Question

Чем вызванна нехватка нат. ресурсов на англ. the shortage of natural resources

Answer 1

Science. Lack of natural resources

Lack of natural resources according to the latest report "Living Planet" World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Earth awaits a catastrophic shortage of natural resources, because our planet is being depleted biozapas "with unprecedented speed in the history of mankind."

The basis of the report are statistics accumulated Zoological Society of London, which cover about 5 thousand. Populations of more than 1,600 species of animals and reflect the "ecological footprint" of a person (a measure of human impact on the environment, which allows to determine the relationship between the needs of people and quantity of environmental resources available in stock). For example, if in 1960, "the majority of countries do not go beyond their environmental resources", that for the period from 1970 to 2005, biodiversity has declined by almost a third, and the "ecological footprint" has doubled. As the authors of the report, this loss is caused by the fact that natural resources are consumed by man faster than the planet is able to recover them.

"Biological reserves of the Earth is the total amount of biologically productive areas that can provide all the needs of mankind, and they include agricultural, pasture, forest, fishing grounds," - said in a statement. "By 2003, the" ecological footprint "exceeds the biological capacity of the Earth is 25%. This means that the planet is no longer able to replenish consumed human resources. " At current rates of consumption of resources by 2050 people's needs will be twice the capacity of the Earth.

The authors of the report suggest WWF five possible scenarios - from continuing vital unchanged until the transition to the use of renewable resources. Maybe humanity is worth thinking about the development of other planets to sustain their own lives?

Science fiction in his books already foresee a similar scenario of human development of the Earth. For example, in the famous book by Isaac Asimov «Academy» (Foundation), written in 1951, people have solved the problem of overpopulation and resource depletion of the Earth planet is very simple: they took all more or less suitable planets in the solar system, and then - and other star systems. It was created by another two dozen agricultural worlds to feed all this great community.

But it is much wiser it would not seek and explore other planets and their resources, and a more rational and economical use of the resources of their own planet.

Answer 2

The Causes of the Shortage of Natural Resources

The shortage of natural resources can be attributed to several factors:

1. Overexploitation and Depletion: - Overexploitation of natural resources, such as forests, fisheries, and water sources, can lead to their depletion and scarcity.

2. Population Growth: - The increasing global population puts pressure on natural resources, leading to their increased consumption and depletion.

3. Environmental Degradation: - Environmental degradation, including pollution and habitat destruction, can diminish the availability of natural resources.

4. Climate Change: - Climate change can impact the availability of natural resources, such as water and arable land, leading to shortages in certain regions.

5. Economic and Political Factors: - Economic and political factors, such as unequal distribution of resources, inefficient resource management, and conflicts over resource control, can contribute to shortages.

Impact of Natural Resource Shortages

The shortage of natural resources can have significant impacts on various aspects of society:

1. Economic Impact: - Natural resource shortages can lead to increased prices for essential goods and services, affecting industries and economies dependent on these resources [[4]](https://www.fao.org/3/i1688r/i1688r.pdf).

2. Social Impact: - Shortages of natural resources can exacerbate social inequalities and lead to conflicts over resource access and distribution.

3. Environmental Impact: - Resource shortages can result in environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity, impacting ecosystems and the overall health of the planet.

4. Geopolitical Impact: - Scarcity of natural resources can lead to geopolitical tensions and conflicts between nations competing for limited resources.

Addressing Natural Resource Shortages

Efforts to address natural resource shortages involve various strategies:

1. Sustainable Resource Management: - Implementing sustainable practices for resource extraction, consumption, and conservation to ensure long-term availability.

2. Technological Innovation: - Developing and adopting technologies for resource efficiency, renewable energy, and alternative materials to reduce reliance on finite resources.

3. International Cooperation: - Collaborating on global initiatives and agreements to address resource shortages and promote equitable resource distribution.

4. Policy Interventions: - Implementing policies and regulations to promote responsible resource use, reduce waste, and mitigate environmental impacts.

In conclusion, the shortage of natural resources is a complex issue influenced by a combination of environmental, economic, social, and political factors. Addressing these shortages requires a multifaceted approach involving sustainable management, technological innovation, international cooperation, and policy interventions.