A 1994 report made by the Department of Energy states, at the present rate of consumption the United States has 15-20 years of oil reserves left. The United States imports a little over half of its oil. Based on these figures alone, it is a real possibility that fossil fuels may become scarce or too expensive to support the nation's energy needs. The industrialization and development of the United States in the 20 th century was almost solely based on the availability of large amounts of natural resources per capita within our borders. The Japanese economy on the other hand has very little to work with.
Japan is incomparable in land mass to that of the United States.
Japan also faces high economic and high demographic pressure whereas the United States faces high economic but low demographic pressure. Simply stated, although Japan has little resources available, its economy still thrives. Japan's economic successes are due mainly to its ability to effectively balance imports and manage technology. Technology and industrialization are huge factors in the economic growth of countries. However, recognition of these factors to the depletion and deterioration to the environment and the earth's natural resources should not be taken lightly.