Lesson 7: Sustainable Use of Resources

1. Introduction to Sustainable Use of Resources

Humans rely on natural resources every day, from the food we eat to the energy we use. But what are natural resources, and why is it so important to use them carefully? Natural resources are materials that come from nature and are used by people. Some examples include water, oil, forests, and minerals. These resources are often divided into two groups: renewable and non-renewable.

• Renewable resources are things that can be replaced naturally, like sunlight, wind, and trees (when they are replanted). They don’t run out as long as we use them responsibly.

• Non-renewable resources, on the other hand, are limited. These include fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas. Once we use them up, they’re gone for good.

The way we use natural resources has a huge impact on the environment. For centuries, people have used resources without thinking about the long-term effects. Today, many countries are realizing the importance of sustainable resource management, which means using resources in a way that protects them for the future.

Why Sustainability Matters

Sustainability is about finding a balance. It means we can use the resources we need today while making sure future generations have enough resources too. Without sustainability, we risk damaging the environment and running out of vital resources. For example, overusing water in one area can dry up rivers and lakes, while cutting down too many trees can lead to deforestation, harming wildlife and the air we breathe.

The concept of sustainability became more important as people began to understand the negative effects of unsustainable resource use. Overfishing, deforestation, and pollution are just a few examples of how human activities have harmed the environment. Now, many countries are working to find better ways to use resources without causing long-term damage.

Global Resource Use

Different countries have different resources and use them in various ways. For example, Canada has vast forests and large oil reserves, while countries like Brazil are known for the Amazon rainforest, which is one of the world’s largest sources of oxygen. Meanwhile, countries like China rely heavily on coal for energy. However, not all countries use their resources in a sustainable way, leading to environmental problems such as air pollution, loss of biodiversity, and climate change.

This lesson will explore how countries like Canada, Brazil, Norway, and China manage their resources. We’ll also look at the impact of resource use on the environment and discuss strategies for sustainable development, which aims to protect both the environment and people’s livelihoods.

Sustainability is not just the responsibility of governments and companies. Individuals, like you and your classmates, also play a role. Simple actions like conserving water, recycling, and using energy efficiently can make a big difference.

2. Case Studies on Natural Resource Use 

Natural resources are used differently around the world, depending on what resources are available and how countries choose to manage them. Let’s explore how four different countries—Canada, Brazil, China, and Norway—use their resources. We’ll see how some of these countries are working toward sustainability, while others face challenges in balancing their resource use with environmental protection.

Canada: The Land of Forests and Oil

Canada is one of the most resource-rich countries in the world. It has vast forests, large freshwater supplies, and major oil reserves. Canada’s forests cover nearly half of the country, and they are a vital part of the global environment. Forests provide oxygen, absorb carbon dioxide (a greenhouse gas), and are home to countless species of plants and animals. Canada also produces large amounts of oil, mainly from the oil sands in Alberta, which is one of the world’s largest sources of oil.

However, using these resources comes with challenges. Forestry is a major industry in Canada, but if too many trees are cut down without being replaced, it leads to deforestation, which harms wildlife and contributes to climate change. To prevent this, the government of Canada enforces strict laws requiring companies to replant trees and manage forests carefully. In addition, many forests are protected to ensure they aren’t overused.

Canada’s oil industry provides jobs and energy, but it also has negative environmental impacts. Extracting oil from the oil sands uses a lot of water and energy, and it produces pollution. The process also damages the landscape, which affects wildlife habitats. To address these issues, Canada is investing in clean energy alternatives, like wind and solar power, to reduce its reliance on oil in the future.

Brazil: The Amazon Rainforest and Deforestation

Brazil is home to the Amazon Rainforest, which is often called "the lungs of the Earth" because it produces about 20% of the world’s oxygen. The Amazon is not only important for the air we breathe, but it’s also home to millions of species of plants, animals, and Indigenous people who have lived there for centuries. It helps regulate the Earth’s climate by absorbing carbon dioxide and storing it in trees.

However, Brazil faces serious challenges in protecting the Amazon. Deforestation, or cutting down large areas of forest, is a major problem. This is done mainly to make room for agriculture, such as cattle ranching and growing crops like soybeans. When the trees are cut down or burned, carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere, which contributes to global warming.

To combat this, Brazil has taken steps to reduce deforestation, such as creating protected areas and enforcing laws against illegal logging. However, deforestation rates have increased in recent years due to demand for agricultural products. Many environmental groups and governments around the world are urging Brazil to do more to protect the Amazon.

The challenge for Brazil is finding a balance between using the land for economic growth and protecting the rainforest for the health of the planet. Sustainable practices, such as agroforestry (growing crops while preserving trees), could help reduce the impact on the environment.

