Resource Availability, Human Consumption, and Population Growth

consumption rate

the rate at which a natural resource is used

ecosystem services

processes of natural systems that benefit humans, such as flood control and nutrient cycling

environmental limit

the point at which further consumption of a natural resource will lead to negative effects on ecosystem services and/or future resource availability

natural capital

the sum of all natural resources and ecosystem services on Earth

natural resource

materials and substances that form naturally on Earth and are used by humans

nonrenewable resource

a resource that cannot be replenished within a human lifespan or be recycled after they are used

renewable resource

a resource that can be replaced within a human lifespan or less

sustainability

the responsible management of natural resources for future generations so that the f consumption rate of a resource is less than or equal to the rate at which the resource is renewed