Resource depletionErica and Aly

Definition

• Resource depletion is the exhaustion of raw materials within a region. Resources are commonly divided between renewable resources and non-renewable resources. Use of either of these forms of resources beyond their rate of replacement is considered to be resource depletion.

Major Problem?

• Large-scale exploitation of minerals began in the Industrial Revolution around 1760 in England and has grown rapidly ever since. Today’s economy is largely based on fossil fuels, minerals and oil. The value increases because of the large demand, but the supply is decreasing. This has resulted in more efforts to drill and search other territories.

Causes

• Over-consumption/excessive or unnecessary use of resources• Overpopulation• Slash and burn agricultural practices, currently occurring in many

developing countries• Technological and industrial development• Erosion• Habitat degradation leads to the loss of Biodiversity (i.e. species and

ecosystems with its ecosystem services).• Irrigation• Mining for oil and minerals• Aquifer depletion• Pollution or contamination of resources

It Exists!

• Fossil Fuels• Solar Power• Minerals Other than Petroleum• Grain• Water• Arable Land• Population