Which energy acquisition method has the least effect on the lithosphere?

Harvesting wood by selective cutting is considered to have the least effect on the lithosphere because this method is designed to minimize the environmental impact on the soil and terrain compared to other energy acquisition methods. Selective cutting involves the removal of specific trees while preserving the overall forest structure and surrounding ecosystem. This practice allows for regeneration and maintenance of forest habitats, which is less disruptive to the soil composition and stability than methods that require extensive land alteration or excavation.

In contrast, surface mining for uranium disturbs large areas of land, removes vegetation, and can lead to soil erosion and contamination. Pumping oil from underwater can also have significant impacts, particularly when considering the potential for spills and damage to marine sediments and coastal ecosystems. Collecting natural gas from old oil wells may involve drilling and extraction processes that disturb both surface and subsurface environments. Each of these methods can lead to substantial alterations to the lithosphere, making selective cutting a comparatively low-impact choice.