What does the term "environmental degradation" refer to?

The term "environmental degradation" specifically refers to the deterioration of the environment through the depletion of resources. This encompasses a range of issues, including deforestation, pollution, loss of biodiversity, and climate change, all of which contribute to a decline in the health of ecosystems. When natural resources such as water, soil, and air become depleted or contaminated, the overall quality of the environment diminishes, impacting not only wildlife but also human health and well-being.

This concept highlights the negative impacts of human activities on the surrounding environment and emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices to protect and restore ecological balance. While other options may touch on related topics, they do not accurately capture the essence of environmental degradation as a process of decline and depletion.