Concerns About Depletion of Natural Resources

Earth's resources are disappearing at an alarming rate. People are consuming more food, wood and oil than ever and if something is not done, the planet's natural resources will soon disappear. It is very important to have concern over the depletion of natural resources.

Oil Depletion

• The American Petroleum Institute estimates that the world's oil supply will be depleted by 2057. It takes millions of years for the earth to make new petroleum and since humans are using it far more quickly for the reserves to be restored, running out of oil is a real concern. Alternative energy sources need to be developed if humans are to prolong the inevitable. The effects of the impending depletion are already being in rising fuel and food costs.

Over Fishing

• The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that 70 percent of the world's fish stock are depleted or fully exploited. Improved commercial fishing equipment and increased fish consumption by consumers can be blamed for this problem. Oftentimes, commercial fishing companies ignore the regulations and do not report their full catch, which exacerbates the problem. Depleting stocks of certain species of fish cause untold problems in the planet's oceans and lakes because removing entire species either causes the breakdown of the food chain, or creates a window for other species to fill that void, upsetting the whole ecosystem. So-called ghost nets and 60-mile longlines, which indiscriminately kill all species of marine animals, slaughter untold numbers of animals every year, many of them endangered, according to the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society.

Deforestation

• Forests worldwide are being deforested at an alarming rate, especially in old growth forests. Old growth forests have reached maturity and are usually unharvested. In addition to cutting down the trees for the wood, many forests are being destroyed to make room for other crops, such as soybeans. Destroying forests leave thousands of animal species without a home as well as reducing the amount of oxygen released into the environment. While some people argue that there are more trees on the planet now than ever before thanks to new growth crops, these crops do not provide an adequate habitat for animals.

Over Farming

• With more than 6.7 people in the world, over farming is at an all-time high. Over farming occurred on a smaller scale during the Dust Bowl in the 1930s, driving more than 2.5 million people out of the plains states. Over farming occurs when fields are not allowed to rest between crops or when fields are exposed to the elements, leading to nutrient-depleted soil and nutrient-depleted produce. If farmers continue to over farm, a world-wide food shortage will result. Additionally, forests, including rain forests, are being burned and clear-cut to make way for cattle grazing lands, further harming the environment and the animals who live there.