Problem
Irreversible depletion of natural capital
Experimental visualization of narrower problems
Other Names:
Loss of non-renewable resourcesAttrition of renewable resources faster than replacement rate
Nature:
Within the next 50 years, the earth's population will probably pass 9 billion, and global economic output may quintuple. Largely as a result, renewable resources will become increasingly scarce. The total area of agricultural land will shrink, Many remaining virgin forests will be lost. Overuse and pollution of aquifers, rivers and other water supplies will continue. Thinning of the ozone layer will probably worsen. Such scarcities could spark violent civil or international conflict.
Broader Problems:
ExhaustionIrreversibilityResource depletionEnvironmental degradationUnsustainable developmentEnvironmental hazards from the construction industry Narrower Problems:
Soil erosionDeforestationLand degradationDestruction of wildernessOzone layer depletion Unsustainable harvesting ratesExhaustion of mineral resourcesErosion of biological diversityFragmentation of natural habitatThreatened biological communitiesOverexploitation of underground water resources Aggravates:
End of natureShortage of natural resourcesIrreversible problem emergenceIrreversible environmental trends Strategies:
Ensuring sustainable use of biological resourcesConducting natural resources damage assessmentsPlanning development of natural resourcesUsing genetic resourcesReplacing renewable resourcesManaging natural resourcesDepleting national reservesSlowing down irreversible depletion of natural capital Subject(s):
Commerce → FinanceConservation → Restoration
Geography → Nature
Resources → Resources
Societal Problems → Inadequacy
Related UN Sustainable Development Goals:
Problem Type:
A: Abstract Fundamental Problems Date of last update
15.04.2019 – 15:37 CEST