PTNR - Use of Natural Resources (Lesson)

Use of Natural Resources

Sustainable use of both renewable and nonrenewable resources is critical to the long-term survival of the human population. Humans must accept the responsibility of caring for a fragile planet with a growing population.

Please watch this Sustainability in 2 Minutes video to look at the sustainable use of natural resources. Links to an external site.

Management of Natural Resources

Read over the presentation below about the management of resources. Download this chart as a resource to use as you read through it.

Click here to download the APES Management of Natural Resources PowerPoint Notes Links to an external site.

Click through the following presentation to learn about the management of natural resources.

Gross Domestic Product and Natural Resources

Natural resource use varies from area to area in the United States and varies significantly from country to country. Overall, per capita, Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is a good indicator of the resource use of a country. Certainly, there are many other factors to consider when evaluating a country's resource demand, but the standard of living and the per capita GDP are key factors.

Click here to read over the PDF file from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). Links to an external site.

Please consider the following questions.

  • What does per capita mean?
  • What countries have the highest consumption rates, developed or developing?
  • What countries are more likely to manage their natural resource use, developed or developing?
  • How might some types of natural resources be used differently in developed countries when compared to developing countries?

 

RESOURCES IN THIS MODULE ARE OPEN EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES (OER) OR CREATED BY GAVS UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED. SOME IMAGES USED UNDER SUBSCRIPTION.