7.1 Natural resources — uses and management

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Guiding questions

How does the renewability of natural capital have implications for its sustainable use?
How might societies reconcile competing perspectives on natural resource use?
To what extent can human societies use natural resources sustainably?

SL and HL knowledge statements

7.1.1 Natural resources are the raw materials and sources of energy used and consumed by society.

7.1.2 Natural capital is the stock of natural resources available on Earth.

7.1.3 Natural capital provides natural income in terms of goods and services.

7.1.4 The terms “natural capital” and “natural income” imply a particular perspective on nature.

7.1.5 Ecosystems provide life-supporting ecosystem services.

7.1.6 All resources are finite. Resources can be classified as either renewable or non-renewable.

7.1.7 Natural capital has aesthetic, cultural, economic, environmental, health, intrinsic, social, spiritual and technological value. The value of natural capital is influenced by these factors.

7.1.8 The value of natural capital is dynamic in that it can change over time.

7.1.9 The use of natural capital needs to be managed in order to ensure sustainability.

7.1.10 Resource security depends on the ability of societies to ensure the long-term availability of sufficient natural resources to meet demand.

7.1.11 The choices a society makes in using given natural resources are affected by many factors and reflect diverse perspectives.

Knowledge statements for HL only

7.1.12 A range of different management and intervention strategies can be used to directly influence society’s use of natural capital.

7.1.13 The SDGs provide a framework for action by all countries in global partnership for natural resources use and management.

7.1.14 Sustainable resource management in development projects is addressed in an environmental impact assessment (EIA).

7.1.15 Countries and regions have different guidance on the use of EIAs.

7.1.16 Making EIAs public allows local citizens to have a role as stakeholders in decision-making.

Here’s an intro to EIAs

7.1.17 While a given resource may be renewable, the associated means of extracting, harvesting, transporting and processing it may be unsustainable.

This video addresses the scientific aspects of renewable energy sources – efficiency, transportation, energy density, etc. – but it omits the economic and geopolitical considerations that influence many countries’ choices of energy sources.

7.1.18 Economic interests often favour short-term responses in production and consumption which undermine long-term sustainability.

Here’s an intriguing perspective about the (not so distant) future of the global petroleum industry.

7.1.19 Natural resource insecurity hinders socioeconomic development and can lead to environmental degradation and geopolitical tensions and conflicts.

7.1.20 Resource security can be brought about by reductions in demand, increases in supply or changing technologies.

7.1.21 Economic globalization can increase supply, making countries increasingly interdependent, but it may reduce national resource security.

There are 3 components of energy security: sovereignty (control or ownership), robustness (strength and durability of a society’s energy systems), and resilience (ability to withstand and respond to disruptions, whether they are geopolitical or environmental in nature).

Practical activities

Copy from syllabus and expand.
Add from existing PSOW booklet.

Possible engagement opportunities

from official syllabus.
Turn into CAS suggestions connected to UN SDGs.

Happy learning!