Natural
resources
Introduction
N AT U R A L R E S O U R C E S A R E M A T E R I A L S A N D
CO M P O N E N TS T H AT C A N B E F O U N D W I T H I N T H E
ENVIRONMENT AND ARE USED BY HUMANS TO
S USTA I N L I F E A N D M E E T T H E I R N E E D S . T H E S E
RESOURCES ARE DERIVED FROM THE EARTH AND
I TS AT M O S P H E R E A N D C A N B E C L A S S I F I E D I N TO
T W O M A I N C AT E G O R I E S : R E N E W A B L E A N D N O N -
RENEWABLE RESOURCES.
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Types of Natural
Resources
Renewable Resources
These are resources that can be replenished naturally over
time and are generally sustainable if managed properly.
Examples: Solar energy, wind energy, biomass, hydropower,
and geothermal energy.
Renewable resources are often considered environmentally
friendly because they produce little to no pollution.
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Non-Renewable Resources
T H E S E A R E R E S O U R C E S T H AT E X I S T I N F I N I T E A M O U N TS
AND CANNOT BE REPLENISHED ON A HUMAN TIMESCALE
ONCE THEY ARE DEPLETED.
E X A M P L E S : F O S S I L F U E L S ( CO A L , O I L , N AT U R A L G A S ) ,
M I N E R A L S , A N D M E T A L S ( G O L D , S I LV E R , I R O N ) .
THE EXTRACTION AND USE OF NON-RENEWABLE
R E S O U R C E S O F T E N L E A D TO E N V I R O N M E N TA L
D E G R A D AT I O N A N D P O L LU T I O N .
Importance of Natural Resources
Natural resources play a crucial role in the survival and development of human societies. They are essential for various
aspects of life, including:
1.Energy Production
1. Fossil fuels are the primary source of energy for electricity generation, transportation, and industrial activities.
2. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power are increasingly used to reduce dependence on fossil fuels
and mitigate environmental impacts.
2.Agriculture and Food Supply
1. Soil, water, and nutrients are vital natural resources for growing crops and sustaining livestock.
2. Sustainable agricultural practices help preserve these resources for future generations.
3.Industry and Manufacturing
1. Minerals and metals are used in the production of goods, machinery, and infrastructure.
2. Natural resources provide raw materials for various industries, including construction, electronics, and
transportation.
4.Water Resources
1. Freshwater is essential for drinking, sanitation, agriculture, and industrial processes.
2. Protecting and managing water resources is crucial to ensure a reliable supply for human needs and ecosystem
health. 6
Conservation and Sustainable
Use
• The sustainable use and
conservation of natural
resources are vital to
ensuring their availability for
future generations. Key
practices include
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Resource • Recycling and Reuse
Management
• Reducing waste by recycling
Implementing policies materials like paper, plastic, glass,
and practices that
and metals.
promote the efficient
and responsible use • Encouraging the reuse of products
of resources. to minimize resource extraction and
Protecting consumption.
ecosystems and
habitats to maintain
biodiversity and
natural processes.
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Renewable Energy • Sustainable Agriculture
Adoption
• Promoting farming practices that
Investing in preserve soil health, reduce water
renewable energy
usage, and minimize chemical
technologies to
reduce reliance on inputs.
fossil fuels and • Encouraging crop rotation, organic
decrease greenhouse farming, and agroforestry.
gas emissions.
Supporting research
and development in
clean energy
solutions.
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Environmental Protection
• Enforcing regulations to limit pollution and protect
natural habitats.
• Supporting conservation initiatives and protected areas
to safeguard wildlife and ecosystems.
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Conclusion
Natural resources are fundamental to human existence
and development. Understanding their importance,
types, and sustainable management practices is crucial
for maintaining a healthy environment and ensuring the
well-being of current and future generations. By
adopting sustainable practices and prioritizing
conservation, we can protect these valuable resources
and create a more resilient and sustainable world.
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Thank you
N AT H A N P E R E R A
P E R E R A . N AT H A N 0 1 7 @ G M A I L . CO M
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