Natural resources are super important for us to live and grow. They are gifts from nature that everyone can use. In this article, we’ll learn what natural resources are, the different types, and why it’s important to use them wisely so they don’t run out for future generations.
Natural resources are things found in nature that living things, like humans and animals, can use. Some examples are water, forests, fossil fuels, minerals, plants, animals, and air. These resources are there without humans having to make them, and they are really important for our everyday lives.
Natural resources can be grouped into two main types: renewable and non-renewable resources.
Renewable resources are those that won’t run out because they can be naturally replaced. Some examples are:
But we have to be careful! Some renewable resources, like water, can become non-renewable if we pollute them or don’t use them wisely. Did you know that only 2.5% of all the water on Earth is fresh, and just 0.3% of that is easy to get to on the surface? This means we need to take care of our water to keep it clean and available.
Non-renewable resources are limited and don’t come back quickly. These include:
If we use up non-renewable resources too fast, we might run out of important things we need for energy, building, and more. That’s why it’s important to save them for the future.
Sustainable development means using resources in a way that meets our needs now but also keeps them available for future generations. It’s important to know the difference between resources that can run out (non-renewable) and those that won’t (renewable) to help us make smart choices.
People around the world use natural resources differently. For example, people in richer countries use up to ten times more resources than those in poorer countries. On average, someone in North America uses about 90 kilograms of resources every day, while someone in Africa uses only about 10 kilograms. This shows why it’s important to share resources fairly.
Natural resources are crucial for our survival, and we need to manage them carefully for a sustainable future. By understanding the types of resources and practicing sustainable development, we can make sure future generations have what they need. Let’s all work together to protect our natural resources and keep our planet healthy!
Resource Scavenger Hunt: Go on a scavenger hunt around your home or school to find examples of natural resources. Look for items made from wood, metal, or plastic, and think about where these materials come from. Discuss with your friends or family whether these resources are renewable or non-renewable and why it’s important to use them wisely.
Water Conservation Experiment: Conduct a simple experiment to understand the importance of water conservation. Fill a small container with water and use it to water a plant every day for a week. Measure how much water you use each day. Discuss how you can reduce water usage in your daily life and why conserving water is important, even though it’s a renewable resource.
Math and Resources: Use math to explore resource consumption. If a person in North America uses about 90 kilograms of resources daily, calculate how much they use in a week. Compare this to someone in Africa who uses about 10 kilograms daily. Discuss why it’s important to share resources fairly and how this affects sustainable development.
