Final answer:
The six major external forces driving change in the global environment are technology, social institutions, population growth, environmental degradation including biodiversity loss and pollution, and climate change.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks to identify six major external forces that drive the rate of change in the global environment. Here is the main answer: The forces include technology, social institutions, population growth, environmental degradation including biodiversity loss and pollution, and climate change. Technological advancements can lead to improvements but also contribute to environmental challenges such as e-waste. Social institutions shape behaviors that impact the environment, like consumerism leading to excessive resource use. Population growth intensifies resource demand, resulting in habitat destruction and other forms of environmental strain. Biodiversity loss weakens ecosystems and reduces their resilience, while pollution from industrial activities contaminates air, water, and soil. Lastly, climate change has broad and significant impacts, altering weather patterns, ecosystems, and sea levels globally. These driving forces interact and can precipitate social change.In conclusion, the external forces influencing our rapidly changing global environment are interconnected and have significant implications for the future of human societies, wildlife, and the planet's ecosystems. Awareness and action towards environmental sustainability are crucial in managing these changes effectively.