Hello everyone!

The topic of my presentation is The Use of Natural Resources:

Balancing Consumption and Conservation.
I’m excited to explore this essential topic with you. Throughout this presentation,
we’ll discuss different types of natural resources, the importance of managing them
sustainably, and ways to make a positive impact on natural resource consumption."

Introduction
Let’s start with a quick overview of natural resources. Natural resources are
materials or substances that occur in nature and are essential to human life and
development. They can be classified broadly into two types:
Renewable resources are natural resources that can be replaced or renewed
quickly. Key examples include:
1. Sunlight – Solar energy is plentiful, captured by solar panels, and produces
clean electricity.
2. Wind – Wind turbines turn the wind's motion into electricity, and this energy
is renewable as long as the sun keeps creating wind patterns.
3. Water – Water flows, like in rivers or waves, turn turbines to produce
hydropower. Responsible use is essential due to variations in water
availability.
4. Biomass – Organic materials like wood and crop waste can be used as
biofuels, but they must be managed carefully to remain sustainable.

Non-renewable cannot be replaced quickly enough to support long-term use.

Examples are:
1. Fossil Fuels – Coal, oil, and natural gas contain a lot of energy, but they take
millions of years to form and emit greenhouse gases when burned.
2. Metals – Metals like copper and aluminum are mined and are essential for
technology and industry. However, they are limited resources and mining
them has environmental impacts.
3. Minerals – Minerals like phosphorus are essential for agriculture and
construction, but they are limited resources.
4. Nuclear Fuels – Uranium, used in nuclear power, produces low carbon
emissions, but it is a finite resource, and nuclear waste is hazardous.
Slide 3: Importance of Natural Resources
Natural resources are essential to our daily lives. To understand why it's urgent to
manage our natural resources, let's look at their importance in three key areas:
economic value, environmental value, and social impact.
First, natural resources have huge economic value. They power industries and create
jobs. For example, sectors like oil and gas, agriculture, and mining contribute trillions
of dollars to the global economy.
Economic Value
 Oil and Gas Industry: powers key industries such as transportation,
manufacturing, and electricity generation.
 Forestry and Agriculture: Forestry supplies raw materials like timber, while
agriculture feeds billions of people. Together, they are worth around $10
trillion globally.
 Mining and Minerals: The mining industry supports many technological
advancements by providing metals for electronics and minerals for
construction.
Let’s move on to the next environmental value:
Environmental Value
This value is essential for maintaining ecological balance and regulating the climate.
 Forests act as 'carbon sinks,' absorbing about 30% of the world's CO₂
emissions each year, which is critical for controlling climate change. They also
protect biodiversity by providing habitats for millions of species.
 Water Resources are vital for life on Earth, supporting both water and land
ecosystems. Rivers, lakes, and wetlands sustain agriculture and drinking
water, but they are increasingly threatened by pollution and overuse.
 Soil and Minerals: Healthy soil is crucial for plant growth, supporting
agriculture and the natural food chain. However, soil erosion can reduce crop
yields and contribute to desertification.
Let’s move on to the:
Social and Cultural Value
Natural resources also hold great social and cultural importance. Many communities,
particularly Indigenous and rural populations, rely directly on these resources.
 Survival and Livelihoods: In many developing regions, natural resources
are the foundation of daily life. People rely on them for food, shelter, water,
and income.
 Cultural Practices: Indigenous communities often have deep spiritual
connections to their land and resources. Forests, rivers, and mountains are
 considered sacred, and preserving these resources is key to maintaining their
cultural identity and heritage.
A shortage of natural resources or environmental degradation can deeply affect
these communities, leading to displacement, loss of cultural identity, and economic
hardship.
Slide 5: Current Global Resource Consumption Trends
Understanding how we use resources today is essential for planning a sustainable
future.
In the following slides, I’ll cover major trends in global resource consumption,
focusing on rising demand, environmental consequences, and the disparities in
consumption between countries.
Now let’s examine how we’re using resources globally.
Let’s start with: Increasing Global Demand
It's clear that a growing population and industrialization lead to a huge increase in
resource demand.
 Fossil Fuels: Energy demand has skyrocketed, especially for oil, coal, and
natural gas. For instance, China, as one of the world’s fastest-growing
economies, consumes more coal than any other country, accounting for about
50% of global coal use.
 Water Resources: Water is another crucial resource under increasing
pressure. Agriculture uses about 70% of the world’s freshwater, with large
amounts diverted for irrigation in countries like India and the U.S., where
farming is a major industry.
This rising demand affects everything from energy costs to the availability of
resources for future generations.
Environmental Consequences
The environmental toll of overusing resources is significant and affects ecosystems
around the world.
 Deforestation: The Amazon rainforest, often called the "lungs of the Earth"
for its ability to absorb large amounts of CO₂, is being destroyed at an
alarming rate. It is estimated that approximately 10,000 square kilometers
are lost each year, which is equivalent to around 1.4 million soccer fields.
 Water Scarcity: Regions like the Middle East and North Africa are facing
severe water shortages due to overuse and climate change.
 Pollution: Resource extraction, such as mining and oil drilling, releases
harmful pollutants into the environment. For example, agricultural pollution
causes "dead zones" in oceans, where marine life cannot survive.
Disparities in Consumption
One of the most critical challenges in resource consumption is the inequality
between countries. Wealthier nations use significantly more resources per person
than developing nations, contributing to global disparities.
 Per Capita Resource Use: The U.S., for example, has less than 5% of the
world’s population but consumes nearly 17% of global resources. In contrast,
countries in sub-Saharan Africa, which make up about 13% of the world’s
population, use only 5% of global resources.
 Waste Production: High-income countries produce much more waste. An
average person in the U.S. or Europe generates nearly 10 times more plastic
waste than someone in India or parts of Africa.
Slide 7: Let’s discuss the Sustainable Resource Management
So, how can we manage resources more sustainably? There are some key
approaches:
1. Conservation: This involves reducing waste, recycling materials, and using
resources more efficiently. For example, many cities are implementing
recycling programs and water-saving technologies.
2. Technological Innovation: Advances in renewable energy sources like solar
and wind power, along with innovations in electric vehicles and energy-
efficient appliances, are playing a crucial role in reducing our environmental
impact.
3. Government Policy: Governments have a key role to play by regulating
emissions, protecting forests, and promoting renewable energy. Policies such
as carbon taxes and emissions caps encourage industries to adopt more
sustainable practices.

Slide 8: Let’s now talk about the Individual Impact and Responsibility
Each of us can make a difference with our daily choices. Here’s how:
1. Reducing Consumption: Being mindful of waste and cutting back on single-
use plastics or fast fashion can significantly reduce the demand for resources.
2. Supporting Green Initiatives: Participating in local cleanup events or
choosing sustainable brands can help create a greater positive impact on the
environment.
3. Awareness and Education: Understanding how our choices impact
resources is essential. Simple actions, like turning off lights or using less
water, may seem small, but they add up over time.

Slide 10: Conclusion

Thank you for listening, and I hope this presentation has provided you with
valuable insights on natural resources. I’d love to hear any final questions
or thoughts you may have.