1. World problems
  2. Irreversible depletion of natural capital

Irreversible depletion of natural capital

  • Loss of non-renewable resources
  • Attrition 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.

Claim

Our generation is supporting itself on a one-time depletion of natural capital.

Broader

Irreversibility
Yet to rate

Narrower

Soil erosion
Excellent
Deforestation
Excellent
Land degradation
Presentable

Aggravates

Aggravated by

Energy leaks
Presentable
Rogue capitalism
Yet to rate

Strategy

Value

Attrition
Yet to rate
Irreversibility
Yet to rate
Depletion
Yet to rate
Loss
Yet to rate

SDG

Sustainable Development Goal #7: Affordable and Clean EnergySustainable Development Goal #15: Life on Land

Metadata

Database
World problems
Type
(B) Basic universal problems
Subject
  • Commerce » Finance
  • Conservation » Restoration
  • Geography » Nature
  • Resources » Resources
  • Societal problems » Inadequacy
  • Content quality
    Presentable
     Presentable
    Language
    English
    Last update
    May 20, 2022