How do we categorise natural resources?
Natural resources can be categorised based on different criteria.
One way is based on their uses: resources essential for life (air, water, food), resources for materials (wood, marble, coal, gold), and resources for energy (coal, water, petroleum, natural gas, sunlight, wind).
A second way is based on whether they are renewable or non-renewable. Renewable resources like solar energy, wind energy, and timber can be restored and regenerated over time, while non-renewable resources like fossil fuels, minerals, and metals cannot be replenished at the rate we use them.
Explanation
The chapter explains categorisation on pages 4-7. It describes two main approaches: categorisation by use (essential for life, materials, energy) and categorisation by renewability (renewable vs non-renewable). The chapter emphasises that categorisation helps us discuss and communicate about resources effectively.
Solution Steps
Natural resources can be categorised based on different criteria
First categorisation is based on uses: essential for life, materials, and energy
Second categorisation is based on renewability: renewable vs non-renewable
Renewable resources can be restored and regenerated over time
Non-renewable resources cannot be replenished at the rate we use them