Sustainable Development & Natural Resources

What are natural resources?

Materials obtained from the Earth, oceans or atmosphere that are useful to humans.

What is sustainable development?

Development that meets the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Why are natural resources important?

They provide food, water, energy, materials and raw materials for manufacturing.

What is a finite resource?

A resource that is used faster than it can be naturally replaced.

What is a renewable resource?

A resource that can be replenished naturally on a timescale relevant to human use.

Give examples of finite resources.

Crude oil, coal, natural gas and metal ores.

Give examples of renewable resources.

Timber from sustainably managed forests and crops that can be regrown.

Why is crude oil a finite resource?

It takes millions of years to form and is used much faster than it is replaced.

Why can renewable resources still be used unsustainably?

They may be consumed faster than they regenerate.

What is meant by a raw material?

A natural or processed substance used to manufacture a product.

Why is extracting natural resources sometimes environmentally damaging?

Extraction can cause habitat destruction, pollution and high energy consumption.

What is the difference between extracting and processing a resource?

Extraction involves obtaining the material, while processing involves converting it into a useful form.

Why is recycling important for sustainable development?

It reduces the demand for finite raw materials and the amount of waste produced.

How can reducing energy use support sustainability?

It reduces resource consumption and associated emissions.

What factors must be balanced in sustainable development?

Environmental, economic and social considerations.

Why is it difficult to make industrial processes completely sustainable?

They often require energy, raw materials and waste management.

What is the difference between reusing and recycling?

Reusing means using an item again, while recycling means processing waste into useful materials.

Why can reusing a product be preferable to recycling it?

It often requires less processing and energy.