Question

how natural resource use affects the environment
using natural resources is necessary for our survival, but using them has impacts on the environment. using different natural resources will have different effects on the environment. much of our natural resource use is in the form of fossil fuels to provide energy for the world. fossil fuels, including coal, oil and natural gas, formed over millions of years from the remains of plants and animals that were buried underground. fossil fuels are removed by drilling or mining for them. when fossil fuels are extracted, it disturbs the land causing habitat destruction and causes air and water pollution. when fossil fuels are burned to create energy, they release more pollutants and also add carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere. carbon dioxide is a greenhouse gas that traps heat in the atmosphere. adding carbon dioxide traps additional heat and causes earth to get warmer.
using other natural resources can also impact the environment. forests are clear - cut for lumber and other wood - based products. this destroys habitat for wildlife by clearing large areas of land. dams are built to store water in reservoirs which disturbs ecosystems downstream. metals and other mineral resources are extracted by strip mining which removes large amounts of topsoil causing land and water pollution. we should all work to reduce our natural resource use to help minimize the impact on the environment.

1. highlight or underline the correct word. the us population is growing/shrinking/staying the same
2. highlight or underline the correct word. per - capita consumption is growing/shrinking/staying the same
3. explain why changes in population size affect natural resource use.
4. highlight or underline the correct word. when per - capita use grows/shrinks the amount of natural resources that are used increases/decreases

Explanation:

1. The US population has been growing over time due to factors like birth - rates, immigration etc.
2. Per - capita consumption in the US has generally been growing as living standards and consumerism increase.
3. Larger populations require more natural resources for basic needs like food, water, shelter and energy. More people mean more demand for resources such as fossil fuels for energy, water for drinking and agriculture, and land for housing and food production.
4. When per - capita use grows, the amount of natural resources used increases because each individual is consuming more resources.

Answer:

1. GROWING
2. GROWING
3. Larger populations have higher resource demands for basic needs like food, water, shelter and energy.
4. GROWS, INCREASES