6.1 - Natural Resources
The definition and classification of natural resources
Natural resources are elements of the environment that humans utilise to fulfil their needs. These resources are vital for survival and economic development, and they can be categorised based on their origin and ability to be replenished.
Categories of natural resources
- Biotic resources - These are derived from living organisms, such as fish, livestock, or timber from trees.
- Abiotic resources - These come from non-living components of the environment, including minerals like copper or materials like sand.
- Renewable resources - These can be naturally replenished over a short period, for example, solar energy or crops.
- Non-renewable resources - These take millions of years to form and cannot be quickly replaced once used, such as coal or natural gas.
Methods of exploiting natural resources for human needs
Humans extract and use natural resources to meet demands for food, water, and energy. Various techniques are employed to access these resources, each tailored to the specific resource being targeted.
Key exploitation methods for resources
- Fossil fuels extraction:
- Coal is obtained through surface mining or deep underground shafts.
- Oil and gas are accessed by drilling into reserves, either on land (onshore) or in the sea (offshore).
- Fishing practices:
- Commercial fishing uses methods like trawling, where nets are dragged behind boats to capture fish.
- Dredging involves scraping the seabed with metal frames to collect shellfish.
- Fish farms raise fish in controlled environments to ensure a steady supply.
- Farming techniques:
- Arable farming focuses on cultivating crops, while pastoral farming involves rearing livestock.
- Mixed farming combines both crop and animal production.
- Modern industrial farming relies heavily on machinery, such as tractors and automated harvesters.
- Deforestation activities:
- Trees are felled for timber or burned as a fuel source.
- Forests are cleared to create space for energy projects like hydro-electric power (HEP) stations or to expand agricultural land.
- Water collection systems:
- Water is drawn from rivers, underground aquifers, or reservoirs formed by dams.
- Reservoirs help manage water distribution, transferring it via canals and pipelines from areas of abundance to regions facing shortages.
Environmental impacts of resource extraction
The process of extracting and using natural resources often results in significant environmental consequences. These impacts vary depending on the resource and method of exploitation, affecting air, water, and land quality.
Consequences of resource exploitation on the environment
- Fossil fuels:
- Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.
- Mining waste, including harmful substances, contaminates groundwater, drinking water supplies, and air.
- Fishing:
- Spills of oil or fuel from fishing boats pollute marine environments, harming aquatic life.
- Farming:
- The use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides on crops can seep into waterways, damaging or killing organisms in streams and rivers.
- Deforestation:
- Trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere; removing them reduces this capacity.
- Burning forests to clear land releases CO2, exacerbating global warming.
- Water management:
- Transferring water over long distances requires substantial energy, often from fossil fuels, if gravity-fed systems are not feasible, further contributing to emissions.
Effects on biodiversity due to resource exploitation
Resource extraction frequently disrupts ecosystems, leading to a loss of biodiversity. This affects the balance of species and habitats, with long-term consequences for environmental health.
Impacts on biodiversity from resource activities
- Over-harvesting aquatic species - Excessive fishing reduces populations of target species, which can disrupt food chains and affect other marine life.
- Hedgerow removal - Clearing hedgerows for agriculture diminishes habitats for numerous plant and animal species, reducing local biodiversity.
- Forest habitat loss - Around 70% of terrestrial plant and animal species reside in forests; deforestation destroys these habitats, risking species extinction.
- Barriers from dams - Dams obstruct the movement of species, particularly migratory fish that need to travel upstream for breeding, disrupting their life cycles.
Soil erosion caused by resource extraction activities
Soil erosion is a significant issue linked to certain resource exploitation practices. The removal of protective vegetation and the use of heavy equipment can degrade land, making it vulnerable to natural forces.
Factors contributing to soil erosion
- Heavy machinery in agriculture - The widespread use of large, heavy equipment compacts and disturbs soil, increasing the likelihood of erosion.
- Tree removal and exposure - Clearing trees leaves soil unprotected, allowing wind and water to wash or blow it away more easily.