This Week You Were Introduced To Environmental Science

Question

This Week You Were Introduced To Environmental Science With Some Of Y This week you were introduced to environmental science. With some of your background knowledge, and what you have learned from your readings, consider the following statement: The world will never run out of resources because we can use technology to find substitutes; this will help us reduce resource waste. Do you agree with this statement? Explain your position. Needs to be at least 150 words with at least one incite citation and one reference. THIS PAPER IS DUE TODAY

Dr. Jack HW Helper · Accepted Answer

This Week You Were Introduced To Environmental Science With Some Of Y

This week you were introduced to environmental science. With some of your background knowledge, and what you have learned from your readings, consider the following statement: The world will never run out of resources because we can use technology to find substitutes; this will help us reduce resource waste. Do you agree with this statement? Explain your position. Needs to be at least 150 words with at least one incite citation and one reference. THIS PAPER IS DUE TODAY

Paper For Above instruction

This Week You Were Introduced To Environmental Science With Some Of Y

Environmental Science and Resource Sustainability

The assertion that technological innovation can indefinitely prevent the depletion of Earth's resources by enabling the use of substitutes is a topic of ongoing debate in environmental science. While technological advancements have significantly contributed to resource efficiency and the development of alternatives, it is overly optimistic to assume that resources will never be exhausted. Many resources, especially finite fossil fuels and minerals, face depletion risks despite technological progress. For example, renewable energy sources like solar and wind have expanded the availability of energy options, yet their implementation is limited by economic, geographic, and technological constraints (World Resources Institute, 2020). Furthermore, substituting one resource for another does not eliminate environmental impacts such as habitat destruction or pollution during the extraction and processing phases. Additionally, certain resources, like freshwater, are limited and cannot be readily substituted, highlighting that some natural resources are irreplaceable. Therefore, relying solely on technological substitutes overlooks the importance of sustainable consumption and resource conservation. A comprehensive approach, combining technological innovation with responsible resource management, is vital to ensuring long-term resource availability (Kareiva & Marvier, 2012). In conclusion, while technology plays a critical role in extending resource life and reducing waste, it cannot guarantee an indefinite supply, especially without sustainable practices.

References

Kareiva, P., & Marvier, M. (2012). What is conservation science? BioScience, 62(11), 962–969.
World Resources Institute. (2020). The Future of Renewable Energy. Retrieved from https://www.wri.org