How are environmental issues related to scarcity and opportunity cost?

Environmental issues are closely linked to scarcity and opportunity cost because Natural Resources are limited, and their overexploitation can lead to depletion and degradation. When resources such as clean water, air, and biodiversity are scarce, society faces trade-offs in decision-making, where choosing one option may compromise another—like prioritizing economic growth over environmental conservation. This highlights the opportunity cost of not investing in sustainable practices, as failing to protect the environment can result in long-term economic and social consequences. Ultimately, addressing environmental issues requires balancing resource use with the preservation of ecosystems for future generations.