Raw Materials and Biodiversity

The variety of life that can be found on Earth is referred to in the scientific community as biological diversity, often known as biodiversity. Not only does it include different species, but it also includes different ecosystems and the genetic diversity that exists within a single species. All around the planet, different species live together and are dependent on one another. Every living organism, including humans, is a component of ecosystems, which are intricate networks of interwoven relationships. Ecosystems that are in good health purify our drinking water, filter our air, protect our soil, regulate our climate, recycle our nutrients, and provide for our nutritional needs. They provide the pharmaceutical industry and other industries with raw materials and resources. They are the cornerstone upon which all civilizations are built and the driving force behind our economies. It really is that straightforward: these “ecosystem services” are necessary for our continued existence. They are referred to as our natural capital by us. Specifically.

The economy of a region may often be deduced from its natural resources. A nation may ensure that these resources will be available for future generations by employing prudent management of these resources. In spite of this, if we take a look at the state of things as they are right now, the indiscriminate use of our contemporary resources has led to a situation in which the chances of subsequent generations and emerging countries gaining access to their fair share are extremely low. In addition, the results will be catastrophic, and the harm they will cause to the ecosystem will be so severe that it will exceed the environment’s capacity to withstand it.

Utilisation of Natural Resources in a Way That Is Sustainable

The prudent administration of natural resources for the prosperity of the entire human community is what we mean when we talk about sustainable exploitation of natural resources. The provision of resources for current generations without jeopardising the fulfillment of the requirements of future generations is the primary objective of sustainable development.

Because these resources are not capable of being renewed, the economy cannot be built on the utilisation of non-renewable resources such as coal and petroleum. This would be impossible. A truly sustainable resource does not deteriorate environmental quality.

The depletion of natural resources is a direct result of their over use in production processes. Because of this, we cannot continue to use the available resources at the same rate or there would be nothing left for subsequent generations.

Essential resources provided by biodiversity

Food

Only about 3000 plant species have been used for food throughout history; only 150 species have been cultivated to a greater extent, and fewer than 20 species provide more than 90% of human food supply, with just four species – wheat, maize, rice, and potatoes – providing more than half of human food requirements. This focusing on a few species, along with the breeding of so-called high-yielding variants that are increasingly displacing indigenous types, has resulted in a further loss of genetic diversity within the species in question. However, because the higher yield is accompanied with increased vulnerability to diseases, pests, and environmental impacts, humanity’s food supply may only be secured in the long run by introducing wild species genetic material. Natural species and varietal diversity serve as a genetic diversity reservoir, and their preservation is critical for long-term food security.

Medicines

Plants account for a quarter of all medications, while animals and microorganisms account for the remaining quarter. In 1993, 80 percent of the 150 most regularly prescribed medicines in the United States were synthetic goods based on natural agents, semi-synthetic derivatives of natural items, or natural products in a few cases. When you realize that only about 5.000 of the 240.000 known plant species have been thoroughly investigated for their appropriateness in pharmaceutical manufacture, the enormous potential of plant and animal species for future pharmaceutical research becomes clear.

Industrial Raw Materials

In times of rising scarcity of non-renewable resources such as petroleum or natural gas, renewable raw materials of plant or animal origin play an ever-increasing importance. Living organisms produce various types of wood, rubber, fats, oils, waxes, resins, dyes, fibers, and other raw materials. Agriculture and forestry are projected to provide more than 10% of the raw materials used in the chemical industry. As a result, biological variety is becoming a more important source of raw materials for possible industrial use.

Conclusion

Because it maintains the long-term productivity of soils and provides genetic resources for all crops, livestock, and marine creatures that are harvested for human use, biodiversity has a significant impact on human nutrition. This is because biodiversity helps preserve the long-term productivity of soils. Pollution, invasive species, overexploitation (high hunting and fishing pressure), and habitat loss are the five primary causes of biodiversity loss. Climate change as a result of global warming is the sixth major cause of biodiversity loss. In every scenario, the actions of individuals and groups of individuals play a direct role.