Human impact on the environment

Abstract

Human influence on nature began in ancient times. Back then, people's influence on the world around them was minimal. At first, people consumed what the environment gave them: berries and various fruits, meat and animal skins. Gradually, they learned to master animal husbandry, agriculture, manu-facture tools, cut down forests and influence nature in other ways. All natural resources were quickly restored, and a certain balance was maintained. And when industry began to actively develop in the 19th century, people increasingly "caught fire" with the idea of making the most of natural resources, mistakenly believing that they were endless.