Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Resource consumption refers to the utilization of natural resources by humans for various purposes, such as energy production, manufacturing, and agriculture. It involves the extraction, processing, and use of resources from the environment.
Related terms
Sustainable Consumption: Sustainable consumption refers to using resources in a way that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Overconsumption: Overconsumption occurs when individuals or societies use more resources than necessary or sustainable.
Ecological footprint is a measure of human demand on nature's ecosystems based on the amount of land and water required to sustainably provide all the resources consumed and absorb all waste generated.