Lillian Liem 6S 26

Date: 04-01-2004

Discuss on the impact of land clearance and reclamation for resident and urban infra-structural development on the environment

Humans have increasingly altered the natural environment for various purposes such as housing and industry. They have also increasingly replaced the natural landscape with the land clearance, reclamation and urbanization. Because of social and economic development, there have been rapid changes of land use from agricultural purposes to urban and industrial purposes. Nowadays, many new lands areas are also established on lands reclaimed from the sea. However, these developments exert pressures on the environment. The undesirable effects are harm for human.

The impact of land clearance on the environment

Land clearance involves the conversion of agricultural lands and natural areas (such as forests, wetlands and other habitats) into a form that is suitable for urban and industrial development. Many forests may be cleared for urban and industrial development. As we know, forests play a vital role in the biosphere. They act as a climatic buffer by retaining moisture in the air, cooling down the air, and maintaining the balance of carbon dioxide level in the atmosphere. They hold the soil and store rain water, due prevent soil erosion, flooding and water pollution. Forests are important as the habitats for a large variety of organism, too. Furthermore, they lock up nutrients and maintain their availability to other organisms.

The impact of land reclamation on the environment

Reclamation involves the establishment of lands on the sea in costal areas. It has been done extensively to meet the demands for housing, commerce, industry, transport and other facilities. Reclamation often involves the dredging of soft mud at the site and loading of a large quantity of materials into the site for land formation. All these particles have direct impact on marine organisms, especially coral reefs provide a highly protective barrier for coastlines, such as beaches, from the continuous pounding of ocean waves. They also provide an intricate and complex habitat for a variety of fish, mollusks, echinoderms and crustaceans. Landfilling can also directly kill these marine organisms.

The impact of urban infra-structural development on the environment

Urban infra-structural development brings about intensive economics growth and technological development. However, it is responsible for creating serious environmental problems. It is because the loss of tress, shrubs, and other natural vegetation results in the destruction of habitats for wildlife. These also results in soil erosion and extinction of some native species. Also, roads and buildings do not absorb rain water as vegetation does, leading to flooding and landslide problems and The production of pollutants from vehicles and burning of fossil fuels in power stations cause serious air pollution, leading to acid rain and global warming. Besides, The conversion of farmlands into urban areas results in the reduction of food production. Storage of food leads to starvation.