APEX APES 4.3.1 Study: Renewable Resources

renewable resource

A resource whose supply can be replaced in a relatively short period of time after being consumed.

sustainable

Involving practices that do not completely use up a natural resource.

Clean air

Supports plants and animals; Replenished by the matter and energy cycles (carbon and nitrogen cycles); Affected by pollution.

Freshwater

Supports plants, animals, and humans; Replenished by the water cycle; Affected by pollution.

Fertile soil

Supports plants; Replenished by organic materials; Affected by overuse, which causes loss of nutrients.

Food

Supports predators; Replenished by births (animals) and germination (plants); Affected by pollutants, overharvesting.

Energy resources

Produce electricity, heat homes; Replenished by the sun's energy; Affected by lack of funding.

Building materials

Produces build/construction; Replenished by tree growth; Affected by pollution, overharvesting.

Renewable resources management

Renewable resources may run out if they are not managed sustainably.

Connection between renewable resources and sustainability

Renewable resources can still renew themselves if there is overconsumption, but they just won't renew themselves as quickly. Sustainability prevents this from happening and allows renewable resources to renew themselves even more.

Relationship between human population growth and renewable resources

Human growth negatively impacts renewable resources. If the human population continues to grow, then the wood demand will continue to grow. Therefore, causing overconsumption.