Subtopic 7.

1
Resource Use and
Management
 Guiding Questions
● How does the renewability of natural capital have
implications for its sustainable use?
● How might societies reconcile competing perspectives on
natural resource use?
● To what extent can human societies use natural resources
sustainably?
 7.1.1 Introduction to Natural
Resources and Sustainability
Natural resources are materials and components that occur
naturally in the environment and are utilized by humans for
survival and economic activity.

Natural resources are the foundation of life on Earth and the

backbone of human civilization.

They include both the raw materials and the sources of energy
that are essential for survival, development, and technological
advancement.
 7.1.1 Categories of Natural
Resources
● Biotic Resources: Derived from living things (e.g., forests,
animals, plants).
● Abiotic Resources: Derived from non-living things (e.g.,
sunlight, air, water, land, rocks).
● Renewable Resources: Resources that can be replenished
naturally over short periods of time (e.g., sunlight, wind,
water).
● Non-Renewable Resources: Resources that exist in finite
quantities and are not replenished on a human timescale
(e.g., fossil fuels, minerals).
 7.1.1 Types of Natural Resources
● Sunlight: Driving photosynthesis, weather patterns, and
solar power technologies.
● Air: Vital for respiration, weather systems
● Water: Essential for drinking, agriculture, industry, and
supporting ecosystems.
● Land: Includes soil and minerals, land is used for
agriculture, urban development, and as a base for
ecosystems.
● Rocks and Minerals: Foundation of Earth's physical
structure and provide valuable resources like metals and
gemstones.
● Ecosystems and Living Things: Forests, oceans, and
other ecosystems provide food, oxygen, and a variety of
resources like timber, fish, and medicinal plants.
7.1.1 Natural Resources
 7.1.1 Natural Resources - Activity
● Conduct a personal audit of the natural resources you use
daily (e.g., water for drinking, electricity from solar panels,
food from plants and animals). Reflect on how your
consumption impacts these resources.
7.1.2 Understanding Natural Capital

Natural capital refers to the world's stocks of natural assets

including geology, soil, air, water, and all living organisms.

Components of Natural Capital:

● Physical Resources: Minerals, forests, water bodies.
● Ecosystem Services: Processes and functions provided by
ecosystems such as pollination, water purification, and climate
regulation.
Importance:
● Supports life by providing essential goods and services.
● Forms the foundation for economic activity and human well-
being.
 7.1.2 Natural Capital: Local and
Global Perspectives
Local Example:
● Georgia, USA: Rich forests providing timber and recreation;
rivers supplying water and supporting biodiversity.
Global Example:
● Amazon Rainforest: Acts as the lungs of the Earth, providing
oxygen and regulating climate.
 7.1.2 Natural Capital - Activity

● Activity: Research one specific local and one specific global

example of natural capital
○ Consider the ecosystem services provided by the local and
global natural capital.
○ State how the natural capital is affected by human activities
○ State how the natural capital is managed, its current state,
any conservation efforts, and the challenges it faces. Are
there any local organizations or government policies that
protect or manage this resource?
 7.1.2 Natural Capital - Activity

● Why is it important to preserve natural capital both locally and

globally?
 7.1.3 Defining Natural Income

Natural income is the yield obtained from natural capital; it

includes renewable resources that are harvested and used
sustainably.

Examples of Natural Income:

● Goods: Timber from forests, fish from oceans, crops from fertile
land.
● Services: Pollination by insects, flood protection by wetlands,
recreation and tourism opportunities.
Significance:
● Provides ongoing benefits that support economies and
livelihoods.
● Dependent on maintaining the health and sustainability of
 7.1.3 Sustainable Use of Natural
Income
Principles of Sustainability:
● Harvesting resources at a rate that does not exceed their
natural regeneration.
● Ensuring that ecosystem services are not degraded over time.
Example:
● Sustainable Forestry Practices: Selective logging and
reforestation efforts maintain forest health and continuous
timber supply.

What are the consequences of depleting natural income faster than

it can be regenerated?
 7.1.4 The Natural Capital Model
Natural Capital Model is a framework that views natural
resources as assets that provide ongoing economic value through
natural income.

