Natural Resources: Types, Major Categories, and Conservation
Natural Resources and Their Types
Types of Resources
- Non-renewable resources: Formation takes a long and complex process. When they run out, they disappear forever.
- Renewable resources: Even when consumed, they can be replaced.
Major Natural Resources
Air
Cannot be over-exploited. Its main problem is pollution.Soil
Supports forestry, agriculture, and ranching.Mineral Resources
Rocks and minerals used as building materials or decorative elements.Energy Resources
Non-renewable Energies
The most widely used are coal, oil, and natural gas. Nuclear energy is also included.Renewable Energies
These are boundless energy sources, impossible to over-exploit, and constantly renewing. They are considered clean energies, although not all are entirely clean. Except for hydraulic energy, others are less effective.
Biological Resources
Overexploitation of Plant Resources
Due to excessive timber extraction and logging in tropical and subtropical countries, as well as overgrazing.Hunting
Has led to the extinction of many species and is responsible for the decline of others. The use of poisoned baits or traps can cause damage to non-game species.Overexploitation of Marine Resources
Has caused 60% of traditional fishing areas to show signs of exhaustion. Fishing discards also contribute to pollution.
Water
Obtained from surface or underground sources, unevenly distributed across the planet. In some areas, water is a very scarce resource. In underdeveloped countries, obtaining water becomes a major problem for subsistence.Purification
Water treatment process to remove pathogens and contaminants, making it safe for human consumption.Wastewater Treatment
Urban wastewater must undergo treatment at sewage treatment plants to clean discharges from cities.
Causes of Deforestation
- Logging without subsequent restocking.
- Transformation of forest areas into agricultural, farming, or urban areas.
- Impact of other industries: oil, gas, mining, and agribusiness.
- Inadequate forestry techniques, such as excessive restocking with non-native species, replacement of forest vegetation, opening forest roads in high-erosion areas, excessive clearing of undergrowth, and use of heavy machinery.
- Air pollution: acid rain.
Three Components of Biological Diversity
Genetic Diversity Within Species
Without great variability in gene populations, species would be unable to adapt to the environment and evolve under natural selection.Species Diversity
Without it, biocenosis would be impoverished, more vulnerable to environmental changes, and alter the flows of matter and energy in ecosystems and the biosphere.Ecosystem Diversity
A reduction in ecosystems impacts the global diversity of species.
Causes of Biodiversity Loss
Destruction, degradation and fragmentation of habitats, introduction of alien species, overexploitation, pollution, climate change, and industrialization.