Explain the concept of conservation of natural resources.

conservation of natural resources doesn’t mean not using them. it means managing them for their best use over time, including delaying use if delay preserves them for continuing use by future generations. a “natural resource” is an element of nature that has “utility” for humans — a utility that supports our life and wellbeing. but natural resources are not inexhaustible — the regenerative capability of renewable (biological) resources can be destroyed, the economic cost of recovery of non-renewable can be exceeded.

the objective of resource conservation is to support and expand our own quality of life but without risking the future wellbeing of our children. we do that by making sure that we don’t waste our resources of dumb stuff like endangered species harvesting, egregious material splendor, or weapons of destruction.

the completion of the erie canal spurred the first great westward movement of american settlers, gave access to the rich land and resources west of the appalachians and made new york the preeminent commercial city in the united states.