The great basic facts are already well known. We know that our population is now adding about one-fifth to its numbers in ten years, and that by the middle of the present century perhaps one hundred and fifty million Americans, and by its end very many millions more, must be fed and clothed from the products of our soil. With the steady growth in population and the still more rapid increase in consumption, our people will hereafter make greater and not less demands per capita upon all the natural resources for their livelihood, comfort, and convenience. It is high time to realize that our responsibility to the coming millions is like that of parents to their children, and that in wasting our resources we are wronging our descendants. –President Theodore Roosevelt to Congress,
February 1909
Which statement best summarizes the main idea of this passage?
Rising population rates will cause major problems for the environment.
There is no connection between social issues and environmental issues.
There are enough natural resources to support the nation’s growing population.
Environmental issues should take a back seat to poverty and other social problems.