The data from the simulation illustrate that conservation measures can influence the duration for which coal resources remain available to a population.
Reviewing the data:
1. With no conservation measures and no population growth, coal lasts for 340 years.
2. If the population growth rate is average and no conservation measures are implemented, coal lasts for 150 years.
3. Introducing a wind power plant while maintaining an average population growth rate extends coal availability to 175 years.
4. Combining the construction of a wind power plant with public education on energy conservation extends coal availability further, to 250 years.
5. With a high population growth rate and no conservation measures, coal lasts for only 100 years.
From this, we can see that conservation tactics, such as building wind power plants and educating the public on energy conservation, can significantly extend the period that coal resources are available, even under conditions of population growth.
The correct interpretation, therefore, is:
B. Conservation can extend how long coal resources are available to a population.
