Activity 3.2.1 – Natural Resources Review

I have created a simple concept map based on the video "Exploring natural resources" produced by Brian Jerome. The term "natural resources" refers to any goods provided by nature. Natural resources are divided into 2 major groups: Renewable and Non-renewable. The way these are categorized depends on the time it takes for them to restore. 

 Renewable natural resources are elements of nature that are almost always available and take little or no time to replenish. Solar energy, for example, belongs in the renewable category because it cannot be completely depleted. In the video, Nina Keck narrates that there is always more solar energy available than it is being consumed, and it is always being produced. Things that can be obtained from these resources, such as chairs made out of wood, are also considered natural resources. It is important to note that renewable resources may become scarce if consumption is faster than replacement. For example, fish may become scarce in an overpopulated area where they are consumed at a faster pace than they reproduce. 

 In contrast, the second group is non-renewable natural resources. These are elements that cannot be restored or take a very long time (sometimes millions of years) to be replenished once they are used up. Non-renewable resources are not produced at a consistent pace and their consumption is usually much faster than their replacement. Some examples are minerals, and fossil fuels (coal, natural gas, oil), made from organisms that were once alive millions of years ago and are now being used as energy. 

 Recycling is one way for humans to save and reuse non-renewable resources. Cans, newspapers, plastic, glass, can be turned into other things and used over and over. Another way is using synthetic materials, or man made products that substitute natural resources. For example the use of vinyl siding instead of wood or plastic utensils instead of iron. Sometimes these substitutes can cause more harm than good by polluting the Earth. 

 Brian A. Jerome, & Visual Learning Systems (Producers), & . (2017). Exploring Natural Resources. [Video/DVD] Visual Learning Systems. Retrieved from https://video.alexanderstreet.com/watch/exploring-natural-resources