Benefits:
● Sustainable Resource Management: Encourages practices
that maintain or enhance natural capital for future generations.
● Economic and Environmental Integration: Allows for
environmental considerations to be included in economic
decision-making and planning.
 7.1.4 Challenges and Ethical
Considerations
Balancing Use and Conservation:
● Risks of overemphasizing economic value at the expense of
ecological health.
● Need for policies that ensure equitable and sustainable use.
Alternative Perspectives:
● Ecocentrism: Values nature for its intrinsic worth, advocating
for preservation regardless of economic benefits.
● Anthropocentrism vs. Biocentrism: Human-centered vs.
life-centered approaches to environmental ethics.
7.1.4 Challenges and Ethical
Considerations
7.1.4 Challenges and Ethical
Considerations
7.1.4 Challenges and Ethical
Considerations

“How do different value systems influence environmental

policy and conservation efforts?”
Ecosystem
Services
7.1.5 Ecosystem Services
 7.1.5 Ecosystem Services:
Supporting Life on Earth
Ecosystem services are the benefits that humans receive from
functioning ecosystems.

Categories of Ecosystem Services:

● Provisioning Services: Supply of food, fresh water, fuel,
and fiber.
● Regulating Services: Climate regulation, flood control,
disease regulation.
● Cultural Services: Spiritual, recreational, and educational
benefits.
● Supporting Services: Nutrient cycling, soil formation,
photosynthesis.
 7.1.5 Importance to Ecosystem
Services
Importance:
● Essential for human survival, health, and economic activity.
● Contributes to overall quality of life and cultural identity.

Water Replenishment
● Description: Ecosystems like forests, wetlands, and
watersheds play a key role in the natural water cycle by
absorbing rainfall, replenishing groundwater, and
maintaining stream flows.
● Example: The Okefenokee Swamp in Georgia acts as a
natural reservoir, replenishing groundwater supplies and
maintaining water levels in surrounding rivers and streams.
7.1.5 Threats to Ecosystem Services

Threats:
● Habitat Destruction: Deforestation, urbanization reducing
ecosystem functionality.
● Pollution: Contaminants affecting air, water, and soil
quality.
● Climate Change: Altering ecosystem dynamics and service
provision.

Conservation Strategies:
● Protected areas, sustainable land use, pollution control
measures.
 7.1.5 Importance to Ecosystem
Services - Activity
Research a local or global example for each of the following.
Describe the service it provides and outline the potential threats:
● Flood and Erosion Protection
● Pollution Mitigation
● Carbon Sequestration

What would be the impact on human societies if key ecosystem

services were lost?
7.1.6 Renewable vs. Non-Renewable
Resources
Renewable Resources:
● Can replenish naturally over time (e.g., solar energy, wind,
timber).
● Sustainable use depends on not exceeding regeneration
rates.
Non-Renewable Resources:
● Finite and cannot be replaced on a human timescale (e.g.,
oil, coal, minerals).
● Sustainable management involves efficient use and seeking
alternatives.
 7.1.6 Renewable Resources
● Characteristics: Renewable resources are those that can
be naturally replenished at a rate that allows for continuous
use without leading to depletion. These include resources
such as:
○ Food Crops: Plants that can be grown and harvested
regularly through agricultural practices.
○ Timber: Wood from forests that can be sustainably
harvested and regrown.
○ Freshwater: Water that is naturally replenished through
the hydrological cycle, including rivers, lakes, and
aquifers.
○ Ozone: A layer in the Earth’s atmosphere that can
regenerate through chemical reactions involving
7.1.6 Non Renewable Resources
 7.1.6 Non Renewable Resources
● Characteristics: Non-renewable resources are those that do
not regenerate on a human timescale. Once used, they
cannot be replenished. Examples include:
○ Fossil Fuels: Coal, oil, and natural gas that formed over
millions of years from the remains of ancient plants and
animals.
○ Minerals: Metals and other geological resources that are
extracted from the Earth’s crust and are not naturally
replenished.
○ Depletion: The use of non-renewable resources leads to
their eventual depletion, which can have significant
economic and environmental impacts.
 7.1.7 Valuing Natural Capital
Different Types of Value:
● Economic Value: Monetary benefits derived from resource
use.
● Ecological Value: Importance of resources for maintaining
ecosystem health and function.
● Cultural and Aesthetic Value: Contribution to cultural
identity, recreation, and inspiration.
● Intrinsic Value: Worth of nature independent of human use
or benefit.

