SCIENCE Q4 GROUP 3 OUTLINE (REPORTING)

Causes of the Decrease in the Availability of Natural Resources

I. INTRODUCTION

Natural resources are naturally occurring things that are beneficial to man or could be used under
hypothetical technological, economic, or social conditions, or supplies extracted from the ground. Natural
resources are found in the environment that have been developed without the intervention of humans. Natural
resources were traditionally the domain of the natural sciences. The sustainable use of important natural
resources such as soil, water, air, sunlight, minerals, forests, and plants is referred to as natural resources.
Overall, these resources provide ecological services that improve human life quality.

Humanity was compelled to confront its own impact on the planet in the face of adversity. This revelation
inspired a great quote by an environmentalist: "The Earth provides enough to satisfy every person's needs, but
not every person's greed. (Mahatma Gandhi). This quote served as a sobering reminder that our actions have
consequences and that we must strive for a more balanced and sustainable approach to resource consumption.

Natural resource availability is dwindling at an alarming rate, creating substantial challenges to our planet's
sustainability and the well-being of future generations. Overconsumption, population growth, unsustainable
extraction practices, deforestation, habitat destruction, and the influence of climate change are all factors
contributing to this problem. Natural resource depletion will have serious ramifications for ecosystems,
economies, and human lifestyles around the world if it is not addressed.

Throughout history, there has been an increasing concern about the shortage of natural resources. However,
the magnitude and urgency of the problem have recently increased due to a variety of circumstances.

II. BODY

Natural resource depletion is a global environmental issue that affects the lifestyles of billions of people on
our planet. It has a big impact on the health of our planet and all of its creatures, including ourselves. The
majority of the natural resources that we use in our society play an important role in our survival and way of
life. However, natural resource depletion is an environmental issue that has only recently grown into a major
concern. The reason for this is that our standard of living has greatly improved, but at the cost of causing harm
to our planet. This is more apparent than ever as the climate issue intensifies, our oceans get more polluted, and
our natural resources diminish.

Natural resources are regulated by various government organizations, such as the Environmental Protection
Agency, the United States Department of Justice, and the United States Department of Agriculture.
Furthermore, natural resources are owned by private individuals, corporations, and various land trusts.

There are some examples of natural resource depletion in the Amazon Rainforest of Brazil and in the
Florida Everglades.

There is a growing concern for the decrease in the availability of natural resources, due to a limited amount
of natural resources. Many people are worried about it because natural resources are essential for the world's
economy and the functioning of society, the rapid depletion of natural resources is highly concerning.

However, there are numerous reasons why our natural resources are depleting, making this an extremely
complex issue. The following are some of the causes of the decrease in the availability of natural resources:
1. P – Poor management

Natural resources are often managed poorly, leading to overexploitation and the loss of resources. This
can be due to legal or political factors, corruption, or a lack of resources to maintain the resources.

2. O – Overpopulation

As the global population grows, the demand for resources and the pressure on the environment also
increase.

3. D – Deforestation and the Destruction of Ecosystems

Forests are cut annually to make space for multiplexes, residential complexes, etc. This doesn't only
destroy trees, it also destroys the homes of thousands of species of animals.

4. I – Industrialization

The rapid development and growth of industries have a significant impact on natural resources. This
includes the extraction, processing, and use of natural resources, leading to the degradation of the environment.

5. U – Unsustainable Consumption Habits

Our current consumer behavior and lifestyle have an impact on natural resources. Overconsumption
leads to the decline of resources, and it is not sustainable in the long run.

6. M – Mining

Mining of minerals and metals is in high demand in today’s world. This is a very big problem, as
resources are being depleted day by day.

The impacts have been ignored for decades because governments, industries, and society either didn't
consider them to be a severe concern in the past or chose to ignore them. However, now the data is clear and the
symptoms are being felt all across the world, we can no longer ignore the repercussions of natural resource
depletion. The undesirable side effect of resource depletion is that it frequently causes a cascade of social and
environmental problems.

