Environmental Club President Kamryn Schoenberger gave a presentation over negative effects on the environment on Nov. 15 after school.

Schoenberger focused on overpopulation, deforestation and pollution throughout her presentation.

By 2050, there will be around 9.7 billion people on the Earth.

“More people on the Earth requires more resources,” Schoenberger said. “As the population grows, we deplete are resources at a faster rate.”

This depletion of resources leads to decreases in biodiversity and increases in greenhouse gasses.

“Deforestation leads to a loss of habitat for animals,” Schoenberger. “Trees are shelters for animals and help animals who don’t live in the trees by regulating temperature.”

Deforestation also decreases the water in the atmosphere, which causes issues with agriculture.

“Ironically enough, a lot of deforestation is caused by agriculture, but the deforestation in turn makes the soil dryer, which makes it harder to grow crops,” Schoenberger.

Schoenberger talked about the different types of pollution and how those different types of pollution impact humans in different ways.

“Light pollution is excessive or disturbing light that may be harmful to animals or humans, Schoenberger said. “This is when there are too many sources of artificial light in an outdoor area.”

Light pollution disrupts humans’ and animals’ Circadian rhythms, which control the sleep/wake cycles and body cycles of organisms.

Sewage and wastewater are also a major issue facing the environment.

“More than 80 percent of the world’s wastewater is sent back into the environment without being treated or reused,” Schoenberger said.

Schoenberger ended her presentation with giving members ways to positively influence the environment.

• Avoid using a garbage disposal
• Buy organic products
• Use lower-wattage bulbs and close curtains and night
• Recycle and avoid littering
• Carpool, use public transportation, bike or walk
• Do not burn trash or leaves

“Those things [negative impacts] are going to continue to alter our planet if we don’t try to change things,” Schoenberger said.

21afeyerherm@usd489.com