Over time humans have impacted the environment both positively and negatively. Most of the time, the human intentions are positive but the environmental impact turns out to be negative. For example, since the beginning of time humans have needed shelter to survive. After we progressed to the point where we built houses out of lumber we needed to create a lumber industry. Even though the industry was necessary, it was devastating in many parts of the world. Forests started to be cut down and therefore habitats destroyed. 
When habitats are destroyed many kinds of animals are forced to vacate and either their population can’t survive or they disrupt a different ecosystem. Something a lot of people don’t realize is that one impact doesn’t affect just one aspect of a system but can create a chain reaction and affect multiple factors of the system.
Even though many human actions cause negative impacts on the environment, there are a few that lead to positive change. For example, something as simple as riding your bike to school or work instead of driving can make an impact. When riding your bike you are not only not using gasoline but you are also not 
releasing pollution into the environment. And like I said earlier, you can lead to a positive chain reaction. When you ride your bike instead of drive you are influencing everyone around you and can lead to more bikers instead of drivers. You are also not contributing to traffic and congestion.
All in all, anyone and everyone can make an environmental impact! Let’s make it a positive one!
Christie's Environmental Systems Blog 