Implications for Management:

● Recognizing multiple values leads to more holistic and
sustainable resource management decisions.
 7.1.7 Challenges in Valuation
Quantifying Non-Economic
Values:
● Difficulty in assigning monetary
worth to cultural, aesthetic, and
intrinsic values.
● Risk of undervaluing essential
ecosystem functions and
services.
Balancing Conflicting Values:
● Navigating trade-offs between
economic development and
conservation.
● Incorporating stakeholder [Link]
perspectives in decision-making services
 7.1.7 Challenges in Valuation

What challenges arise when

trying to balance economic
development with the intrinsic
and cultural values of natural
resources?
 7.1.7 Valuing Natural Capital -
Activity
Create a survey to investigate the value that members of
the school community place on different ecosystem services
 7.1.8 Dynamic Nature of Natural
Capital Value
Factors Influencing Value Changes:
● Technological Advances: New uses or extraction methods
can increase resource value (e.g., shale gas fracking).
● Market Demand: Fluctuations in demand alter resource
prices (e.g., oil price volatility).
● Scarcity and Abundance: Resource depletion or discovery
impacts perceived value.
● Environmental Awareness: Growing recognition of
ecosystem services increases conservation value.
 7.1.8 Examples of Changing
Resource Values
Whale Oil:
● Once highly valued for lighting; value declined with the
advent of petroleum and electricity.
Lithium:
● Value surged with increased demand for batteries in
electronics and electric vehicles.
Cork:
● Decreased demand due to synthetic alternatives for wine
bottle stoppers; conservation value increased for
biodiversity.
7.1.8 Examples of
Changing
Resource Values
Managing
Natural
Resources
 7.1.9 Managing Natural Capital
Sustainably
● Sustainable Yield: Harvesting resources without
compromising future availability.
● Conservation Efforts: Protecting and restoring ecosystems
to maintain natural capital.
● Pollution Prevention: Reducing contamination to preserve
resource quality.
● Equitable Access: Ensuring fair distribution of resources
among populations.
 7.1.9 Examples of Sustainably

Forestry Management in
Scandinavia:
● Implementation of sustainable
logging practices and
reforestation.
● Certification programs (e.g.,
FSC) promoting responsible
sourcing.
 7.1.9 Examples of Sustainably

Marine Protected Areas

(MPAs):
● Zones established to conserve
marine ecosystems and fish
stocks.
● Benefits include biodiversity
preservation and support for
local fisheries.
 7.1.9 Concept of Maximum
Sustainable Yield (MSY)
MSY is the largest yield (or catch) that
can be taken from a species' stock over
an indefinite period.
● Example:
○ Fishing Industry: Harvesting
fish at MSY ensures populations
remain stable and fisheries are
productive long-term.
● Consequences of Exceeding MSY:
○ Overexploitation: Leads to
population decline, ecosystem http://
imbalance, and potential collapse [Link]
7.1.9 Concept of Maximum
Sustainable Yield (MSY)
Resource
Security
 7.1.10 Ensuring Long-Term
Availability
Resource security refers to a country’s ability to ensure that
sufficient natural resources are available to meet present and
future demand.
Key Factors in Resource Security:
● Efficient resource management.
● Sustainable extraction practices.
● Protection of ecosystems to maintain resource supplies.

Examples: Water security in arid regions or food security

through sustainable agriculture.
7.1.10 Factors Influencing Security

● Geographical Factors: The natural availability of

resources, such as fertile land or freshwater, plays a
significant role in determining a society’s resource security.
● Economic Factors: Wealthier societies often have more
resources to invest in infrastructure, technology, and
imports, which can enhance resource security.
● Political Stability: Stable governments are better able to
manage resources, implement policies, and ensure equitable
distribution, contributing to resource security.
● Technological Advances: Innovation in agriculture, water
management, and resource conservation can improve
resource security by increasing efficiency and reducing
waste.
 7.1.10 Food Security

