Resources and sustainability

What is a natural resource?

A material from the Earth, sea, or air that humans use, such as water, wood, and fossil fuels.

What are finite resources?

Resources that will eventually run out, such as fossil fuels and metal ores.

What are renewable resources?

Resources that can be replenished naturally, such as solar energy and timber from trees.

What is sustainability?

Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

How does mining impact the environment?

Causes habitat destruction, pollution, and uses large amounts of energy.

How can sustainability be improved in resource use?

By reducing, reusing, and recycling materials to conserve finite resources and reduce environmental damage.

what are synthetic products

materials created artificially through chemical processes

what do natural resources supplemented by agriculture provide

- food

- timber

- fuels

- clothing

what is an example of a natural product replaced by a synthetic one

rubber extracted from the sap of trees called latex is an example.

polymers have been specifically developed to replace rubber in may products