"If the rate of resource extraction exceeds the rate of regeneration, it leads to reduction in carrying capacity of the environment.”

Question

a. "If the rate of resource extraction exceeds the rate of regeneration, it leads to reduction in carrying capacity of the environment.” 

Discuss the rationale of the given statement with valid reasons.

b. "Calorie-based norm is not an adequate measure to identify the poor." 

Establish the rationale of the given statement with valid reasons.

Answer 1

a. The environment is able to perform its functions uninterruptedly so long as the demand for these functions is within the carrying capacity of the environment. This means that the resources are not extracted beyond the rate of their regeneration. 

If there is a disequilibrium (demand being more than supply), the environment fails to replenish itself and it will lead to environmental crisis. Thus, to maintain a healthy environment, the carrying capacity of the environment must be valued and respected.

b. The calorie based norms is not an adequate measure to identify the poor as this method does not differentiate between the very poor and the other poor. This mechanism takes into account expenditure on food and a few other items as proxy for income. It ignores many other vital factors associated with poverty; for instance, the accessibility to basic education, health care, drinking water and sanitation.