Question

Choose one natural resource and conduct research about it. Identify the resource. Where is it found in abundance? Is it renewable or nonrenewable? How do humans use the natural resource? In what ways is it retrieved from nature? Describe how the extraction of the resource impacts the environment. When do experts expect the extraction of that resource will reach its peak? How does human consumption of the resource impact the environment? What do you predict will happen to both the availability of the resource and consequences of using it as the population continues to increase? What potential solutions are being offered as alternatives to the resource? What are ways humans can limit consumption of this resource?

Answer 1

Fresh water is a natural resource while is steadily declining, most prominently in areas such as Asia and North America. There is roughly 326 million trillion gallons of water on this earth however only 3% is drinkable, fresh water. The most significant use of water is to produce hydropower through harnessing its energy, however fresh water is also extracted for consumption, farming and many other daily chores. According to experts, when the annual water supply drops below 1000 m3 per person, this is when the population of that area faces water scarcity. It is predicted that by 2025, most countries within Africa will face this extreme water scarcity as a result of an increasing population and therefore increased water demands. Humans can limit their consumption by conserving fresh water for uses outside of consumption. Water is renewable through rain however we are depleting it at rate in which is cannot be sustained.