ProductionConsumption Model

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Production-Consumption Model

• by
• William A. Wallace
• Senior Vice President
• CH2M HILL Inc.

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Production-Consumption Model
Resource Extraction, Harvesting
Process, Modify Resources
Convey, Transport
Consume
Discard
Harvesting
Extraction
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Conditions for Sustainability

• Renewable resources (ecological)
• Use lt Regeneration

• Non-renewable resources (minerals, fuels)
• Use lt Development of renewable substitutes

• Pollution emissions
• Emissions lt Carrying capacity of environment

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The Debate Over Sustainability
Resource Constrained
Resource Abundance
Ecological Resources (Renewable)
No real resource shortages
Little ecological damage
Impending resource shortages
Substantial ecological damage
Reaching carrying capacity
Carrying capacity not in jeopardy
Minerals, Metals, Fuels Resources (Non-Renewable)
No real resource shortages
Technology not capable of making additional
needed resources economically available
Impending Resource Shortages
Technological advances will continue to save the
day
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Ecological Resources A Closer Look
Improvements in harvesting technology
Harvesting
Regeneration
Improvements in harvesting technology
Reclamation
Ecological Resources (Renewable)