describe two impacts of obtaining non-renewable sources, and how these have been affected by increasing population
Two impacts of obtaining non-renewable sources are environmental degradation and economic dependency. These impacts have been significantly affected by the increasing population.
1. Environmental Degradation: The extraction and usage of non-renewable resources are often associated with negative environmental impacts. For instance, the extraction of fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas can lead to deforestation, habitat destruction, and air and water pollution. The process of mining for metals and minerals can also result in soil erosion, water contamination, and the release of harmful greenhouse gases. With a growing population, the demand for these resources increases, leading to intensified extraction activities, further exacerbating environmental degradation.
The increasing population puts additional pressure on ecosystems and environmental resources, leading to accelerated deforestation, pollution, and the destruction of natural habitats. As people consume more energy and products derived from non-renewable sources, the strain on ecosystems intensifies, resulting in the depletion of resources and increased environmental degradation.
2. Economic Dependency: Non-renewable resources are often valuable commodities in the global economy. Countries that are rich in non-renewable resources can benefit economically from exporting these resources, thereby generating revenue. However, overreliance on non-renewable resources can create economic dependency, which can negatively impact the long-term economic stability of a nation.
With the increasing population, the demand for energy and raw materials derived from non-renewable resources rises. This leads to a greater need to import these resources for countries that do not have substantial reserves of their own. As a consequence, these countries may become economically dependent on resource-rich nations, subject to price fluctuations, geopolitical tensions, and potential economic vulnerability when the resources start to decline.
Moreover, the finite nature of non-renewable resources means that their availability will eventually decrease as they are depleted. As the global population continues to grow, competition for these diminishing resources may intensify, driving up prices and creating economic imbalances.
In summary, the impact of obtaining non-renewable sources, such as environmental degradation and economic dependency, has been exacerbated by the increasing world population. As more resources are consumed to meet the rising demands of a growing population, the negative consequences of resource extraction and reliance on non-renewable sources become even more prominent. It highlights the urgency to transition towards sustainable alternatives and develop strategies to manage the impacts of population growth on resource consumption and environmental sustainability.