Natural Resources, Types of Natural Resources, Its Importance and Ways to Preserve

Natural Resources
Natural Resources

Introduction to Natural Resources

Natural resources refer to the things that exist freely in nature for human use and don't necessarily need the action of mankind for their generation or production.

Everything in your environment that was not made by man is a natural resource. Think of the water (seas and fresh water), land, soils, rocks, forests (vegetation), animals (including fish), fossil fuels and minerals.
Natural Resources come in many Forms
Natural Resources come in many Forms

Interdependence of Natural Resources

Natural resources can be consumed directly or indirectly. For instance, humans depend directly on forests for food, biomass, health, recreation and increased living comfort. Indirectly forests act as climate control, flood control, storm protection and nutrient cycling.

Natural Resources come in many Forms

It may be a solid, liquid or gas. It may also be organic or inorganic. It may also be metallic or non-metallic. It may be renewable or non-renewable.

Types of Natural Resources

All Natural Resources fall under two main categories: Renewable and Non-renewable Resources.
Renewable Resources
Renewable resources are those that are constantly available (like water) or can be reasonably replaced or recovered, like vegetative lands. Animals are also renewable because with a bit of care, they can reproduce offspring to replace adult animals.
  • If renewable resources come from living things, (such as trees and animals) they can be called organic renewable resources.
  • If renewable resources come from non-living things, (such as water, sun and wind) they can be called inorganic renewable resources.

Renewable resources can be easily renewed by nature. 10 Examples of Renewable Resources:

  1. Solar Energy
  2. Hydro Energy
  3. Wind Energy
  4. Bio Gas
  5. Wood
  6. Air
  7. Hydrogen
  8. Alcohol
  9. Water
  10. Soil

Non-renewable ResourcesNon-renewable resources are those natural resources that are available in limited quantity. These resources cannot be renewed or replenished in short duration. Therefore they are also known as exhaustible resources. Examples- coal, natural gas, petroleum etc.

Examples of Non-renewable Resources

  1. Fossil Fuels: coal, natural gas, petroleum
  2. Nuclear Energy
  3. Metallic and Non-metallic Resources

Metallic and Non-metallic Resources

Inorganic resources may be metallic or non-metallic. Metallic minerals are those that have metals in them. They are harder, shiny, and can be melted to form new products. Examples are iron, copper and tin. Non-metallic minerals have no metals in them. They are softer and do not shine. Examples include clay and coal.

Why are Natural Resources so important?

Natural resources is very important so that environment will be in balance. If we continuously misuse or over use the natural resources like water, fuel, minerals, soil etc, it can affect the environment and all living things. Natural resources provide every daily needs of human like shelter, food, clothes etc.

Everything material in our culture ultimately comes from natural resources. For example, Coal, Oil, Soil, Water, Land, Minerals, Forests and Timber, and Air we breathe.

It is really necessary to conserve resources because: (i) Their irrational consumption and over utilization have led to socio-economic and environmental problems. (ii) It takes million of years for the formation of natural resources. (iii) Natural resources are available in fixed quantity and they are non – renewable.

How can we preserve Natural Resources

Notable actions are required to preserve and restore natural resources. These initiatives include:

  • Preserving ecosystems and involving the community through outreach programs;
  • Restoring natural habitats following remedial activities; and.
  • Conserving natural resources through water recycling and energy efficiency projects.
  • Save energy, save the environment.
  • Protect the air and prevent climate change.
  • Consume less, conserve more.
Resource Hub
30+ Terrific Ways to Conserve Natural Resources
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