Natural Resources, Alternative Energy, and Environmental Law

Posted on Nov 19, 2024 in Geography

1. Natural Resources

1.1 Definition of Natural Resources

Natural resources are naturally occurring materials or substances that are considered valuable in their relatively unmodified (natural) form. They are components of nature capable of being used in their natural state.

1.2 Classification of Natural Resources

Natural resources can be classified into three main categories:

  • Virtually Inexhaustible Renewable Resources: These resources are constantly replenished through natural processes and cycles. Examples include solar, wind, tidal, and geothermal energy.
  • Potentially Renewable Resources: These resources can be replenished naturally, but their renewal rate is finite and can be outpaced by consumption. Examples include biodiversity, water, air, soil, forests, and jungles.
  • Non-Renewable Resources: These resources cannot be replaced within a human timescale. Examples include fossil fuels (oil, gas, coal) and minerals (gold, silver, aluminum, copper).

2. Value and Distribution of Natural Resources

2.1 Assigning Value

Resource value is often based on perceived scarcity. Rarer resources tend to have higher costs (e.g., diamonds, precious metals). Abundant resources with low demand may be considered free (e.g., sunlight, air, ocean water).

2.2 Mexico’s Resource Diversity

Mexico’s rich biodiversity stems from:

  1. Proximity to two oceans.
  2. Location at the intersection of the Nearctic and Neotropical biogeographic regions.
  3. Diverse and complex topography.

As a result, Mexico, despite having only about 1.47% of the Earth’s land surface, ranks fourth among megadiverse countries.

2.3 Ecozones/Biogeographic Regions

Ecozones or biogeographic regions are large land areas with distinct sets of species and communities, despite variations in climate.

2.3.1 Earth’s Six Biogeographic Regions

  1. Palearctic: Europe, Asia north of the Himalayas, northern Arabia, and the northern coast of Africa.
  2. Nearctic: North America.
  3. Neotropical: Central and South America.
  4. Ethiopian: Africa and Arabia.
  5. Oriental: India, Vietnam, southern China, and Malaysia.
  6. Australian: Australia and New Zealand.

3. Alternative Energy

3.1 Definition of Alternative Energy

Alternative energy sources reduce pollution, are renewable, and are economically competitive with fossil fuels. The current challenge is efficient conversion of these energies into electricity for cleaner transport and use.

3.2 Six Alternative Energy Sources

  1. Solar
  2. Biomass
  3. Hydropower
  4. Geothermal
  5. Wind
  6. Tidal

3.3 Definitions of Alternative Energy Sources

  • Solar Energy: Energy from the sun’s nuclear fission, the planet’s primary energy source.
  • Biomass Energy: Energy from the decomposition or combustion of organic waste (agricultural, forestry, timber, household).
  • Hydropower: Energy from water flowing downhill due to gravity.
  • Geothermal Energy: Energy from the Earth’s internal heat.
  • Wind Energy: Energy from moving air masses, captured by wind turbines.
  • Tidal Energy: Energy from the rise and fall of tides and waves, driven by the gravitational pull of the moon and sun.

4. Environmental Technology and Ecotechniques

4.1 Definition of Environmental Technology

Environmental technology encompasses any technology used to improve the environment. It involves techniques and practices based on ecological knowledge to solve environmental problems.

4.2 Definition of Ecotechniques

Ecotechniques are technological innovations designed to meet human needs while minimizing environmental impact through efficient natural resource management.

5. Protected Areas and Sustainable Development

5.1 Protected Areas

Protected areas are designated terrestrial and marine zones preserving biodiversity, scenic beauty, and natural processes.

5.1.1 Percentage of Mexico’s Protected Territory

11.6% of Mexico’s territory is protected.

5.2 Sustainable Development

Sustainable development meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

5.2.1 Five Defining Characteristics of Sustainability (Gaylord Nelson)

  1. Renewal: Resource use should not exceed replacement rates.
  2. Substitution: Prioritize renewable resources over non-renewable ones.
  3. Interdependence: Recognize interconnectedness within larger systems and avoid depleting resources in other communities.
  4. Adaptability: Embrace new opportunities and invest in research and development.
  5. Institutional Commitment: Implement laws and policies supporting sustainability.

5.2.2 Seven Key Features of Sustainable Development

  1. Maintain or enhance environmental quality and quality of life.
  2. Use resources efficiently, promoting recycling and reuse.
  3. Develop and implement clean technologies.
  4. Restore damaged ecosystems.
  5. Promote regional self-sufficiency.
  6. Recognize nature’s importance to human well-being.
  7. Harmonize human activity with natural systems.

5.2.3 Three Components of Sustainable Development (United Nations)

  1. Economic development
  2. Social development
  3. Environmental protection

6. Environmental Law

6.1 Purpose of Environmental Law

Environmental law regulates human behavior to protect life and ensure the continuity of natural processes.

6.2 Environmental Protection

Environmental protection encompasses all measures taken to preserve environmental assets.

6.3 Definition of Environmental Law

Environmental law addresses individual and social behaviors to prevent and remedy ecological imbalances. It comprises legal rules and institutions for environmental conservation and establishing harmonious society-nature relationships.

6.4 Components of Environmental Management

  1. Policy
  2. Law
  3. Environmental management

6.5 Mexican Laws Protecting Natural Resources (excluding LGEEPA)

  1. General Law on the Prevention and Integrated Waste Management
  2. National Water Act
  3. General Law on Sustainable Forestry Development
  4. General Law of Wildlife
  5. Environmental Law of Ontario
  6. Regulation of the General Law of Ecological Equilibrium and Environmental Protection in the Prevention and Control of Atmospheric Pollution
  7. Regulations for Prevention and Control of Pollution Caused by Motor Vehicles

6.6 Mexican Laws Relating to Energy Resource Use

  1. Regulatory Law of Constitutional Article 27 in the Petroleum Sector
  2. Law for the Use of Renewable Energy (LAFRE)
  3. Public Service Act Electricity
  4. Law on Science and Technology