Question

which of the following statements best describes the relationship between the natural resources of the united states and canada and the environmental issues facing both countries?
a. both countries produce large amounts of iron, lead, copper, gold and silver.
b. environmental problems such as air and water pollution are causing natural resources like fossil fuels and lumber sources to disappear.
c. the natural resources directly cause all of the environmental problems.
d. the methods used to extract many of the natural resources cause air and water pollution.
please select the best answer from the choices provided.
a
b
c
d

Explanation:

• Option A only mentions production of certain minerals and doesn't address the relationship between natural resources and environmental issues.
• Option B is incorrect as environmental problems like air and water pollution don't cause fossil fuels (non - renewable resources) to disappear. Fossil fuels are being depleted due to consumption, not pollution. Lumber sources can be affected by deforestation (not directly by air and water pollution in the way described).
• Option C is an over - simplification. Natural resources don't directly cause all environmental problems. For example, some environmental problems like improper waste disposal (not related to natural resource extraction) can also occur.
• Option D is correct. Methods used to extract natural resources (e.g., mining for minerals which can release pollutants into air and water, or logging operations that can lead to soil erosion affecting water quality) cause air and water pollution.

Answer:

D. The methods used to extract many of the natural resources cause air and water pollution.