What is a common result of overexploitation of natural resources?

Overexploitation of natural resources often leads to significant environmental degradation, which is manifested in increased pollution and deforestation. When resources such as forests, water sources, and minerals are extracted beyond sustainable levels, it can result in habitat destruction, loss of plant and animal species, and a rise in waste products that contaminate the environment. For instance, deforestation for agriculture or urban development not only reduces the number of trees that can purify the air and water, but it also contributes to habitat loss, which further leads to a decrease in biodiversity. Additionally, the processes associated with overexploitation—such as mining, logging, and intensive farming—often introduce harmful chemicals and pollutants into ecosystems, exacerbating the degradation of land and water quality. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the relationship between unsustainable resource use and its negative environmental impacts.