Food security refers to the

availability, accessibility, and
affordability of food for all
people at all times. It
encompasses the ability of a
population to consistently
have enough nutritious food
to lead a healthy and active
life.
 7.1.10 Challenges with Food
Security
● Climate Change: Changes in weather patterns, such as
droughts and floods, can affect agricultural productivity,
leading to food shortages.
● Economic Inequality: Disparities in income and wealth
can limit access to food for certain populations, even when
food is available.
● Conflict and Political Instability: Wars, civil unrest, and
political instability can disrupt food production and
distribution, leading to food insecurity.
● Population Growth: Increasing populations place greater
demand on food supplies, requiring innovations in
agriculture and food distribution to maintain security.
 7.1.10 Food & Water Security -
Activity
Select two contrasting societies that manage either food or
water security. These could be:
● Israel (advanced water management and desalination).
● Ethiopia (water insecurity and drought management).
● Japan (high dependence on imported food).
● Brazil (natural water abundance but challenges in equitable
distribution).
● Australia (drought and agriculture management).
 7.1.10 Food & Water Security -
Activity
● What are the main challenges to resource security in each
society? (e.g., climate, population growth, geopolitical
tensions).
● What strategies are used to ensure food or water security?
(e.g., technology, trade, policy, conservation).
● How effective are these strategies in ensuring long-term
resource security? (e.g., Has the society been successful in
mitigating shortages or managing resources sustainably?).
● What are the environmental and social impacts of these
strategies?
● How does a lack of resource security lead to conflicts or
hinder development in some countries?
 7.1.10 Food & Water Security -
Activity
● Access the One World In Data website. Use the search bar in the top-right
corner of the homepage. Type relevant keywords such as "food security,"
"water scarcity," "agriculture," "climate change," or the specific country
they are researching.
● Browse by Topic: Click on “Topics” at the top to see categories. For this
activity, students can explore:
○ Food and Agriculture: Offers data on global food production, hunger,
and food security.
○ Water Use and Sanitation: Includes data on water resources, water
scarcity, and access to clean water.
○ Energy: Relevant for understanding resource security in terms of
energy production and consumption.
○ Environmental Impacts: Useful for researching how environmental
changes affect resource availability.
 7.1.11 Factors Influencing Resource
Use Choices
Economic: Availability of resources, market demand, cost of extraction.
Sociocultural: Community needs, cultural practices, public opinion.
Political: National resource policies, international agreements.
Environmental: Impact on ecosystems, availability of renewable vs.
non-renewable resources.
Geographical Factors: The physical location and availability of
resources, as well as the geographical characteristics of a region,
determine what resources are accessible and how they can be used.
Technological Factors: Advances in technology can change how
resources are extracted, processed, and utilized, making some resources
more viable or reducing the environmental impact of their use.
Historical Factors: Historical patterns of resource use, including past
conflicts over resources and long-standing practices, can influence
 7.1.11 Factors Influencing Resource
Use Choices - Activity
Create a table showing how economic, political, and
environmental factors affect a specific country’s resource use
decisions.
● Factors
● How it Affects Resource Use Decisions
● Example
 7.1.11 Factors Influencing Resource
Use Choices - Activity
Consider factors affecting the local choice of a named natural
resource.
● Water (Chattahoochee River Basin)
● Timber (Forestry Industry)
● Peanuts (Agriculture)
● Kaolin (Mineral Resource)
● Solar Energy (Renewable Energy)
 7.1.11 Factors Influencing Resource
Use Choices - Activity
Fill out a table summarizing how these factors influence the local
choice of your resource

Discussion Question: How do international agreements on

greenhouse gas emissions affect national decisions on energy
resources?
HL ONLY
7.1.12 Management and
Intervention Strategies
We can employ various management strategies to
directly impact how society utilizes natural capital.
Government-led initiatives include implementing
national action plans aimed at achieving the United
Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Specifically, SDG 12 focuses on ensuring sustainable

consumption and production patterns, with Target 12.2
addressing the sustainable management and efficient
use of natural resources.​
 7.1.12 Management and
Intervention Strategies
Government Strategies:
● National Action Plans: Implementing Sustainable
Development Goals (SDGs) related to resource use.
● Legislation: Laws and regulations limiting the exploitation
of resources (e.g., deforestation bans).
● Subsidies/Tax Incentives: Encouraging sustainable
practices by providing financial support for renewable energy
or sustainable agriculture.
NGOs and Social Movements: Advocating for resource
conservation, promoting sustainable practices through education
and activism.
 7.1.12 Germany’s National Action
Plan for Sustainable Development
Germany has developed a comprehensive National Action Plan to
achieve the SDGs, with a strong focus on sustainable resource use.