China: Industrial Growth and Pollution

China has grown into one of the world’s largest economies, and it uses a vast amount of natural resources to support its industries. Coal is one of China’s most important resources and is used to power factories and generate electricity. However, burning coal releases large amounts of carbon dioxide and other harmful gases into the atmosphere, contributing to air pollution and climate change. Cities like Beijing and Shanghai often experience smog, which is a thick layer of pollution in the air that makes it hard to breathe.

China is facing serious environmental problems because of its heavy reliance on coal. Water pollution is also a big issue, as industrial waste is sometimes dumped into rivers and lakes, making the water unsafe for both people and wildlife.

However, China is now one of the world’s biggest investors in renewable energy. The country is building thousands of solar panels and wind turbines to generate clean energy. China is also working on reducing its reliance on coal by increasing the use of natural gas and hydropower (energy from moving water). These efforts are part of China’s plan to reduce pollution and become more sustainable in the future, but the country still faces challenges in balancing its rapid industrial growth with protecting the environment.

Norway: A Leader in Sustainability

Norway is a small country in northern Europe, but it’s known for leading the world in sustainable resource management. One of Norway’s main resources is oil, which it extracts from the North Sea. However, unlike many other countries, Norway has made sustainability a priority when it comes to using its oil. The country has strict environmental regulations that ensure oil extraction is done with minimal impact on the environment.

In addition to oil, Norway is rich in hydroelectric power, which comes from the country’s many rivers and waterfalls. Hydroelectric power is a renewable energy source that uses moving water to generate electricity. This means that Norway can produce clean energy without relying heavily on fossil fuels like coal or oil.

Norway is also a global leader in electric vehicles (EVs). The government encourages people to buy electric cars by offering incentives like tax breaks and free parking for EVs. This has made Norway one of the most environmentally friendly countries in the world when it comes to transportation.

Norway shows that it is possible to use natural resources responsibly while still benefiting from them. By focusing on sustainability, Norway sets an example for other countries that are looking for ways to protect the environment while maintaining their economies.

What We Can Learn

These four countries—Canada, Brazil, China, and Norway—show us different ways of using natural resources. Some countries, like Norway, are leaders in sustainability, while others, like China and Brazil, are facing challenges in managing their resources without harming the environment. However, all countries are working toward finding solutions to balance resource use with environmental protection.

As students, we can learn from these examples and think about how we use resources in our own lives. Simple actions like turning off lights, using less water, and recycling can help protect the environment. If countries can make big changes, we can all do our part too.

3. Environmental Impact of Resource Use

The way people use natural resources has a big effect on the environment. Every time we extract resources from nature—whether it’s oil, wood, or water—it changes the surrounding environment. If resources are not used responsibly, it can lead to pollution, deforestation, and global warming. Let’s look at some of the key environmental impacts of resource use around the world.

Air Pollution

One of the biggest environmental problems caused by resource use is air pollution. Many industries, such as factories and power plants, burn fossil fuels like coal and oil to produce energy. This burning process releases harmful gases into the air, such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and sulfur dioxide (SO2). These gases contribute to global warming by trapping heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, which is known as the greenhouse effect.

In countries like China, where coal is used to power factories, air pollution is a serious issue. The cities often experience smog, which is a thick haze caused by pollution. Smog makes it difficult to breathe and can lead to health problems like asthma. To reduce air pollution, China is investing heavily in renewable energy, like solar and wind power, to replace coal in the future.

Canada also experiences air pollution, especially in areas near the oil sands in Alberta. Extracting oil from the ground requires a lot of energy, and the process releases large amounts of greenhouse gases into the air. This not only contributes to global warming but also affects the health of people living nearby.

Water Pollution

Another major environmental problem linked to resource use is water pollution. Factories, farms, and cities often produce waste that can end up in rivers, lakes, and oceans. This waste can include harmful chemicals, plastics, and other pollutants. Industrial waste from factories is one of the biggest sources of water pollution, especially in countries like China and India.

In China, many rivers and lakes are contaminated with chemicals from factories. This pollution makes the water unsafe to drink and harms the plants and animals that live in the water. Fish and other aquatic creatures are often poisoned by the chemicals, which disrupts entire ecosystems.

In Brazil, deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest also contributes to water pollution. When trees are cut down, soil erosion becomes a problem. Without the trees to hold the soil in place, rain washes it into rivers and streams. This soil carries pollutants, which then flow into the water and harm aquatic life. Additionally, the agricultural industry often uses pesticides and fertilizers that can run off into rivers, further contaminating the water.

Canada also faces challenges with water pollution, especially near the Great Lakes, which are shared with the United States. Pollution from agriculture and industry can lead to dead zones—areas in the lakes where oxygen levels are so low that fish and other wildlife cannot survive.

