Many different factors contribute to the destruction of biodiversity on Earth. From clear cutting ancient forests in the Pacific Northwest to the pollution that runs into our streams, human activity has had devastating effects on many habitats around the world. Due to the delicate balance of nature, when a new plant or animal is taken from its natural environment and introduced into a new ecosystem, the effects can be drastic.
Humans sometimes introduce new species into an environment by accident.
For instance, the European zebra mussels hitched rides on cargo and cruise ships and now pose a great threat to the health of the Great Lakes and other northeastern United States lakes. Native mussels have been nearly eliminated from the western basin of Lake Erie by the zebra mussels. Pollution Pesticides, oils, heavy metals and common household chemicals run off into our waterways and affect the salmon and other wildlife in Washington state. Population Growth With the world's population estimated to double within the next 12 years, more people means increased use of natural resources, possible increase in habitat destruction and more waste generated. We use more natural resources and produce more waste per capita than any other nation.