Final answer:
Population and economic shifts, like rural to urban migration, have led to water shortages due to increased demand in urban areas and city expansion into farmland. These changes, along with industrial and postindustrial impacts, have led to environmental issues like air pollution and habitat loss.
Step-by-step explanation:
Shifts in population and economic practices have led to notable changes in the physical environment. The shift from rural to urban areas, primarily due to industrialization, has caused water shortages, as large numbers of people move to urban areas which increases the demand on the water supply. Additionally, the evolution of farming technologies and practices has resulted in modern agricultural techniques that often require fewer human workers, thereby pushing people from rural areas to cities. Consequently, this urban expansion often absorbs previously used farmland, contributing to the growth of cities. The environmental impacts of industrial and postindustrial societies have been significant, with issues such as air pollution, habitat loss, and climate change being of particular concern.