Which of the following is an example of replenishable natural capital?

Study for the IB Environmental Systems and Societies Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Replenishable natural capital refers to resources that can be regenerated or restored over time, enabling their continued availability. Groundwater is classified as replenishable because it can be naturally recharged through precipitation and surface water infiltration into aquifers. This process allows the groundwater levels to be restored after extraction, provided that the rate of extraction does not exceed the rate of replenishment, making it a sustainable resource if managed properly.

In contrast, fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas are considered non-renewable resources because they take millions of years to form and, once depleted, cannot be replenished on a human timescale. Consequently, while groundwater has the potential for regeneration, the other options do not have the same sustainability characteristic, making groundwater the only example of replenishable natural capital in this scenario.

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