Meaning, Types, And Examples Of Natural Resources

Natural resources refer to a wide range of materials, substances, and energy sources. They are useful for economic growth. However, natural resources are limited and therefore need to be managed and conserved responsibly to ensure that they can be used sustainably by future generations.

What Are Natural Resources?

Natural resources are materials, substances, and energy sources that are naturally occurring in the environment and can be utilized by living organisms. They are not created by human beings and can be utilized for economic activities such as production and consumption.

Natural resources include resources that are currently useful or can be useful in the future under certain social, economic, or technological circumstances. Examples of natural resources include minerals, water, land, forests, wildlife, air, and geothermal power.

Types Of Natural Resources

There are primarily two categories of natural resources, which are:

Renewable

Natural resources that can be naturally and sustainably replenished over time include solar energy, wind, timber, water, forests, and wildlife. These types of resources are generally referred to as renewable resources.

Unlike non-renewable resources, renewable resources are available in infinite quantities and can be reused multiple times without being depleted. As long as sustainable management practices are implemented, renewable resources are considered inexhaustible. They are also environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

Non-Renewable

The resources that are limited in abundance and cannot be naturally replenished once they are consumed are called non-renewable resources. Examples of non-renewable resources include fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, as well as minerals like gold and silver.

Due to their finite nature, there is a possibility that these resources may run out in the future. Non-renewable resources take millions of years to form and are consumed more rapidly than they can replenish themselves. These resources are expensive and less environmentally friendly compared to renewable resources.

Examples Of Natural Resources

There are various natural resources present on our planet, but we will start this list by highlighting the top 5 essential natural resources.

• Air

The exchange of gases between the environment and the body, regulation of body temperature, and aiding in fuel combustion are some of the functions of air. Ensuring clean air is essential for the survival of all living organisms on the planet. Therefore, it is imperative to take steps to minimize air pollution.

• Water

Aquatic ecosystems depend on water as a fundamental element that provides shelter and nourishment for a variety of living creatures. It serves as a dwelling and a means of sustenance for aquatic plants and animals and is essential for the provision of oxygen.

Despite the fact that 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered in water, only 2% of that is freshwater. Therefore, it is essential to replenish our bodies with fluids and foods that contain water. Water is also utilized for transportation, underscoring its significance in our daily lives.

• Forests

Forests serve multiple purposes that are advantageous for both humans and the natural world. These include providing a living space for diverse flora, fauna, and microorganisms, safeguarding the soil, water, and climate, and maintaining the ecological balance.

Additionally, forests offer oxygen, employment, food, and fuel to billions of individuals across the globe, including Indigenous groups. They also help to maintain clean air and the ecological integrity of the planet. Nevertheless, trees are being felled for housing and infrastructure developments.

• Soil

The functions of soil are vital for a range of agricultural, environmental, and nature protection purposes. Soil is made up of different particles and nutrients that facilitate plant growth.

Its functions consist of providing a protective environment and physical support for plant roots, storing and distributing nutrients to plants, and changing the atmosphere by releasing and taking in gases and dust.

• Timber

Due to its strength and durability, timber is a popular choice for construction materials in various infrastructure projects such as buildings and bridges. It is also widely utilized in furniture making as a source of raw material for crafting wooden products. Furthermore, timber is also employed as a heat source for cooking activities.

• Coal

Coal, which is a finite natural resource, is utilized for energy production purposes. It is combusted in power plants to create steam, which then powers turbines that produce electricity. Despite the availability of alternative energy sources, coal still remains a prominent global energy source.