Natural resource depletion can have economic, social, and environmental impact on every single one of
us. Natural resource costs might rise, which could lead to conflicts between countries. Moreover, depleting
natural resources affects ecosystems and compromises the environmental balances that we rely on. The
depletion of natural resources and environmental devastation can endanger livelihoods, particularly for the
world's more than one billion farmers, resulting in food and economic insecurity as well as nutritional
difficulties.
 Preventing natural resource depletion is essential for the environment, economy, and human health and
well-being. We make extensive use of natural resources, yet there are several methods to conserve them. There
is a lot we can all do to protect our natural resources. To address these concerns, it is critical to establish
sustainable practices and regulations that highlight natural resource conservation and preservation for future
generations. Here are some things you can do to help avoid the deterioration of our natural resources and
address the dwindling availability of natural resources.

1. Practice sustainable habits: Individuals can do their part to make sustainable choices, such as reducing
energy, water, and waste, and choosing products that are ethically sourced and environmentally friendly.

2. Support sustainable policies: Encouraging governments and businesses to adopt sustainable policies and
support environmentally responsible practices can contribute to the conservation and preservation of natural
resources.

3. Invest in renewable energy: Transitioning to renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and
hydropower, reduces the reliance on fossil fuels and helps reduce greenhouse emissions.

4. Promote conservation efforts: Supporting and participating in conservation efforts, such as planting trees,
protecting wild spaces, and reducing the use of single-use plastics, can help preserve natural resources and
promote environmental sustainability.

5. Spread awareness: Raising awareness about the importance of conserving natural resources and creating a
culture of sustainability can encourage individuals, communities, and organizations to take collective action and
promote sustainable development.

In addition, solutions to natural resources depletion include sustainable development strategies and
energy efficiency with an emphasis on a circular economy, modify human behavior and modernize technology
in order to be environmentally friendly. Make electricity use more efficient, use more renewable energy,
promote sustainable fishing rules, avoid single-use plastics, drive less, recycle more and improve recycling
systems, use sustainable agriculture practices, reduce food waste, promote sustainable forest management, treat
wastewater before discharging it.

It will take more than one nation or administration to bring about the needed change in our world. To
establish a sustainable future where resource depletion is no longer a worry, everyone on our planet must work
together.

There is plenty to be optimistic about as we enter a new era of sustainability. Society is beginning to
recognize the harm we cause our world and ourselves by depleting natural resources, leading to a conscious
shift in how we regard our environment.

With green living becoming more popular and the development of new eco-friendly technology reaching
new heights, humanity's ability to minimize and correct many of its previous mistakes is a possibility on the
horizon. Solving the problems created by natural resource depletion may not happen immediately and may not
even happen within our lifetime, but taking the initial steps in the correct way is how we can assure that change
can begin.

It is vital to recognize that managing the issue of diminishing natural resources involves an integrated
approach. Every individual's actions, when joined with the collective efforts of all stakeholders, will help to
preserve and conserve natural resources for future generations.
 III. Conclusion

In conclusion, natural resource depletion is a critical worldwide issue with serious consequences for our
planet, ecosystems, economy, and future generations' well-being. This problem is exacerbated by
overconsumption, inadequate management, overpopulation, deforestation, industrialization, unsustainable
consumption habits, and mining. Rising expenses, conflicts, environmental degradation, and social and
economic insecurity are all repercussions of resource depletion. There is hope for a sustainable future. By
practicing sustainable habits, supporting sustainable policies, investing in renewable energy, promoting
conservation efforts, and spreading awareness, we can make a positive impact on natural resource conservation
and preservation. It requires collective action and a shift in behavior and mindset to ensure the long-term
availability and sustainability of our natural resources.

While addressing resource depletion may appear to be a daunting job, the growing recognition of our impact
on the environment, as well as the development of sustainable behaviors and technology, provide reasons for
optimism. We can bring about the necessary change and create a more sustainable future for ourselves and
future generations by taking the first steps and working together.

Responsible resource management and conservation necessitate an integrated strategy involving the actions
of individuals, governments, corporations, and communities. We can create a more balanced and sustainable
world for the benefit of everybody by maintaining and conserving natural resources.

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