Sustainable Management of Natural Resources

Natural Resources

2 types

Renewable - resources that are replenished naturally within same time period they are used; limitless

Examples: solar energy, tidal energy, wood,

Can become non-renewable - it is used faster than it can be replenished. E.g. trees in tropical rainforests are cut down faster than the trees can regrow.

Due to human-centred view in which the physical environment is deemed important because of its usefulness to people

Non-renewable-- resources that may not be replenished or if they are, process of replenishment occurs over a very long period of time; limited

Examples: coal, crude oil,

DEFINE: Useful materials produced by natural processes

Sustainable management

DEFINE: Use of resources in such a way that the needs of current and future generations are met.

HOW: 4Rs

Reduce: Use less of a resource

Reuse: Use a resource again

Recycle: Turn used resources/materials into new ones

Recover: Turn waste into useful materials

Aided by technological development

E.g.: use of solar power reduces the use of fossil fuels to generate energy