Sustainability Answers

Wind and solar energy are naturally replenished, and biomass can be renewable when plants and other biological resources are managed responsibly. Using these sources reduces dependence on finite fossil fuels and can lower greenhouse-gas emissions, helping meet energy needs over the long term.

Atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations are expected to increase, because practices that are responsible for carbon emissions are expected to increase. With an increased demand for energy caused by an increasing population, fossil fuel burning is expected to increase. When fossil fuels burn, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere. Additionally, the clearing of forests for agriculture and living space that occurs in response to increasing populations causes a release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

Wind, solar, and biomass energy are all forms of renewable energy. Wind and solar energy use do not deplete a natural resource as is the case with coal and oil use. Using renewable resources is a sustainable practice, because it allows for continued energy use. Coal and oil reserves will eventually be depleted beyond the energy demands of the population because they are nonrenewable resources. Wind, solar, and biomass energy, on the other hand, can meet current energy needs and continue to meet the energy needs of the future.

Increased human population not only increases the demand for freshwater, but also increases the risk of contamination of freshwater sources. As more people use a greater number of natural resources, the damage to the environment increases. With more freshwater sources being subject to pollution and an increased demand, water shortages are expected.

Environmental sustainability is achieved when the environment can meet the needs of a population without losing its ability to meet future needs. Recycling practices can lead to environmental sustainability, because they help reduce the amount of waste introduced into the environment, which leads to higher pollution levels and other environmental concerns. Recycling also reduces the amount of raw materials that are taken from the environment to produce new products.

Water shortages are expected to become widespread because freshwater is limited and unevenly distributed, while population growth increases demand for drinking water, agriculture, and industry. Pollution and climate-related changes can also reduce the amount of usable water.

Recycling reuses materials instead of requiring as much extraction and processing of new resources. It can save energy, reduce pollution and greenhouse-gas emissions, and decrease the amount of waste sent to landfills, helping conserve resources for the future.

Atmospheric carbon dioxide is expected to increase because people continue to burn fossil fuels for electricity, transportation, and industry. Population growth and rising energy use can add more emissions, while deforestation reduces the amount of carbon dioxide that plants remove from the atmosphere.