What is resource? The Effects of Overpopulation & Depletion of Natural Resources.

What is resource?

Ans. Everything in our environment which can be used to satisfy our needs, provided, it is technologically accessible, economically feasible, and culturally acceptable can be termed as a resource.

A resource is a physical material that humans need and value such as land, air, and water. Resources are characterized as renewable or nonrenewable; a renewable resource can replenish itself at the rate it is used, while a nonrenewable resource has a limited supply.

* How does the increase in the human population affect non-renewable resources?

* The Effects of Overpopulation & Depletion of Natural Resources.

Ans.

• Resource Scarcity: The world's population increased by more than 4 billion people during the 20th century. Although population growth rates are declining in several parts of the world, the population continues to grow and tax natural resources. In areas of tremendous population growth, fossil fuels, timber, water, and arable land can become scarce because of overconsumption and degradation. Resource scarcity has several consequences, including the forced migration of people. In contrast, resource scarcity often leads to technological innovations that find more efficient uses for resources.
• Rising Prices: Food, fuel, and energy prices rise when natural resources become scarce. A growing population means growing demand for resources. If demand rises too quickly, resource scarcity results and causes prices to rise for several reasons. Nonrenewable resources, including fossil fuels, cannot be replaced, so prices increase when supply dwindles. Even renewable resources, including timber, can increase in price if they need to be shipped long distances to reach areas where natural resources have been depleted.
• Pollution and Climate Change: People's consumption of energy for transportation, heat, food production, and other activities generates air, land, and water pollution. More people means more pollution, which can exacerbate the depletion of natural resources. For example, when fossil fuels are burned to generate power, carbon dioxide is released. This greenhouse gas traps heat in the atmosphere and contributes to climate change, a process that affects weather patterns, water resources, and the survival of animals and plants many depend on as food sources. Several industrial processes release harmful chemicals into the air and water as well.
• Water Shortages: In some areas of rapid population growth, such as sub-Saharan Africa, access to clean water is not guaranteed. When infrastructure development cannot keep up with population growth, water shortages and sanitation issues can occur. Almost 1 billion people lack access to clean water and more than twice that many do not have toilets. (see reference 6) Fecal contamination is a major cause of disease; water-related sickness kills a child every 21 seconds. People in impoverished, densely populated areas often spend more money and time accessing clean water than people living in developed areas.