Which of these is the BEST example of a RENEWABLE resource that can become SCARCE if mismanaged?
ADiamond (a non-renewable mineral)
BPetroleum (a fossil fuel that cannot regenerate quickly)
CFresh water — though renewable, it can become very scarce if overused or polluted
DCoal (a fossil fuel)
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. Fresh water — though renewable, it can become very scarce if overused or polluted
Fresh water is technically a renewable resource — the water cycle replenishes it. But human overuse (groundwater extraction faster than recharge, deforestation reducing rainfall) and pollution can make it locally scarce. This is why water conservation is a sustainable-development priority. Diamonds, petroleum and coal are inherently non-renewable on human timescales.
Related questions
One principle of sustainable development is that the diversity of life on the earth:Many natural resources are free gifts of nature, meaning they:Water seems to be an unlimited renewable resource, yet:Solar and wind energy are renewable resources that are also:If we are not careful, even renewable resources can become:Balancing the need to use resources and to conserve them for the future is:Using resources carefully and giving them time to get renewed is called:Iron ore became a resource only when people learnt to: