Ans. Human settlements affect the environment in quite significant ways. The growing population raises the need for water, food, land, and other natural resources. Also, electricity and a system of sewage disposal are absorbed by the human population. In both the rural and urban settlements, the needs can put stress on the air, water, and soil, making them scarce.  The great effects of the settlement can also lead to unevenness in the floor. The settlement will also disturb the telephone, sanitary, and electricity lines. With differential settlement at the structure's bottom, the limit should not exceed the value given by the 75% of normal settlement which is allowed.