Final answer:
The absence of government intervention in 'The Lorax' leads to the B) unrestricted exploitation of natural resources and environmental degradation. Economic growth might be momentarily enhanced, but long-term environmental costs and loss of biodiversity are significant outcomes. Strong, enforced regulatory measures are necessary to prevent such negative impacts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The main consequence of no government intervention in 'The Lorax' would be B) Unrestricted exploitation of natural resources leading to environmental degradation. Without intervention, there would be increased activity in industries such as timber extraction, oil and gas development, which are significant causes of deforestation and pollution. This in turn could lead to loss of habitats, pollution of freshwater supplies, and overall adverse environmental impacts.
While some argue that economic growth could be enhanced, the environmental costs could outweigh these economic benefits, often resulting in further poverty and loss of biodiversity. Conservation efforts, including no-take areas and sensible co-management agreements, often require governmental backing to ensure they are effective and to regulate exploitative systems.
When regulations are weak, absent, or corrupt, the results can lead to further degradation and exploitation of resources. Conservation and the use of economic incentives can go some way to mitigate these effects, but without legislation to enforce sustainable management, it is challenging to prevent environmental degradation.