● Action: The plan includes measures to increase energy

efficiency, reduce waste, and promote sustainable agriculture.
Germany’s commitment to SDG 12 is reflected in its efforts to
transition to a circular economy, where resources are reused
and recycled, minimizing waste.
● Impact: Through these strategies, Germany aims to decouple
economic growth from resource use, ensuring that natural
capital is managed sustainably to meet both current and future
needs.
7.1.12 Germany’s National Action
Plan for Sustainable Development
 7.1.12 The Plastic-Free Movement

The global Plastic-Free Movement, driven by social media

campaigns, aims to reduce plastic waste by encouraging
individuals and businesses to eliminate single-use plastics.
● Action: The movement has promoted alternatives to plastic,
such as reusable bags, bottles, and containers, and has
influenced legislation banning or restricting plastic use in
several countries.
● Impact: The movement has raised awareness about plastic
pollution, leading to significant reductions in plastic waste in
many areas and inspiring new policies that support sustainable
materials.
7.1.12 The Plastic-Free Movement
 7.1.12 Management and
Interventions - Activity
● Choose a specific natural resource (e.g., water, timber, fish,
minerals) and a region or country where that resource is
significant.
● Research how that resource is currently being managed in the
region they selected. They should consider:
○ Government strategies: Regulations, action plans,
subsidies for sustainable practices, fines for over-
exploitation, and legislation to promote resource
conservation.
○ NGO strategies: Public awareness campaigns,
conservation efforts, and local community engagement to
promote sustainable practices.
○ Community-based initiatives: Grassroots movements,
7.1.13 The Role of SDGs in Resource
Management
We can use a range of management strategies to directly
influence society's use of natural capital
● SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Ensures
water availability through better management of water
resources.
● SDG 15: Life on Land – Aims to protect ecosystems,
reduce deforestation, and promote sustainable use of
forests.
● Global Partnerships: Countries working together to
achieve SDGs by sharing technologies, funding, and
resources.
7.1.13 The Role of SDGs in Resource
Management
 7.1.13 The Role of SDGs in Resource
Management
Of the 231 unique indicators currently in use, just 18 (a mere 7.8%)
directly monitor natural resources; a further 19 (8.2%) monitor
conditions for natural resource protection but do not directly
quantify
The them.
18 indicators of
interest fall into four
main groups: land,
water, air, and
biodiversity.
The lack of
biodiversity
monitoring is
arguably the
greatest weakness
7.1.13 The Role of SDGs in Resource
Management
Discussion Question: How do international partnerships support
the achievement of SDGs related to natural resources?
Environmental
Impact
Assessment
 7.1.14 Environmental Impact
Assessments (EIAs)

Why is it important to conduct

an EIA before starting a
development project?
 7.1.14 Environmental Impact
Assessments (EIAs)
An EIA assesses the environmental, social, and economic impacts of
development projects before they begin.
Key Components:
● Scoping: Identifying potential impacts of the
project.
● Baseline Study: Collecting data to
understand current conditions.
● Impact Evaluation: Predicting and
assessing the potential impacts.
● Mitigation: Suggesting ways to reduce
negative impacts.
● Monitoring: Ongoing assessment during and
[Link]

7.1.14 Developments Used in the

EIA
● Major new road networks
● Airport/port developments
● Building power stations
● Building dams and reservoirs
● Quarrying
● Large scale housing projects

