Question

freshwater can be renewed, but environmentalists consider it nonrenewable. why is there a contradiction in classification?
○ freshwater is recycled through the use of irrigation, bathing, and everyday use.
○ freshwater is easily polluted or depleted before it can be replaced.
○ freshwater evaporates and condenses, and then precipitation returns it to the lakes.
○ freshwater is highly affected by global warming, and is quickly evaporating.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze each option:

• Option 1: Recycling via use doesn't explain nonrenewable classification.
• Option 2: If freshwater is polluted or depleted before replacement, its renewal is hindered, so environmentalists see it as nonrenewable (since it can't be renewed in time for use), which explains the contradiction.
• Option 3: Evaporation - condensation - precipitation is the water cycle that renews freshwater, so this doesn't explain the nonrenewable classification.
• Option 4: Global warming - induced evaporation doesn't relate to the renewal - nonrenewal contradiction directly.

Answer:

B. Freshwater is easily polluted or depleted before it can be replaced.