Environmental science unit 1 module 3 sustainable use of natural resources.

Specific objective

1. Explain the term natural resource; temporal dimensions and limitations placed by technology.
2. Differentiate between renewable and non-renewable natural resources; exhaustible and
inexhaustible resources…..types and examples of both.
3. Differentiate between the consumptive and non-consumptive use of natural resources
- Consumptive use – logging, fishing, quarrying
- Non-consumptive use – bioprospecting, ecotourism, research.

NATURAL RESOURCES

Natural resources are naturally occurring substances that are considered valuable in their relatively
unmodified or natural form such as; coal, trees, soil. People use natural resources as raw materials to
manufacture a range of modern conveniences. For example:

Water and food provide humans with sustenance and energy.

Fossil fuels generate heat as well as energy for transportation and industrial production.

Many of the same natural resources used by people are important to plants and wildlife for survival as
well.

Natural resources such as coal, petroleum (crude oil) and natural gas take thousands of years to form
naturally and cannot be replaced as fast as they are being consumed. Eventually it is considered that
fossil-based resources will become too costly to harvest and humanity will need to shift its reliance to
other sources of energy.

With increased technology over time, improvements have been made in the extractions and refining of
low grade resources into a purer form e.g. Metals and refined oils.

RENEWABLE and NON-RENEWABLE

Renewable Resources

Is any natural resource that is depleted at a rate slower than the rate at which it regenerates. A resource
must have a way of regenerating itself in order to qualify as renewable. Examples include; oxygen,
freshwater and biomass. Resources such as timber (when harvested sustainably) and wind (used to
power energy conversion systems) are considered renewable resources, largely because their localized
replenishment can occur within timeframes meaningful to humans.

Inexhaustible resources are those that will never run out, such as wind and sun.

Non-renewable Resources
a non-renewable resource is any natural resource that cannot be remade or re-grown within a short
time period. Often fossil fuels such as coal, petroleum and natural gas are considered non renewable
resources as they don’t naturally reform at a faster rate than we use them. Metal ores are other
examples of non-renewable resources. The metals themselves are present in vast amounts in the earth's
crust, and are continually concentrated and replenished over millions of years.

Fossil fuels

Natural resources such as coal, petroleum (crude oil) and natural gas take thousands of years to form
naturally and cannot be replaced as fast as they are being consumed.

Radioactive fuel

The use of nuclear technology requires a radioactive fuel. Uranium ore is present in the ground at
relatively low concentrations and mined in 19 countries.

Exhaustible resources are those that are finite and will run out. Examples of these are coal and oil.

Consumptive and non-consumptive use of natural resources

Resources can be used at many different rates. As population grows putting pressure on our natural
resources, we can deplete our resources faster than it can be regenerated. Utilizing resources in such a
manner is termed consumptive. (Non sustainable)

Consumptive use of natural resources refers to use of natural resources in which

these resources are utilized and removed from other natural environments (e.g.
catching fish for food).
Non-consumptive use of natural resources does not require that the resources be
removed from their natural habitat (e.g. use of forest resources for ecotourism).
Logging, quarrying and fishing can generally only be used because, even if there is some natural process
of renewal, it will be slower than the rate of use.

Logging is the cutting, skidding, on-site processing and loading of trees unto trucks.

Quarrying is a form of surface mining used when the rock is close to the surface of the land.

Alternately, resources can be used in such a manner that it can regenerate / renew as fast as they are
consumed. This type of use is called non-consumptive. (Sustainable)

Examples include hiking, camping, eco-tourism, research, bioprospecting.

Eco-tourism - Ecotourism is a form of tourism involving visiting fragile, pristine, and relatively
undisturbed natural areas, intended as a low-impact and often small scale alternative to standard
commercial (mass) tourism.

Bioprospecting - bioprospecting is a search for useful organic compounds in microorganisms, plants, and
fungi that grow in various environments, such as rainforests, deserts, and hot springs.

PLEASE REA D TEXT BOOK AS WELL….pg 84 - 87