<Li> Cultures of consumerism . Materialistic views lead to the mining of gold and diamonds to produce jewelry, unnecessary commodities for human life or advancement . Consumerism also leads to extraction of resources for the production of commodities necessary for human life but in amounts excessive of what is needed, because people consume more than is necessary or waste what they have . For example, the production of meat puts a great strain on our food system . </Li> <Li> Excessive demand often leads to conflicts due to intense competition . Organizations such as Global Witness and the United Nations have documented the connection . </Li> <Li> Non-equitable distribution of resources . </Li> <P> Natural resources are not limitless, and the following consequences can arise from the careless and excessive consumption of these resources: </P>

Impacts of exploitation of natural resources on the environment