how can we sustainably manage natural resources Flashcards
what is a resource
a material that is identified by people to be useful
how do people identify resources
culture and technology
what is culture
culture refers to the way of life which a group of people shares
how does culture affect the way people identify resources
the Penan tribe uses wood to build their houses but in SG we use brick, cement and steel bars to construct our houses. Thus, for the Penan, they might not identify those things as resources.
how does technology affect the way people identify resources
before technology, animals were used for laborious work. However, machinery such as power tillers and combine harvesters are increasingly being used. Thus, water buffaloes are less likely to be seen as a valuable resource
what is a natural resource
natural resources are useful materials found on earth that are produced by natural processes occurring in the physical environment. (eg water and solar energy)
how are natural resources identified
renewable and non renewable
what are renewable resources
materials that are replenished naturally more or less within the same time period they are used.
what are some renewable natural resources
water and solar energy
what are non renewable natural resources
materials that may or may not be replenished naturally. if they are replenished, than the natural process occur very slowly and takes such a long time that it is beyond the period used
what are some non renewable natural resources
crude oil
how do people’s views affect the use of natural resources
nature centred and human centred
how does a nature centred view affect the use of natural resources
in the nature centred view, the physical environment with its natural resources is seen valuable in itself. everything that is found in the physical environment should be preserved, meaning it should be protected and retained in its original state as far as possible.
how does a human centred view affect the natural environment
in the human centred view, the physical environment is valuable cuz humans can obtain materials from it for their use and benefit. people with this view are motivated to find ways to extract the natural resources to enhance their personal well being or to sell them for money
why is a human centred view harmful for the environment
extraction of natural resources can negatively impact the availability of resources and the physical resources. if extraction occurs faster than natural renewal, the availability of the natural resource will be depleted. environment degradation can occur too
