How Does Land Use Affect the Environment?

Land use affects the environment by destroying or changing habitats, causing pollution and reducing biodiversity. Human activities can also release carbon dioxide, contributing to global warming.

How land use reduces biodiversity

Biodiversity means the variety of different species living in an area or ecosystem. Humans reduce the land available for plants, animals and microorganisms through:

• building houses, roads and other developments
• quarrying for rocks and minerals
• farming
• dumping waste in landfill

When a habitat is destroyed, organisms may lose their food, shelter or breeding sites. Their populations may decrease, and some species could become locally extinct. Because species are interdependent, the loss of one species can affect the whole community.

The environmental effect of destroying peat bogs

Peat bogs are important habitats containing many different species. Peat is sometimes removed and sold as garden compost. This damages the habitat and reduces biodiversity.

Peat also stores carbon. When peat is burned or allowed to decay, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. Increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide contributes to global warming.

Example

Suppose an area of woodland is cleared to create farmland:

1. Plants are removed, so animals lose food and shelter.
2. Organisms may die or move elsewhere.
3. The number and variety of species decrease.
4. The ecosystem may become less stable because species depend on one another.

Some land use is necessary for food, housing and resources, so decisions often involve balancing human needs against environmental damage.

Common exam mistake: Do not simply write that land use is “bad for the environment.” Give a clear chain, such as habitat destruction leading to fewer organisms and therefore reduced biodiversity.

Scope assumption: this answer covers AQA GCSE Biology 8461. The land-use content discussed is common to Foundation and Higher tiers and is not marked biology only.