In order to make sure there is enough energy to go around, we must work towards developing alternative methods of energy generation and promote conservation programs. Wind power is beginning to approach the cost-efficiency of oil and gas. Erosion Landfills Soil Degradation Overuse and misuse has caused soil degradation to become a global problem. Conversion of tropical rain forest to grazing land, something the soil cannot adapt to, has cause desertification of vast areas that were once rain forest. Over grazing which causes removal of all plant life leads to erosion and desertificaton.
Flood irrigation causes soil to become salinized, lowering soil fertility.
Monocropping depletes soils. Excessive use of fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides causes toxic accumulations in soil. They kill helpful organisms, pollute water supplies, and impact the oceans. Pesticides sprayed into the air and fertilizers that find their way into rivers are leading into larger bodies of water, as is the case with the Mississippi river carrying the products of Midwestern U.S. farming downstream to the Gulf of Mexico where harmful algae blooms. Dangerous chemicals often taint water supplies as well.