Which practice best illustrates environmental stewardship?

Which practice best illustrates environmental stewardship?

• A. Clearing forests and draining wetlands for development.
• B. Ignoring environmental laws and pollution controls.
• C. Protecting forests and conserving water for future generations.
• D. Using resources without considering sustainability.

Answer: (C)

Environmental stewardship means taking care of natural resources so ecosystems stay healthy for people and wildlife. Protecting forests and conserving water for future generations embodies that approach because it preserves habitats, supports biodiversity, and keeps essential resources available over time. When forests are protected, soil is less prone to erosion, air and water quality improve, and carbon is stored, while conserving water helps ensure reliable supplies and reduces pressure on rivers and lakes. The other options describe actions that harm or neglect the environment, such as clearing land for development, ignoring environmental laws and pollution controls, or using resources without considering sustainability. So the best example is protecting forests and conserving water for future generations.