Natural resources

1. Natural resources are the raw materials supplied by the earth and its processes and include things in the physical environment used for housing, clothing, heating, cooling, transportation and to meet other human wants and needs. For example, trees are used for shelter, animals for food and clothing, plants for medicine, minerals and fossil fuels for power, transportation, heating and cooling. These resources include soil, air, water, sunshine, forests, wildlife, fish, fossil fuels, metals and minerals produced by the earths natural processes. Using natural resources to meet human needs and wants has an impact on the global environment. Each time raw materials are used to produce goods, there are ecological, social, and economic impacts. Managing these natural resources and utilizing conservation techniques is necessary to help societies meet present and future needs. The primary economic value of a matured resource derives from the services it provides humans. 2. Natural Resources Activity Products Air fly kites, sail balloons, tires, soccer balls Soil Dig for worms, grow a garden Sand, boxes and glasses Water Fish, swin, ski soft drinks, swimming pools, electricity Plants Climb trees, play on the grass Apples, bread, strawberries, cotton furniture Animals Play with pets Cheese, milk, meat Fossil fuels Watching tv Use the computer Plastic, gasoline Minerals Climb rock Cars 3. There are three main categories of natural resources: perpetual, renewable and non-renewable: 4. They are those expected to last many billions of years without being depleted, such as solar energy, wind, or ocean tides. Perpetual resources 5. They are those that have the potential to be renewed through natural processes and/or human processes. Trees are an example of a renewable resource because, although trees die naturally or are harvested, new trees can be replanted or allowed to reseed naturally. They can be renewed both naturally and through forest management practices. (Other examples include groundwater, fisheries resources and soil nutrients.) Renewable resources 6. They are exhaustible and can be depleted. There is a limited quantity and once used, cannot be replaced in this geologic age. Fossil fuels are an example of a resource formed over millions of years, and it will be millions of years before it is again available. Other natural resources with finite amounts include copper, gold, aluminum and many minerals and gems. Managing these natural resources and using conservation technologies can help society maintain and extend the time these resources can be used to meet human needs and wants. Nonrenewable Resources