Raising livestock and burning trash are two examples of human activities that have an impact on water resources. Select one and construct an argument about whether its effect on water resources is positive or negative. Support your answer with evidence and reasoning.(4 points)

Answer 1

Argument: The Impact of Raising Livestock on Water Resources is Negative

Raising livestock has a profoundly negative impact on water resources due to several interconnected factors that contribute to pollution, water consumption, and habitat degradation. The evidence supporting this assertion can be categorized into three primary areas: water consumption, water pollution, and the impact on ecosystems.

1. Water Consumption: Livestock farming is an incredibly water-intensive activity. According to the Water Footprint Network, producing one kilogram of beef can require up to 15,400 liters of water, which includes the water needed for the animals to drink, irrigation for feed crops, and processing. This excessive water consumption can lead to significant depletion of local water sources, especially in arid regions. As freshwater resources become scarce, communities may struggle to access sufficient water for drinking and irrigation, threatening food security and local economies.

2. Water Pollution: In addition to high water demands, livestock raising contributes to water pollution through manure runoff, which contains high levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, and pathogens. According to a study published in the journal "Environmental Pollution," runoff from livestock operations is a leading cause of eutrophication in water bodies, leading to algal blooms that deplete oxygen in the water and harm aquatic life. This pollution can contaminate drinking water supplies, posing health risks to humans and wildlife.

3. Ecosystem Degradation: The expansion of livestock grazing areas leads to habitat destruction and degradation of ecosystems. As forests and grasslands are cleared for pasture, biodiversity declines, and vital ecosystems that contribute to the natural filtration of water are compromised. The loss of vegetation also exacerbates soil erosion, further compromising water quality as sedimentation increases in rivers and lakes.

In summary, while livestock raising plays a significant role in food production, its impact on water resources is overwhelmingly negative. The high water consumption, pollution of water bodies, and degradation of ecosystems collectively undermine the availability and quality of freshwater resources, posing risks to both human populations and the environment. A shift towards more sustainable agricultural practices and a reduction in livestock farming may help mitigate these adverse effects on water resources.