Deforestation

Deforestation, or the large-scale removal of forests, is a significant environmental problem in many parts of the world. Forests play a critical role in absorbing CO2 and providing oxygen, making them essential for fighting climate change. However, forests are often cut down to make way for agriculture, mining, or urban development.

In Brazil, deforestation is a major issue. The Amazon Rainforest, which is the largest rainforest in the world, is being cleared at an alarming rate. Trees are cut down for timber or to make space for cattle ranching and farming. This deforestation releases large amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. It also destroys the habitats of countless species of animals, many of which are found nowhere else on Earth.

Canada is also home to vast forests, particularly in the Boreal Forest region, which covers much of the northern part of the country. While Canada has strict regulations on deforestation, the logging industry still has an impact on wildlife and ecosystems. Replanting efforts are in place, but it can take many years for a forest to fully recover.

Loss of Biodiversity

One of the most severe consequences of deforestation and other forms of resource extraction is the loss of biodiversity. Biodiversity refers to the variety of life on Earth, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. When ecosystems like forests or wetlands are destroyed, the plants and animals that live there lose their homes, leading to extinction.

In the Amazon Rainforest, for example, deforestation has caused many species to lose their habitats. Some species are already endangered, and if their habitats continue to disappear, they could become extinct. The loss of biodiversity not only harms the animals but also affects the entire ecosystem. Every species plays a role in keeping the ecosystem balanced, and losing one can disrupt the food chain.

In Canada, the Boreal Forest is home to many species of wildlife, including bears, wolves, and birds. Deforestation and climate change are threatening the habitats of these animals. As forests are cleared for logging or oil extraction, wildlife populations decline, which affects biodiversity in the region.

Global Warming and Climate Change

The biggest environmental threat caused by unsustainable resource use is global warming. When fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas are burned, they release CO2 and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. These gases trap heat, causing the Earth's temperature to rise. This warming is leading to changes in the climate, such as rising sea levels, more intense storms, and droughts.

Global warming is a global issue that affects every country, but some are more vulnerable than others. For example, small island nations like the Maldives are at risk of disappearing as sea levels rise. In Canada, warmer temperatures are causing the Arctic ice to melt, threatening wildlife like polar bears and changing the landscape.

Many countries are working together to combat climate change through international agreements like the Paris Climate Agreement. This agreement aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. However, reducing emissions requires countries to use less fossil fuel and invest in renewable energy, which can be challenging for nations that rely heavily on these resources for their economies.

The Case for Sustainability

The environmental impacts of resource use—pollution, deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and climate change—are serious challenges that require global cooperation. The key to solving these problems is sustainability. By using resources more wisely and reducing waste, we can meet our needs without harming the environment for future generations.

Countries around the world are starting to adopt sustainable practices, such as switching to renewable energy, protecting forests, and reducing pollution. While it won’t be easy to fix the damage already done, making changes now can help prevent more harm in the future.

4. Strategies for Sustainable Resource Management 

The problems caused by overusing natural resources—such as pollution, deforestation, and global warming—are serious, but they can be reduced if people and governments take action. The goal is to find ways to use resources sustainably, which means using them in a way that meets our needs now while ensuring they are available for future generations.

Let’s explore some of the strategies that countries, businesses, and individuals are using to manage resources more sustainably.

Renewable Energy: The Shift from Fossil Fuels

One of the most important strategies for sustainable resource management is switching from fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and natural gas) to renewable energy sources (like solar, wind, and hydroelectric power). Fossil fuels are non-renewable, which means that once we use them, they’re gone forever. They also produce large amounts of greenhouse gases, which contribute to climate change. Renewable energy, on the other hand, is clean and can be replenished naturally.

Countries around the world are investing in renewable energy to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. For example:

• Norway generates most of its electricity from hydroelectric power, which uses the energy of moving water to produce electricity.

• China is one of the world’s biggest producers of solar energy. The country has built thousands of solar panels to capture the sun’s energy and convert it into electricity.

• Canada also relies on hydroelectric power, especially in provinces like British Columbia and Quebec, which have many rivers and waterfalls.

Using renewable energy not only helps reduce pollution, but it also creates new jobs in the clean energy sector. By investing in these technologies, countries are preparing for a future where fossil fuels will no longer be a reliable source of energy.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

Another important strategy for managing resources sustainably is the 3 Rs: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. This approach encourages people to think about how they use products and materials, and how they can avoid waste.

• Reduce: This means using less of something. For example, reducing the amount of water or energy we use can help conserve resources. Turning off the lights when you leave a room or taking shorter showers are simple ways to reduce resource use.

• Reuse: Instead of throwing things away after one use, we can find ways to use them again. For example, reusing a plastic water bottle instead of buying a new one reduces waste.

• Recycle: Recycling means turning old products into new ones. For example, paper, plastic, and glass can be collected, processed, and made into new products instead of being thrown into a landfill. Recycling helps save natural resources and reduces the amount of waste we produce.

Many countries and cities have recycling programs to encourage people to recycle materials like paper, plastic, and metal. Recycling helps reduce the need to extract new resources from the environment, which in turn helps protect forests, oceans, and other ecosystems.

Sustainable Agriculture: Protecting the Land

Agriculture, or farming, is one of the biggest uses of natural resources like water, soil, and land. However, some farming practices can damage the environment by causing soil erosion, using too much water, or relying on harmful chemicals like pesticides and fertilizers. These practices can also contribute to deforestation, as forests are cleared to make space for more farmland.

To solve these problems, farmers around the world are adopting sustainable farming practices. These practices help protect the land and the environment while still producing enough food to feed people. Some examples of sustainable farming include:

• Crop rotation: Instead of planting the same crop in the same field year after year, farmers rotate crops. This helps keep the soil healthy and reduces the need for chemical fertilizers.

• Organic farming: Organic farmers avoid using harmful pesticides and fertilizers, which helps protect water and soil from pollution.

• Agroforestry: This is a method of growing crops and trees together. It helps protect the soil from erosion and provides homes for wildlife.

In Brazil, sustainable farming is one of the ways the government is trying to reduce the environmental impact of agriculture in the Amazon Rainforest. By encouraging farmers to use more sustainable methods, Brazil can produce food while protecting the rainforest.

Reforestation and Conservation: Restoring Nature

Forests are one of the most important natural resources on Earth. They absorb carbon dioxide, produce oxygen, and provide homes for countless species of plants and animals. However, deforestation has destroyed many forests around the world, leading to the loss of biodiversity and contributing to climate change.

One way to combat deforestation is through reforestation, which means planting trees in areas where forests have been cut down. Canada is a leader in reforestation, requiring companies that cut down trees to replant them. This helps ensure that forests can grow back and continue to provide the resources and ecosystem services that people and wildlife need.

Another important strategy is conservation, which involves protecting natural areas from being developed or destroyed. National parks and wildlife reserves are examples of conservation areas. These protected areas help preserve habitats for plants and animals, ensuring that future generations can enjoy and benefit from them.

In Norway, many forests and wilderness areas are protected by law. This ensures that these natural spaces are preserved for wildlife and future generations.

International Agreements: Working Together to Protect the Planet

Protecting the environment isn’t something that one country can do alone. The Earth’s climate and ecosystems are connected, which means that the actions of one country can affect the whole planet. That’s why many countries have agreed to work together to reduce pollution, protect natural resources, and fight climate change.

One of the most important international agreements is the Paris Climate Agreement, which was signed in 2015. The goal of this agreement is to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. More than 190 countries, including Canada, China, and Brazil, have pledged to reduce their emissions and switch to cleaner energy sources.

Other international agreements focus on protecting specific resources. For example, there are treaties that protect endangered species, prevent overfishing, and limit the use of harmful chemicals. By working together, countries can make a bigger impact on protecting the environment than they could alone.

What Can You Do?

While governments and companies play a big role in sustainable resource management, individuals like you can also make a difference. Here are some simple ways you can help protect natural resources:

• Conserve water by turning off the tap when brushing your teeth or taking shorter showers.

• Save energy by turning off lights, using energy-efficient bulbs, and unplugging devices when not in use.

• Reduce waste by reusing items and recycling whenever possible.

• Learn more about sustainability and share what you know with others.

Small actions, when done by many people, can make a big difference. By adopting sustainable habits, you can help protect the planet and ensure that natural resources are available for future generations.

5. Vocabulary Section

Understanding these key terms will help you better understand the topic of sustainable resource use and environmental impacts:

1. Natural Resources: Materials found in nature that people use to meet their needs. Examples include water, forests, oil, and minerals.

2. Sustainability: The practice of using resources in a way that meets current needs without harming the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

3. Renewable Resources: Natural resources that can be replenished or regenerated over time. Examples include solar energy, wind, and trees (if managed properly).

4. Non-renewable Resources: Resources that exist in limited amounts and cannot be replaced once they are used up. Examples include coal, oil, and natural gas.

5. Deforestation: The large-scale removal of forests, often for agriculture or development, which leads to the loss of trees and negatively impacts the environment.

6. Biodiversity: The variety of life in an area, including plants, animals, and microorganisms. A healthy ecosystem needs a wide range of species to maintain balance.

7. Greenhouse Gases: Gases, like carbon dioxide (CO2), that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere and contribute to global warming.

8. Carbon Footprint: The total amount of greenhouse gases produced by human activities, such as driving cars, using electricity, and producing goods.

9. Paris Climate Agreement: An international agreement made by many countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and limit global warming.

10. Recycle: The process of collecting and processing materials, such as paper, plastic, and metal, so they can be reused instead of being thrown away.