The term “natural resources” refers to resources that can be found in the environment and produced without the involvement of humans. Natural resources include things like air, sunlight, water, soil, stone, plants, animals, and fossil fuels, to name a few examples.
Natural resources are naturally occurring materials that are useful to man or could be useful to man under conceivable technological, economic, or social conditions, as well as supplies derived from the earth, such as food, building and clothing materials, fertilisers, metals, water, and geothermal energy. Natural resources include all of the following: food, building and clothing materials, fertilisers, metals, water, and geothermal energy. Natural resources were considered to be the domain of the natural sciences for a long time.
What are the various types of natural resources available?
Natural resources can be divided into two categories based on their availability:
Renewable resources are defined as those that are available in an endless quantity and can be used over and over again. For example, a forest, the wind, water, and so forth.
In the definition of non-renewable resources, resources that have a limited supply due to their non-renewable nature and whose availability may run out in the future are resources that are not replenishable. Examples include fossil fuels, minerals, and other natural resources.
Distinction between renewable and nonrenewable resources.
Renewable Resources | Non Renewable Resources |
Natural resource that is replenishable | This is a nonrenewable resource. |
It can be replenished indefinitely because it is available in an unlimited supply. | Because of the limited supply, it cannot be repurchased once it has been spent completely. |
Nature is a good example of long-term sustainability. | Nature’s resources are virtually limitless. |
Low cost, as well as environmentally friendly | High cost, as well as being less environmentally friendly |
Quick replenishment is required. | Slowly replenish natural resources, or do not restore resources at all. |
The top five most important natural resources are as follows:
1.Air: To thrive on this world, it is necessary for all plants, animals, and humans to breathe clean air. As a result, it is vital to implement policies to limit air pollution.
2. Soil: Soil is made up of a variety of different particles and nutrients. It aids in the growth of plants.
3. Iron is a metal that is formed from silica and is used to construct powerful weapons, transportation vehicles, and structures.
4. Forests: As the world’s population continues to grow, the need for housing and construction projects continues to rise. Forests help to keep the air clean and the world’s environment in good condition.
5. Water: The Earth is covered in water to a depth of 70 percent, with freshwater accounting for only 2 percent of total freshwater. It is necessary to take steps to educate the public and regulate the use of water.
Conclusion
Natural renewable resources, such as wind and water, have been exploited for energy production throughout history, and until recently were the primary source of energy production worldwide. In many underdeveloped nations, biomass continues to be the principal source of energy for a large proportion of the population.