Resources
Science: KS3, topic 2.5.18
The Earth’s Resources
The Earth has lots of resources that humans need. We have to be careful that we don't overuse these resources.
Earth’s natural resources
- Humans use many of the Earth’s natural resources, which include:
- Water.
- Land.
- Building materials.
- Minerals.
- Fossil fuels.
Fossil fuels
- Fossil fuels are formed over millions of years.
- Fossil fuels are carbon-based natural resources that include:
- Coal.
- Oil.
- Gas.
- We use these resources to create energy.
- Humans are using these resources faster than they are being replaced.
- These resources are non-renewable and are finite resources.
Sustainability
- It is important we manage the Earth’s resources so that they will be sustainable.
- Sustainability is when we do not overuse the resources available to us.
- We make sure that these resources will be there for future generations.
- We also look at alternative resources.
Test yourself on Resources
Which of these is NOT a natural resource from Earth?
Which of these is NOT a fossil fuel?
A town uses up its local water supply much faster than rainfall can refill it. Is this an example of sustainable resource use?
Fossil fuels take millions of years to form. If humans used them even faster than they do now, what would happen to fossil fuel supplies?