Population Growth & Sustainability

What is resource depletion?

• The process of creating new resources faster than they are used.

• The process of using natural resources faster than they can be replaced.

• The process of conserving resources for future use.

• The process of recycling resources to prevent waste.

Give one example of a renewable resource and one example of a nonrenewable resource.

• Renewable – coal; Nonrenewable – sunlight.

• Renewable – oil; Nonrenewable – wind.

• Renewable – sunlight; Nonrenewable – coal.

• Renewable – natural gas; Nonrenewable – water.

How does deforestation contribute to climate change?

• Trees release oxygen when cut down, reducing air quality.

• Trees absorb carbon dioxide; when they are cut down, CO2 levels increase, contributing to global warming.

• Trees increase soil erosion, which cools the Earth.

• Trees produce methane, which is a greenhouse gas.

What is overconsumption?

• Using resources at a sustainable rate.

• Using more resources than necessary, leading to waste and depletion.

• Conserving resources for future generations.

• Recycling resources to prevent waste.

List two effects of overconsumption on the environment.

• Increased biodiversity and cleaner air.

• Pollution and loss of biodiversity.

• More natural habitats and reduced waste.

• Decreased pollution and increased resource availability.

What is carrying capacity?

• The maximum number of people that Earth’s resources can support without causing environmental damage.

• The minimum number of resources needed to sustain life.

• The amount of resources available for future generations.

• The number of species that can coexist in a habitat.

Name one way human population growth affects natural resources.

• Decreased demand for food, water, and energy.

• Increased demand for food, water, and energy, leading to resource depletion.

• Stabilization of resource consumption.

• Reduction in the need for renewable resources.

What are two possible solutions to resource depletion?

• Overconsumption and deforestation.

• Conservation and using renewable energy sources.

• Pollution and habitat destruction.

• Increased fossil fuel use and waste production.

How does pollution affect biodiversity?

• Pollution can destroy habitats and poison animals, leading to species extinction.

• Pollution increases the number of species in an area.

• Pollution has no effect on biodiversity.

• Pollution helps species adapt to new environments.

Why is recycling important in reducing overconsumption?

• It increases the need for raw material extraction.

• It reduces waste, conserves resources, and decreases the need for raw material extraction.

• It leads to more waste and resource depletion.

• It has no impact on resource conservation.