Environmental impact refers to the effects that human activities have on the natural environment, biodiversity, and natural resources. These effects can be positive or negative and can be measured in different ways, such as the amount of pollutants released into the air, water or soil, the amount of energy and natural resources used, land use, loss of natural habitats, and loss of biodiversity.

Human activities that cause environmental impact include industry, agriculture, fishing, transportation, electricity production, waste management, and many other activities (even the internet pollutes!). These activities can negatively influence the environment in many ways, such as causing air and water pollution, climate change, deforestation, loss of habitats, soil erosion, and ocean acidification.

Environmental impact has become an increasingly critical problem in the modern world, as the human population and economic activities have grown at sustained rates. To mitigate environmental impact, policies and technologies have been developed to reduce pollution and natural resource consumption, while promoting sustainable management of the environment and resources.