Natural Resources and Energy Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Natural Resources and Energy Paper - Essay Example The use of fuel wood in both industrial and domestic use is a major contributor to desertification and reduction of the forest cover (Department of sustainability Environment, WaterPopulation and Communities, 2009, p. 23). Likewise, the increase of population puts pressure on the existing forests. Human population growth is a factor affecting forest cover across the world. Human population has grown to reach seven billion in 2008, which is exerting pressure on the forests and the agricultural land. The growth of population has affected some species of wildlife and plants making them endangered. For instance, some wildlife and plants have been considered extinct because of over-exploitation or encroachment on their natural habitat. Encroachment on the natural habitat of the plants and wildlife is a major concern in the conservation efforts across the world. In spite of the efforts to conserve the forests, challenges exist in the society on the best approaches to conservation and prote ction of the natural habitat. The demand for land for establishment of towns and cities due to population growth is alarming and the challenge is made worse by the increasing need for energy supply. The development of renewable energy sources is vital for the development of sustainable forests. It will reduce reliance of wood fuel and fossil fuel. In addition, it reduces air pollution by reducing carbon emission. The best form of energy is hydrogenation which involves the use of water to generate electricity. It is environmentally friendly and encourages protection and conservation of the forest. The energy is considered renewable and effective because it has zero carbon emission. The success of hydro-generation depends on the availability of the water and height. Other energy sources that are environmentally friendly include solar and wind energy (McGrath, 2009). Together with hydro energy, wind and solar energy should be