Question

how goods are produced often affects an entire society. natural resources, we have learned, are limited. while some natural resources can be replaced or renewed, others cannot." discuss the implications of these statements for people who make decisions concerning the use of mineral resources

Answer 1

Answer:

Decision makers should focus on using Renewable resources rather than non renewable resources.

Explanation:

Renewable Sources are easily and quickly restored by nature. Eg Sunlight , Water . Non renewable sources take long time & difficult process to get replenished by nature. Eg Fossil Fuels like Coal, Petrol.

Societies face the problem of scarcity - i.e resources supply short of their demand & they also have alternative uses. So, any choice amidst scarcity implies opportunity cost (sacrifised) by some other member(s) of society. Eg - Non renewable resources used by a social group reduces their availability for other society groups.

Hence : Decision makers regarding mineral resources should focus on using renewable resources (which are abundant & replenish quickly) , rather than non renewable resources (scare & replenish very slowly). This will be beneficial for society as a whole.

Answer 2

While overuse of fossil fuels will cause pollution, world without them is also difficult. A balance is required.

Explanation:

• Without fossil fuels vehicle transport for conveyance does not happen, food won't be transported, and thus life may come to standstill. It will take sometimes, centuries for the alternative sources to replace fossil fuels.  
• Overuse will cause pollution to happen and the fossil fuels getting depleted. We already found that if fossil fuels are not there, world will come to standstill. Therefore, cannot deplete them.
• Balanced usage, usage with caution, and development of alternative sources are the ways to tackle the problem. These are the implications of the statements.