Natural Resources
What are natural resources?
Natural resources are materials or substances occurring in nature which can be exploited for economic gain, such as minerals, forests, water, and fertile land.
What is a renewable resource?
Renewable resources are natural resources that can replenish naturally over a short period of time, like sunlight, wind, and water.
What is a nonrenewable resource?
Nonrenewable resources are resources that do not replenish quickly enough to sustain their usage, like coal, oil, and natural gas.
What are the benefits of using natural resources?
Natural resources provide essential materials and energy for daily life, supporting economies and enabling modern conveniences.
Give an example of a plant used as a natural resource.
Trees are used as a natural resource for lumber, which is used in construction, and for paper products.
What are the advantages of using wind energy?
Wind energy is clean, produces no emissions during operation, and reduces reliance on fossil fuels. It's also sustainable and available in many parts of the world.
What are the advantages of using coal?
Coal is abundant and provides a stable source of energy; it is also relatively inexpensive to extract and use compared to some other energy sources.
What are some challenges in using natural resources?
Overuse can lead to depletion and environmental degradation, and accessing these resources often requires significant energy and can cause pollution.
What is a mineral resource and give an example?
A mineral resource is a concentration of naturally occurring material from the Earth's crust that can be extracted and processed into useful products. An example is iron ore, used to make steel.
What are the disadvantages of using wind energy?
Wind energy can be variable and location-dependent. It requires significant land and can impact local wildlife, such as birds.
What are the disadvantages of using coal?
Coal mining is environmentally damaging, releases a high amount of carbon emissions, and poses health risks to humans, such as respiratory issues.
How do the advantages and disadvantages affect decisions about resource use?
Decision-making must balance economic benefits with environmental impact, considering both short-term gains and long-term sustainability.
What role do animals play as natural resources?
Animals play roles as food sources (like fish and livestock), for labor (like horses and oxen), and for products (like wool and leather).
What are the advantages of using solar energy?
Solar energy is renewable, reduces electricity costs over time, and can be implemented in diverse locations without harmful emissions.
What are the advantages of using oil?
Oil is highly energy-dense and supports large-scale transportation and industries. It is also relatively easy to store and transport.
What strategies can mitigate negative impacts of resource use?
Strategies include recycling, using more renewable resources, improving efficiency, and enforcing regulations to reduce environmental impacts.
How does water act as a natural resource?
Water is essential for drinking, agriculture, sanitation, and industrial processes. It also generates power through hydroelectric plants.
What are the disadvantages of using solar energy?
Solar panels require significant initial investments, are less efficient in low-light conditions, and their production can be environmentally intensive.
What are the disadvantages of using oil?
Oil use leads to pollution, oil spills cause severe ecological damage, and it is a finite resource that can provoke geopolitical tensions.
What are long-term considerations for resource management?
Long-term considerations include ensuring sustainability, protecting ecosystems, managing resource depletion, and adapting to technological changes in resource extraction and use.