RNR 1001 Chapter : 8 28 2013
Document Summary
Natural resources- something useful or necessary to humans that is produced by a non-anthropogenic process i. e, a forest, a mineral deposit, or fresh water. Renewable natural resources- resources that are replenished by nature-based processes, usually living resources, but not always; non-renewable resources, for all practical purposes, are fixed-i. e, coal. Conservation- protection and restoration of living organisms and their environment, with the overall goal of maintaining the structure and function of earth"s support systems. Think of the accrued interest in a savings account. A focus on future generations is implicit in the concept of sustainability, whether we are referring to a product (e. g. , wood) or a function (e. g. , photosynthesis) Typically associated with the productivity of natural resources (bank account), but should also focus on maintaining system function. Growth of human civilizations throughout history -> increased use of natural resources. Sustainability has declined as technological innovations have evolved.
