Understanding and Protecting Earth’s Resources

Earth’s resources are very important for the survival of human civilization. Our existence is practically, and frankly, dependent on their existence. From the most common and vital resources like the air we breathe, water we drink, and food we eat, up to the uncommon yet still valuable resources like fossil fuels (such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas), nuclear power, and even metals, are all important in our daily lives. People might not see the real value of these resources only until they’re gone. But the thing is, once these natural resources have vanished, then you can pretty much expect that human race will also be at its end. And that’s the cold hard truth.

 

Besides, with the current state of our environment, I wouldn’t be surprised to discover that the so-called “End of Humanity” is already upon us. And who’s to blame for the scarcity and probably extermination of natural resources? It’s all of us, of course. And let’s not even play ‘The Blame Game’ and start pointing fingers here. We all had our fair share with the destruction of our environment, one way or another; intentionally or unintentionally. Just look at the world we’re living in today:

From Left to Right: (Water Pollution in Indonesia); (Chemical Waste in Russia); (Air Pollution in the United States of America); and (Land Pollution in Zambia)

It’s unbearable, right? Well, that’s reality. And while all of this is true, the fact remains that although we have been the cause of this problem, we can also be the source of its solution. But before we get on with the responsibilities entailed with our past careless actions regarding our treatment to planet Earth, let us first learn some basic knowledge about the nature of earth’s resources.

Earth’s Resources (a.k.a. Natural Resources) are substances that exist naturally in the earth and were not made by human beings. Their value is based on the demand and usefulness in manufacturing products or providing human necessities or comforts. And as mentioned earlier, natural resources are materials such as air, land, water, natural gas, coal, oil, petroleum, minerals, wood, topsoil, fauna, flora, forests and wildlife. 

There are various methods of categorizing natural resources, and two of the most common methods are based by their source of origin, and by their renewability. On the basis of origin, there are Biotic and Abiotic resources. Biotic resources are resources that are derived from the biosphere such as plants, trees, and animals. Abiotic resources, on the other hand, are resources that are nonliving like water, soil, and minerals.

 

However, on the basis of renewability, natural resources are classified into two: Renewable and Non-renewable resources. Renewable natural resources are those that can be replaced in a timely manner and include animal life, plants, trees, water, grass and wind energy. Non-renewable resources may be irreplaceable once hauled out from water or soil and include gold, silver, fossil fuels, diamonds, natural gas, copper and more. All these resources are acquired through extraction. Resource extraction involves any activity that withdraws resources from nature. Examples of extractive industries are hunting and trapping, mining, oil and gas drilling, and forestry. But due to reckless acts of such industries, depletion of natural resources has begun. 

The depletion of natural resources is a continuing concern for society. As technology has improved, the rate of depletion of certain resources has increased dramatically. Many resources are not infinite, and the swift consumption of them will have dreadful consequences now and in the future. Due to that, the loss of these resources will force every society on earth to adapt to rapid and unpredictable change.

But let’s not give-up and lose hope just yet. A variety of efforts are underway to stem the depletion of natural resources. And it starts with you and me. We have done enough damage here on earth and not doing anything to stop it will only hurt us in the end. Even in the smallest ways we can help protect and conserve these resources. One way is by preventing pollution and wise usage of earth’s resources. 

Remember, natural resources are valuable in their own right, as independent works of creation. However, the ultimate survival of all life – including humanity – also depends on the quality of its environment. And since human beings are entrusted with superiority among these resources, great accountability to protect them is likewise weighed on our shoulders. You see, natural resources also belong to the future, and not just to the present. Today’s generation is only the custodian of these resources for future generations. Our children and grandchildren will also need them to support their own quality of life. So let’s do our part for the sake of the Earth, and for the sake of mankind.

 

‘Til next time…

ERICSON OUT.

P.S. If you have queries regarding the subjects I’ve posted, feel free to ask and I’ll share my time to help you out. All these information I'm sharing with you comes from my Natural Sciences class provided by my professor, Mr. Crisencio Paner. And if you’re interested in learning more, click here.

*Check by Mr. Crisencio Paner.