- 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.
Counter-claim
The so-called "irreversible depletion of natural capital" is vastly overstated and not a pressing concern. Human ingenuity and technological advancement consistently find alternatives and solutions to resource shortages. History shows that dire predictions about running out of resources rarely materialize. Instead of panicking over depletion, we should focus on innovation and economic growth, which have always enabled societies to adapt and thrive, rendering fears about natural capital depletion largely irrelevant.
Broader
Narrower
Aggravates
Aggravated by
Strategy
Value
SDG
Metadata
Database
World problems
Type
(B) Basic universal problems
Biological classification
N/A
Subject
- Commerce » Finance
- Conservation » Restoration
- Geography » Nature
- Resources » Resources
- Societal problems » Inadequacy
Content quality
Presentable
Language
English
1A4N
J3499
DOCID
12034990
D7NID
133977
Editing link
Official link
Last update
May 20, 2022