2.1_Resources___Reserves__3_

Topic 2: Resource Management & Circular Economy

2.1 - Resources & Reserves

  • Concepts and Principles:

    • Distinguishing between renewable and non-renewable resources.

    • Understanding the term "reserves" and what qualifies as renewable.

    • Importance of developing sustainable production systems.

Learning Outcomes

  • All Students:

    • Distinguish between renewable and non-renewable resources.

  • Most Students:

    • Identify economic and political considerations involved in extracting reserves.

    • Explore innovative solutions to meet basic human needs for energy, food, and raw materials in light of declining non-renewable resources.

The Legacy of the Industrial Revolution

  • Resource Depletion:

    • The effects of the industrial revolution lead to an urgent need for sustainable practices to protect resources for future generations.

    • Designers face the challenge of creating products that fulfill human needs while conserving the environment.

Renewable Resources

  • Definition:

    • Natural resources that can replenish over time. Examples include:

      • Solar energy

      • Wind energy

      • Hydro, wave, and tidal energy

      • Thermal and bio-fuels

    • Renewable resources must replenish at a near-equal rate to consumption.

  • Shift to Renewables:

    • Global pressures to adopt renewable energy are rising due to:

      • Political instability affecting oil prices.

      • Environmental concerns, such as the greenhouse effect and climate change.

    • Limitations of renewable resource implementation.

Non-Renewable Resources

  • Definition:

    • Resources that do not replenish sustainably; examples include fossil fuels (natural gas, oil, coal) and nuclear energy.

    • High human dependency and the threat of depletion make sustainability a major concern.

  • Economic Dependency:

    • Industrial societies rely on non-renewable resources due to their affordability and abundance, posing risks for long-term availability.

Economic and Political Importance of Resource Extraction

  • Impact on Nations and International Relations:

    • Resource extraction has significant economic and political ramifications, influencing international treaties and security. Example:

      • Invasion of Kuwait (1990):

      • Iraqi accusations of slant drilling, potential oil theft, and economic pressures due to market oversupply.

  • Designer Considerations:

    • Understanding the socio-economic and environmental implications of multinational companies extracting resources in various regions.

    • Balancing economic benefits against local impacts and sustainability.”

Multinational Companies and Local Populations

  • Benefits and Drawbacks:

    • Resource extraction can generate local employment and financial opportunities for governments.

    • However, environmental degradation and limited regard for the local populace’s well-being often occur.

  • Key Factors in Economic and Political Assessment:

    • High setup costs may compel reliance on multinational companies for infrastructure.

    • The efficiency and sustainability of resource conversion are critical for meeting demands.

    • The decommissioning process poses economic challenges, particularly for nuclear resources.

Exam Questions

  • Resource Security and International Treaties:

    • What are the impacts of resource extraction (land/sea) on national security and international relations?

  • Example Discussions:

    • Provide case studies on how multinational companies disregard the local population’s needs versus economic benefits that arise from resource extraction.

  • Environmental and Social Implications:

    • How does the resource extraction process create local tension, health concerns, and exploitation issues?

    • Explore historical contexts (Kuwait/Iraq conflict as an example).