8.2 - Resourse Use In Society

Question 1

Define natural capital

Answer 1

the term used to describe resources from nature that are managed by humans because they provide goods or services

Question 2

What can natural goods and services include

Answer 2

Natural goods and services can include directly marketable goods, such as timber and crops, or broader ecological services, such as the flood protection provided by mangroves, or the erosion prevention and climate regulation services that forests provide

Question 3

What is renewable capital

Answer 3

Renewable natural capital includes natural resources that can be replaced or regenerated at a rate equal to or faster than they are being used

Question 4

What is non renewable capital

Answer 4

non-renewable natural capital includes natural resources that cannot be replaced or regenerated at a rate equal to or faster than they are being used

Question 5

Why is non renewable natural capital unable to be replaced

Answer 5

these resources are either irreplaceable or can only be replenished over geological timescales (i.e. extremely long periods of time)

Question 6

What are some examples of renewable capital

Answer 6

1. Living species and ecosystems -
   Forests = provide timber but seeds regrow trees
   Wetlands = self sustain through process like sedimentation and nutrient cycling
2. Non living systems -
   Ground water
   Ozone layer
   (Can self sustain its self)

Question 7

What are examples of non renewable natural capital

Answer 7

• fossil fuels
• soil
  Agriculture practices can lead to soil errosion and depletion, deforestation
• minerals
  Used in tech
  Gold anmd silver

Question 8

What are some sustainable utilisation of renewable natural capital

Answer 8

• forest management
• fisheries management
• renewable energy

Question 9

How is forest management sustainable use of natural capital

Answer 9

Implementing sustainable forestry practices such as selective logging, reforestation, and maintaining biodiversity can ensure the continued provision of timber, non-timber forest products, and ecosystem services while preserving the integrity of forest ecosystems

Question 10

How is fisheries management sustaible use of natural capital

Answer 10

Setting catch limits, implementing seasonal fishing restrictions, and establishing marine protected areas can help maintain fish populations at sustainable levels, allowing for continued fishing activities and the preservation of marine biodiversity

Question 11

How is renewable energy sustaible use of natural capital

Answer 11

Harnessing renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels and minimises environmental impacts, providing a sustainable energy alternative

Question 12

What are some examples of unsuitable use of renewable natural capital

Answer 12

• deforestation
• over fishing
• water extraction

Question 13

How is deforestation un sustainable use of natural capital

Answer 13

Clearing forests at a rate faster than their regeneration can lead to habitat loss, soil erosion, and contribute to climate change

Unsustainable logging practices and large-scale conversion of forests for agriculture or infrastructure development are examples of unsustainable utilisation

Question 14

How is overfishing un sustainable use of natural capital

Answer 14

Excessive fishing beyond the natural reproduction rate of fish populations can lead to the depletion of fish stocks, disrupt marine ecosystems, and impact the livelihoods of fishing communities

Question 15

How is water extraction unsustainable use of natural capital

Answer 15

Excessive withdrawal of groundwater from aquifers can result in depletion, saltwater intrusion, and long-term water scarcity
When water is used beyond its natural replenishment rate, it becomes unsustainable

Question 16

What does natural capital provide

Answer 16

Goods and services

Question 17

What are some values of natural capitals

Answer 17

aesthetic, cultural, economic, environmental, ethical, intrinsic, social, spiritual or technological

Question 18

How does the concept and value of natural capital vary

Answer 18

• cultural
• social
• enviromental
• technological
• political

Question 19

How does cultural factors change your concept of natural capital

Answer 19

Cultural factors influence the value assigned to certain natural resources
- For example, cork forests in Portugal have been recognised as valuable natural capital due to their importance in the wine industry and the cultural heritage significance associated with this

Question 20

How does social factors vary your concept of natural capital

Answer 20

Social factors can influence the perceived value of natural capital
For example, in regions where uranium mining is seen as a threat to human health and the environment, uranium may be regarded as negative or harmful natural capital

Question 21

How does economic factors vary your concept of natural capital

Answer 21

Economic factors play a significant role in determining the market value of natural capital
Resources like lithium, which are essential for battery production in the growing electric vehicle industry, have seen increased market value and demand

Question 22

How do enviromental factors influence you concept of natural capital

Answer 22

Environmental factors, such as the physical scarcity or abundance of a resource, can influence its status as natural capital
In areas with significant lithium deposits, such as the lithium triangle in South America, lithium has become a valuable natural capital due to its critical role in energy storage

Question 23

How does technological advancements influence your value of natural capital

Answer 23

Technological advancements can influence the value of natural capital
For example, flint - once an important resource used for hand tools - is now redundant as it was superseded by the development of metal extraction from ores
More recently, the increased demand for renewable energy sources has led to a higher market value for resources like lithium, which is used in rechargeable batteries for solar and wind energy systems

Question 24

How do political factors influence you concept of natural capital

Answer 24

Political factors, including regulations and policies, can shape the perception and market value of natural capital
Governments can impose restrictions or incentives that affect the extraction and use of certain resources, such as limiting uranium mining due to environmental concerns