Last edited 15 Feb 2021

Natural resource

Forest.jpg

Natural resources are those sources and materials provided by nature that can either be enjoyed by, or used for, the benefit of people, but which exist independent of people. Some may be destroyed or depleted by poeple's injudicious actions.

[edit] Types of natural resource

Some of the above-listed resources can be used or processed to make other products; this has occurred since humans first appeared on the planet, particularly to create shelter or other goods that facilitate human existence.

Every human-made item is made from natural resources: clay is made into bricks, iron and carbon are combined to form steel, sand (silica) is used to make glass and so on.

[edit] Classifying natural resources

Earth Overshoot Day (sometimes referred to as Ecological Debt Day) is the day of the year that human demand on the planet exceeds that which it can regenerate for that year. It means humanity has consumed all the natural resources available for the year. For the rest of the year demand is met by depleting nature and accumulating waste such as carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and oceans, pushing the essential ecosystems of the planet closer to collapse. For more information see: Earth Overshoot Day.

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