Unit 2: Degradation & Depletion of Natural Resources

Introductory principle: The pressure on the environment due to human activities has been greatly enhanced due to the accelerated use and depletion of natural resources. Given the finite nature of all resources the ultimate aim is to achieve sustainable use of the natural capital.

Classification of resources: Natural resources are classified into renewable and non-renewable resources.

Topic & Major Objective

Subject Content

Knowledge expected

Exploitation of natural resources

Harvesting of biotic resources:

a) Logging

b) Grazing

c) Hunting & fishing (includes also the trade of exotic species for various reasons)

Demand is greater than supply and the source takes a relatively long time to replenish itself.

Management of biotic resources to allow them to replenish and last longer for future availability (Specific examples to be used throughout, e.g. reducing fishing fleets and enforcing legislation regarding fishing techniques; aforestation and wood substitutes)

Candidates are expected to know how these activities put pressure on the environment and how depletion occurs.

A comparison between sustainable use and irreparable damage should be made. (It is suggested that the problem of decreasing fish stocks be taken as an example).

Candidates should be aware that biotic resources (e.g. fish stocks) are not infinite and can only withstand a limited amount of pressure from human activities and demands.

Extraction and use of abiotic resources:

a) Fossil fuels

b) Mineral resources (including metal ores)

c) Non-mineral resources (rocks & aggregates)

Environmental Impacts:

a) Loss of land & habitat

b) Subsidence & flooding

c) Air & water pollution (including substances released during purification processes)

The aim of this topic is to illustrate the general principles of pollution due to resource extraction and purification. Candidates are NOT expected to be familiar with specific extraction and purification processes.

Candidates are expected to know the negative impacts of mining and resource extraction including fossil fuels.

Candidates should also become aware that toxic by-products are produced during purification of minerals and fossil fuels.

Roasting of metal ores should be used as an example to explain how the extraction and purification processes damage the environment.

The finite nature of physical resources.

a) Alternative fuels.

b) Resource substitution; wood, metals, organic products (e.g. rubber) by plastics etc.

Issues considered here refer to practices aimed at conserving resources rather than depleting them as long as stocks last.

Candidates are expected to be capable of illustrating, with examples, how abiotic resources should be used sustainably within nature’s limit of renewability.

The concept of resource substitution should be included here as an example of strategies to reduce pressure on natural resources. (Synthetic organic & inorganic compounds).