
★ Removal of topsoil and creation of spoil piles.
★ Diversion of groundwater by
mine shafts.
★
Surface runoff bearing mining wastes.
★ Release of
air pollution by
refining processes.
Transportation
★ Diversion of
surface water flow by roadways.
★
Vehicular air pollution.
★
Roadway noise,
aircraft noise and
transit noise.
Construction
★ Removal of natural
habitats by grading and building
★ Diversion of
groundwater.
★ Filling in
marshes,
baylands,
swamps,
ponds,
stream beds.
Habitations
★ Concentration of human activities in discrete zones.
★ Concentration of waste products, sewage, and debris.