Note
Studied by 11 people
Natural Resources
Natural resources are things found in nature that people can use. They are very important for our lives and for the economy. Natural resources can be divided into two main categories: renewable resources and non-renewable resources.
Renewable Resources
These are resources that can be replaced naturally over time.
Examples include:
Solar energy: Energy from the sun that can be used for electricity.
Wind energy: Energy from the wind that can turn windmills to create electricity.
Water resources: Rivers and lakes provide water and can be used for hydroelectric power.
Biomass: Plant material or animal waste that can be used as fuel.
Biomass is a versatile resource that can be converted into different forms of energy, such as biofuels (e.g., ethanol and biodiesel) and electricity.
It is considered carbon-neutral since the carbon dioxide released when burning biomass is offset by the carbon dioxide absorbed by the plants during their growth.
Biomass can come from a variety of sources, including wood, crop residues, and even organic waste from cities and farms.
Renewable resources are sustainable because they can be replenished and do not run out when used wisely.
Non-Renewable Resources
These resources cannot be replaced once they are used up.
Examples include:
Fossil fuels: Coal, oil, and natural gas that are formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals.
Minerals: Metals like gold, silver, and iron that are mined from the earth.
Non-renewable resources are limited and can lead to environmental problems when they are overused.
Conservation
Conservation is the careful use of natural resources to make sure they last for a long time.
Ways to conserve resources include recycling, using less water, and turning off lights when not in use.
Importance of Natural Resources
Natural resources are used to make everyday items, provide energy, and support life on Earth.
They support economies by providing jobs in industries like agriculture, fishing,