Natural resource

Natural resources are resources that exist without actions of humankind. This includes all valued characteristics such as magnetic, gravitational, and electrical properties and forces, etc. On Earth it includes: sunlight, atmosphere, water, land (includes all minerals) along with all vegetation and animal life that naturally subsists upon or within the previously identified characteristics and substances.

Particularity of natural resources

There is a clear distinction between the types of natural resources: renewable resources and non-renewable resources. Renewable resources are those that are replenished or regenerated on a timescale of human relevance, such as sunlight, wind, waves, and biomass. Non-renewable resources, on the other hand, are those that do not renew themselves at a sufficient rate for sustainable economic extraction in meaningful human timeframes. Examples include fossil fuels, minerals, and metals.

Economic principles of natural resources

Natural resources are fundamental to the production of goods and services and are an essential part of the economy. They can be classified into potential, actual, reserve, or stock resources based on their stage of development. Natural resources are either found in the form of stock or flow. Stock resources are those that have been surveyed but require significant effort and resources to make them available for use. Flow resources are those that are available for use without any effort. This includes resources like water, air, sunlight, and biomass.

Sustainability and natural resources

The concept of sustainability is deeply connected to the utilization of natural resources. Sustainable use of natural resources is defined as the use of resources at a rate that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This involves the efficient use of resources, the protection of the environment, and the promotion of social equity.

See also

• Conservation
• Natural capital
• Natural resource management
• Renewable resource
• Non-renewable resource