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 daily use doesn't explain why it's considered non - renewable. It just talks about reuse, not renewal rate or depletion.
• Option 2: Renewable resources are those that can be replaced at a rate comparable to their consumption. If freshwater is easily polluted or depleted before replacement (through natural cycles like the water cycle), its ability to be renewed in a way that meets human demand is compromised. So environmentalists might see it as non - renewable because the rate of pollution/depletion outpaces renewal.
• Option 3: This describes the natural water cycle which supports freshwater being renewable, so it doesn't explain the contradiction.
• Option 4: Global warming - induced evaporation is not the main reason for the contradiction between its theoretical renewability and environmentalists' view. The key is about pollution/depletion vs. replacement, not just evaporation due to global warming.

Answer:

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