[Link]
 7.1.14 Importance of EIAs in
Sustainable Resource Management

Promoting Sustainability:
● Ensuring that development projects are planned and executed
with a clear understanding of their potential environmental, social,
and economic impacts..
Balancing Development and Conservation:
● By identifying potential conflicts and proposing mitigation
strategies, EIAs help to align development goals with
environmental and social priorities.
Enhancing Decision-Making:
● EIAs provide decision-makers with detailed, evidence-based
information about the potential impacts of a project.
 7.1.14 Limitations of EIAs
Effectiveness and Lack of Standardization
● The effectiveness of EIAs varies widely between countries
Defining the Extent of Impacts
● The scope of the EIA might be too broad or too narrow, leading to
potential misjudgment of impacts.
Conflict and Diverse Standards
● Different countries have varying standards, and environmental
concerns might not always be prioritized, with decisions
sometimes justified without adequately minimizing harm
Boundaries of Investigation:
● Setting the boundaries for what to investigate in an EIA can be
difficult, potentially leading to overlooked areas if the scope is too
limited.
Indirect impact
 7.1.14 Environmental Impact
Assessments - Activity
You will act as an environmental consulting team, analyzing the
proposed uranium mining project in Northern Michigan. Your task
is to create an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) that
assesses the project's potential environmental, social, and
economic impacts.
 7.1.15 Country Guidance on EIAs
Different countries have varying standards and requirements for
conducting EIAs.
Examples:
● United States: Comprehensive EIA process required for
major projects (e.g., under the National Environmental Policy
Act).
● China: Requires EIAs for projects but has been criticized for
lack of transparency.
 7.1.15 Country Guidance on EIAs
Parameters of an EIA: An EIA typically looks at air quality,
water resources, biodiversity, and human impacts.
 7.1.15 Physical Environment
Parameters
● Air Quality: Measures pollutants like particulate matter,
nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide.
● Water Resources: Assesses pH, turbidity, and contaminant
levels in surface and groundwater.
● Soil and Geology: Analyzes soil composition and geological
stability.
.
 7.1.15 Biological Environment
Parameters
● Biodiversity: Identifies species present, including
endangered or protected species.
● Vegetation Cover: Assesses the extent and type of
vegetation, considering impacts like deforestation.
 7.1.15 Social and Economic
Environment Parameters
● Population and Demographics: Studies local population,
settlement patterns, and land use.
● Public Health: Assesses the health status of the community
and potential health impacts.
● Cultural Heritage: Identifies significant cultural or historical
sites.
 7.1.15 Country Guidance on EIAs
Public Participation:
● Strongest in the US, UK, and South Africa, with mandatory
consultations.
● Limited in China, though transparency is improving.
Key Focus Areas:
● Biodiversity & Indigenous Protection: Emphasized in
Australia, South Africa, and Brazil.
● Pollution Control: Prioritized in China.
 7.1.15 Country Guidance on EIAs
Unique Features:
● US: Requires comprehensive environmental review before
any federal decision.
● UK: Involves statutory consultees like the Environment
Agency.
● Australia: Focuses on conserving biodiversity and
protecting indigenous heritage.
● China: Prioritizes pollution control with limited public input.
● South Africa: Strong community engagement and focus on
indigenous groups.
● Brazil: Specific focus on deforestation in the Amazon and
protecting indigenous lands.
 7.1.15 Country Guidance on EIAs
How do the differences in EIA guidelines between countries
affect global environmental protection efforts?
 7.1.16 Public Involvement in EIAs
Making EIAs public allows local citizens to have a role as
stakeholders in decision-making.

● Stakeholder Participation: Local citizens, NGOs,

government agencies, and experts have a say in EIAs,
ensuring transparency and community involvement.
● Benefits of Public Involvement: Engaging stakeholders
helps identify overlooked impacts, builds trust, and promotes
more sustainable outcomes.
 7.1.16 Public Involvement in EIAs

What are the advantages

and challenges of involving
the public in EIA decision-
making?
Unsustainable
Resources
 7.1.17 Unsustainable Resource
Extraction and Its Consequences
Even renewable resources like timber, fish,
and water can be exploited in ways that
make them unsustainable.
Examples:
● Overfishing: Leads to the collapse of
fish stocks, threatening food security and
biodiversity.
● Hydropower: Dam construction for
hydropower can displace communities
and destroy ecosystems.
7.1.17 Resource Extraction - Activity

Select one resource (timber, fishing, or hydropower) and

research a real-world example of unsustainable practices in that
industry. Research Focus Areas:
● Environmental Impacts: Deforestation, habitat loss,
biodiversity decline, water pollution, etc.
● Social Impacts: Effects on indigenous communities, local
livelihoods, public health.
● Economic Impacts: Short-term economic benefits vs. long-
term resource depletion and economic consequences.
 7.1.18 Overconsumption
Short-term economic gains often
drive overexploitation of natural
resources (e.g., overfishing,
deforestation).
Examples:
● Whaling: Excessive whaling
reduced whale populations to
near extinction.
● Forest Depletion: Logging
for timber leads to
deforestation, soil erosion, and
loss of biodiversity.
 7.1.18 Overconsumption - Activity
Select one resource that has been depleted by excessive consumption:
whales, fish stocks, or forests.

