Topic 8.2

Question 1

What is renewable natural capital?

Answer 1

can be generated and/or replaced as fast as it is being used. Includes living species and ecosystems that use solar energy and photosynthesis, as well as non-living items such as groundwater and the ozone layer.
can be used sustainably or unsustainably.

Question 2

what is non-renewable natural capital?

Answer 2

it is either irreplaceable or only replaced over geological timescales e.g. fossil fuels, soil and minerals.

Question 3

Define Natural Capital.

Answer 3

a resource which has some value to humans. Resources are goods or services that we use.

Question 4

Define natural income.

Answer 4

the rate of replacement of a particular resource or natural capital.

Question 5

When is renewable natural capital used unsustainably?

Answer 5

Natural capital can be used sustainably and unsustainably. If renewable natural capital is used beyond its natural income it is used unsustainably.
Renewable natural capital can run out if the standing stock (how much there is) is harvested unsustainably i.e more is taken than can be replaced by natural growth rate. Then, it will eventually run out.

Question 6

What is the depletion of natural resources at unsustainable levels and efforts to conserve these resources the source of?

Answer 6

Conflict within and between political parties and countries.
The impacts of extraction, transport and processing of a renewable natural capital may cause damage making this natural capital unsustainable.

Question 7

Why might the value of a natural resource change over time?

Answer 7

• Technological advancements.
• Overuse of natural resources.
• Price may drop when supply increases.

Question 8

What does it mean when natural capital is dynamic?

Answer 8

The importance of types of natural capital varies over time. A resource available today may not be a resource in the future. A resource available in the past pay not be a resource today or it may not have the resource value it previously had.

Question 9

What can the two examples of changing value of natural capital be witnessed?

Answer 9

1. Cork forests

2. Lithium

Question 10

Explain how cork shows the changing value of natural capital.

Answer 10

• Cork from the bark of a cork tree has been essential for centuries to seal wine bottles however, plastic corks, screw top bottles and plastic lids are replacing cork. Most of these are not biodegradable like cork and are made from fossil fuels.
• Cork forests are losing their value as natural capital to humans so they are cut down and the land is used for other purposes. It’s not a good thing.

Question 11

Explain how lithium shows the changing value of natural capital.

Answer 11

• We use lithium carbonate batteries if we have a mobile phone, tablet or electric car. Thirty years ago, we had little idea where lithium-containing ores were in the world because we did not use much of it as a resource. Now we cannot get enough of them.

Question 12

We can divide the valuation of natural capital in what two categories?

Answer 12

Use valuation and non-use valuation.

Question 13

What is use valuation and give examples.

Answer 13

It is natural capital that we can put a price on.
E.g.
- Economic price of marketable goods.
- Ecological functions, eg water storage or gas exchange in forests.
- Recreational functions eg tourism, leisure activities.

Question 14

What is non use valuation and give examples.

Answer 14

It is natural capital that is almost impossible to put a price on.
E.g.
- If it has intrinsic value (the right to exist)
- If there are future uses that we do not yet know (science, medicines, potential gene pool).
- if it has value by existing for future generations - existence value (Amazon Rainforest)

Question 15

What are the goods of coral Reefs

Answer 15

• They are important in the development of medicines. Coral reefs have been used in the treatment of cancer, HIV, cardiovascular diseases and ulcers.
• At least 500 people rely on coral reefs for food

Question 16

What are the services of coral reefs?

Answer 16

• Coastal protection through forming natural barriers that protect nearby shorelines from the eroding forces of the sea, protecting coastal dwellings, agricultural land and beaches.
• Important sites of cultural heritage in many regions of the world and cultural traditions for millions of people are intimately tied to coral reefs.
• Increases tourism, provides recreation and job opportunities.

Question 17

What are the goods of topical rainforests?

Answer 17

• Medicines - rainforests have also been used to search for medicines.
• Food - rainforests can produce food such as nuts, which forms part of the diet of local people in the Amazon.
• Raw Materials - rainforests can be logged to produce timber such as hardwoods for garden furniture exports.Oil palm plantations are used to extract oil palm, which is used in cosmetics, confectionary, detergents, and many products.

Question 18

What are the services of tropical rainforests?

Answer 18

Regulating climate and air quality - rainforests play a crucial factor in maintaining the natural balance.The rainforests are essential in air purification, the rainforest captures carbon and releases clean oxygen.
Sustaining culture - rainforests have considerable scientific and educational value, and they are also increasingly popular destinations for eco-tourism and recreation.Rainforests can represent a source of belonging, and offer a cultural heritage.
Precipitation and agricultural support - Rainforests use a combination of processes to create almost 50% of its own rainfall.The plants and trees capture the high humidity and recycle it through transpiration