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Describe some negative ecological impacts of the agricultural "green revolution."

User DanScan
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Final answer:

The Green Revolution negatively impacted the environment through soil degradation, water pollution, and ecological imbalance, which have led to increased resistance to pesticides and a reduction in pollinator populations.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Green Revolution brought about significant increases in agricultural production through the adoption of modern techniques and high-yield varieties of crops. However, this came with several negative ecological impacts, including:

  • Soil degradation: Intensive farming practices contributed to erosion, loss of organic matter, and increased soil salinity.
  • Water pollution: The use of pesticides and fertilizers led to the contamination of groundwater and the eutrophication of rivers, lakes, and oceans.
  • Ecological imbalance: An increase in pesticide-resistant pests and diseases, along with a decrease in pollinator populations, posed serious problems for future crop production.

Furthermore, industrial-scale agriculture favored large landowners and exacerbated social inequality while making smallholder farmers more vulnerable.

User Amarnathpatel
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