Research Focus:
● Causes of Depletion: Identify the factors that led to the resource
depletion (e.g., overhunting, industrial fishing, logging).
● Consequences: Investigate the environmental, social, and
economic impacts of resource depletion (e.g., loss of biodiversity,
economic decline in industries reliant on these resources).
● Current Status: What is the current state of the resource today?
Are populations recovering or still in decline?
● Solutions for Sustainable Management: Research what
measures (if any) have been implemented to protect or restore the
resource (e.g., international regulations, protected areas, quotas).
 7.1.18 Overconsumption
How can societies balance economic interests with the need for
sustainable resource management?
 Natural
Resource
Insecurities
 7.1.19 Natural Resource Insecurity
and Global Conflicts
When resources are scarce or unevenly
distributed, it can lead to economic and
geopolitical tensions.
Examples:
● Cobalt Mining in the DRC: Intense
demand for cobalt, used in
electronics, has fueled conflict and
environmental degradation.
● Water Conflicts in the Middle
East: Competing claims over water
sources have led to tensions between
countries.
7.1.19 Resource Insecurity - Activity

Research one example of resource insecurity that has led to

development challenges, environmental harm, or geopolitical
conflict.
Research Focus:
● Causes of Resource Insecurity: What is causing the scarcity
or competition for resources? (e.g., climate change, population
growth, political control).
● Environmental, Social, and Economic Impacts: How is resource
insecurity affecting the environment, local communities, and
economic development?
● Geopolitical Tensions: How have countries or groups
responded? Has the situation led to conflict, war, or geopolitical
tensions?
 7.1.19 Natural Resource Insecurity
and Global Conflicts
How do natural resource conflicts affect global stability?
 7.1.20 Resource Security Through
Technology and Trade
Achieving resource security can involve reducing demand
through efficiency and conservation, increasing supply through
sustainable practices, or leveraging technological innovations to
reduce reliance on scarce or imported resources.
● Technological Innovation: Desalination, genetic
engineering, renewable energy can reduce resource
pressures.
● Global Trade: Importing resources can enhance national
resource security, but over-reliance on imports can increase
vulnerability.
● Conservation: Reducing demand through efficiency and
conservation can improve long-term resource security.
 7.1.20 Resource Security - Activity

Water Conservation Strategies in Israel

● Water security refers to the availability of adequate and
clean water to sustain livelihoods, human well-being, and
socio-economic development. In arid and semi-arid
regions, water scarcity is a significant challenge, requiring
innovative approaches to reduce demand and increase
efficiency.
○ Reducing Demand:
○ Drip Irrigation:
○ Water Recycling:
○ Public Awareness Campaigns:
 7.1.20 Resource Security - Activity

Research one example of how resource security has been

improved in food, water, or energy.
● What actions or policies were implemented to improve
resource security?
● What social, economic, and environmental impacts were
observed?
● What challenges remain in achieving long-term resource
security for this example?
Globalization
7.1.21 Globalization
 7.1.21 Globalization
Economic globalization has changed how countries access and
distribute natural resources.
● Nations can increase resource supplies through international
trade, technological innovation, and external aid.
● Global trade networks, supported by transportation
advancements, have increased interconnection between
countries.
● Technological advancements, like genetic engineering and
desalination, are crucial for increasing resource availability.
● International aid offers temporary relief for resource shortages
but doesn’t solve long-term insecurity.
● Competition for scarce resources can lead to conflict, resulting
in wars, environmental damage, and regional instability.
 7.1.21 Globalization
Economic globalization can increase supply, making countries
increasingly interdependent, but it may reduce national resource
security.
 7.1.21 Globalization - Activity
● Access a data set showing how two or more different countries
use a particular natural resource. Consult Our World in Data,
Gapminder, Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), World
Resources Institute, or another database.
● Example data set: Agricultural water withdrawals vs. GDP per
capita
● Create a graph with the data you found.
● Select a statistical test to apply to the data.