Minerals are obtained from the earth, refined, manufactured, used, and discarded. Each step produces massive amounts of waste. During the production of energy, food, and other goods, resource recovery is maximized and waste production is minimized. Biological Diversity is in decline. This indicates degradation of environmental quality.
Forests return precipitation to the atmosphere through transpiration.
After deforestation, precipitation is lost as runoff. Selective cutting - older trees are taken and reforestation is natural. Shelterwood cutting - only dead and undesirable trees cut. Seed tree cutting - all but a few seed trees are removed. Rain forests are located near the equator in Central and South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia.