Natural resources are the raw materials and sources of energy that we use. Petrol, metals, soil, sand, wind, water, and everything in between are natural resources. Manufactured items such as plastic, sheet metal, fabrics, microchips, electricity and concrete are not natural resources, but are most definitely derived from natural resources.

Natural resources are the raw materials and sources of energy that we use.

Petrol, metals, soil, sand, wind, water and everything in between are natural resources. Manufactured items such as plastic, sheet metal, fabrics, microchips, electricity and concrete are not natural resources, but are most definitely derived from natural resources.

Think about the relationship between natural resources and manufactured products. In essence, we call them “natural” resources because they are things human society uses that are created (or were created in the case of fossil fuels) without human intervention.

Water Resources

Water is a vital and covers 70 percent of the earth. It falls into surface water (rivers, lakes, reservoirs) and groundwater (stored in aquifers). Water has been playing an important role in the consumption of water, agriculture, industry and hydro-electric power. The scarcity of water is an international issue with the level of pollution and demand.

Forests

There are forests that occupy 31 percent of the terrestrial area of the earth and are important in the supply of oxygen, carbon storage, and biodiversity. They serve different sectors such as construction and pharmaceuticals. Logging and urbanization lead to the destruction of forests, which pose threats to the ecosystems, lead to climatic changes, and make the resources the forests offer vulnerable.

Soil

The soil is a thin supportive layer and that is vital to plant life. It is basically made up of minerals, organic matter, air, and water; hence it is imperative in food production. Good soil keeps the biodiversity and makes agriculture possible. But soil erosion, overuse and chemical contamination pose threat to the health of the soil and conservation practices are important in ensuring food security in the future.

Rocks and Minerals

Non-renewable resources are rocks and minerals which are very necessary in industrial development. Electronics and construction involve the use of minerals such as copper and iron ore. Cement is essential in the production of limestone. The mining of these resources may lead to environmental degradation (such as destruction of habitats and pollution) and this paves the way to the importance of sustainable mining procedures.

Types of Natural Resources

1. Renewable Resources
2. Non-Renewable Resources

1. Renewable Resources

Renewable will refer to the resources whose replenishment can be done naturally. They are renewable and may be replenished in a natural environment as long as it is done in a responsible manner. These examples are common some of which include:

• Solar Energy: The most abundant and powerful renewable resource, solar energy is harnessed through solar panels to generate electricity. As long as the sun shines, solar energy will be available.
• Wind Energy: Wind power is another renewable resource. Wind turbines capture the energy from moving air and convert it into electricity. Wind is abundant and sustainable in areas where strong winds occur regularly.
• Water Resources: Water from rivers, lakes, and aquifers can be replenished through the water cycle. While it's renewable, its availability can be limited by droughts, pollution, and overuse.
• Biomass and Biofuels: Plant and animal materials used to create energy. These materials regenerate quickly, but their sustainability depends on how they are harvested and used.

2. Non-Renewable Resources

Resources that are non-renewable have a limit. They take millions of years to be formed and when they get emptied they can never be replenished in the human time scale. These are the vital resources in the present day economies that should be handled with a lot of consideration because of its rarity. Key examples include:

• Fossil Fuels: This consists of coal, oil and natural gas. They have been the primary source of energy in the world over centuries. But they are limited and lead to environmental problems such as climate changes and air pollution.
• Minerals: they consist of metals such as gold, copper and iron and non-metals such as salt and gypsum. Mining is a process that extracts minerals and is utilized in numerous industries including electronics, construction and manufacturing industries. After being mined they are not able to be replaced.
• Nuclear Fuels: Nuclear power plants use Uranium and thorium to produce electricity. Despite being a low-carbon power source, uranium cannot be renewed and has to be mined, and this is a predictable challenge of sustainability.

Conclusion

Natural Resources, both renewable and non-renewable, are essential for life and development. While renewable resources offer sustainability, non-renewable resources are finite and need careful management. To ensure a balanced future, we must prioritize conservation, sustainable use, and responsible management of all resources to support both human and environmental well-being