Lesson 16: The Distribution of Resources

1. Introduction to the Distribution of Resources 

The Distribution of Resources

Every day, people use things called resources. These are things like food, water, energy, and materials that we need to survive and live comfortably. Resources can be natural, like water and trees, or made by humans, like machines and tools.

Why Resources Matter

Resources are important because they keep our society running. But resources are not the same everywhere. Some places have lots of one kind of resource, and other places have very little. For example, some countries have lots of oil, while others don’t have any. This uneven distribution of resources is why we have to share and trade with other countries.

Resources in Southern Saskatchewan

In Southern Saskatchewan, we have important resources that help our economy. We grow crops like wheat and canola. We also have potash, a type of mineral used in fertilizers, and oil, which helps power cars and homes. These resources provide jobs for many people and are a big part of our daily lives.

Types of Resources and Their Acquisition

There are different types of resources, and they all play a big role in our lives. Let’s look at the main types of resources and how we get them.

Natural Resources

Natural resources come from nature. They include things like water, trees, and minerals. Some natural resources are renewable, which means they can grow back or be replaced. For example, crops like wheat can be planted again every year. Other resources are non-renewable, like oil and potash. Once we use them up, they’re gone for good.

In Southern Saskatchewan, some of the natural resources we use include:

• Wheat: A renewable resource used to make food like bread and pasta.

• Potash: A non-renewable resource found in the ground. It is mined and used to make fertilizers that help plants grow.

• Oil: Another non-renewable resource that is used to make gasoline for cars and energy for homes.

Human Resources

Human resources are people. They include the workers who help produce and manage natural resources. For example, farmers grow wheat, miners dig for potash, and oil workers pump oil from the ground. Without skilled people, we wouldn’t be able to use natural resources the way we do.

Capital Resources

Capital resources are the machines, tools, and buildings that help produce goods and services. In Saskatchewan, big machines like tractors help farmers grow crops. Mines use special equipment to get potash out of the ground. Oil drilling also uses advanced technology to pump oil.

Each of these resources — natural, human, and capital — is important for making sure we have the goods and services we need.

The Distribution of Resources Across the World

Resources are not spread out evenly across the world. Some countries have lots of one type of resource, while other countries may have very little. This unequal distribution means that not every place has the same access to important resources.

Unequal Distribution

Geography plays a big role in where resources are found. For example, some countries have large forests or rich soil for farming, while others are too dry or cold to grow many crops. Some places have large oil reserves, while others don’t have any oil at all.

• Canada is rich in resources like oil, natural gas, and forests. We also grow a lot of crops, like wheat and canola.

• Countries like Japan have very few natural resources. Japan relies on trading with other countries to get oil and other important resources.

Global Trade

Because resources are spread out unevenly, countries need to trade with each other. For example, Saskatchewan grows a lot of wheat, but other countries may not be able to grow enough food for their people. We trade our wheat with them, and in return, we might buy things we need, like electronics or clothing.

Trade helps balance the distribution of resources across the world. It allows countries with plenty of one resource to share it with others, which benefits everyone.

Impact on Populations

The resources a country has can affect the lives of its people. In a resource-rich country like Canada, people have more jobs in industries like farming, mining, and energy. In countries with fewer resources, people might face challenges like poverty or the need to migrate to find work.

For example:

• Canada benefits from resource industries, with many jobs in farming and mining.

• Some African countries, where resources like clean water or fertile land are limited, struggle with poverty and resource shortages.

How Societies Manage and Distribute Resources

Every society has to decide how to manage its resources and how to share them with its people. This process involves the government, businesses, and even communities working together.

Government Role

The government plays a big part in managing natural resources. It makes rules about how resources like oil, water, and forests can be used. For example:

• In Canada, the government decides who can mine for potash or drill for oil. It also makes laws to protect the environment and ensure that resources are used safely.

• Governments also decide who gets the profits from resources. Sometimes the money goes back into helping communities by building schools, hospitals, or roads.

Indigenous Land and Resource Management

In Canada, Indigenous communities have a strong connection to the land and its resources. Many Indigenous peoples in Saskatchewan manage their own lands and resources, balancing the need for economic growth with protecting the environment. This helps keep the land healthy for future generations.

Private Sector and Corporations

Companies, especially big ones, also play a role in how resources are used and distributed. For example:

• Nutrien is a major company that mines potash in Saskatchewan.

• Cameco is one of the world’s largest uranium producers.

These companies help bring resources to markets, but they must follow government rules about how they operate. They also create jobs for many people in the community.

Local vs. National Distribution

Within a country, resources are also distributed between regions. For example, in Saskatchewan, some areas are rich in farming resources, while others have oil or minerals. Resources from these areas are sent to different parts of Canada or even exported to other countries. This helps balance the needs of the whole country.

Social and Environmental Consequences of Resource Distribution

The way we use and share resources affects both people and the planet. Let’s look at some of the main impacts.

Environmental Impact

Using natural resources can sometimes harm the environment if we are not careful. For example:

• Farming can lead to problems like soil erosion if the land is overworked. Farmers in Saskatchewan have to make sure they rotate crops and use sustainable farming methods to keep the soil healthy.

• Mining for resources like potash or oil can cause damage to the land and water. It’s important that mining companies follow strict rules to reduce pollution and restore the land after they are done.

Climate Change

Burning fossil fuels like oil and coal releases carbon dioxide into the air, which leads to climate change. This is why many countries, including Canada, are looking for cleaner energy sources like wind or solar power.

Economic Consequences

Resource-rich areas can benefit from strong economies. In places like Southern Saskatchewan, jobs are created in farming, mining, and energy production. However, not all regions have the same access to resources, which can create economic differences.

• Resource-rich areas: These areas often have higher employment and more wealth. For example, communities in Saskatchewan that are near oil fields or potash mines may have more job opportunities.

• Resource-poor areas: In places that lack resources, people may struggle with fewer job opportunities. They might have to rely on imported resources, which can be expensive.

Social Impact

The way resources are distributed also affects how people live. In resource-rich areas, populations may grow because people move there to find jobs. This is called migration.

• In Saskatchewan, many people have moved to areas where there are good jobs in farming, mining, or oil drilling.

• In other parts of the world, people may leave areas where there are not enough resources, causing problems like overcrowded cities or rural poverty.

Managing resources responsibly helps make sure everyone has what they need while protecting the environment for future generations.

Case Study: Resource Distribution in Southern Saskatchewan

Southern Saskatchewan is rich in certain natural resources. These resources play a big part in the lives of people who live here and in the economy of the entire province. Let’s take a closer look at some of these resources and how they are distributed.

Key Resources in Southern Saskatchewan

Southern Saskatchewan is known for its:

• Agriculture: The flat plains and fertile soil make this region perfect for growing crops. Wheat and canola are two of the most important crops here. Farmers use tractors and other machines to plant and harvest these crops, which are then sent all over Canada and even to other countries.

• Potash: Southern Saskatchewan is one of the world’s top producers of potash. Potash is a mineral that is used in fertilizers to help plants grow. It’s mined deep underground, and Saskatchewan has large reserves of it.

• Oil: Oil is another valuable resource in Southern Saskatchewan. Oil is drilled from deep beneath the earth and is used to make gasoline, heating fuel, and other products. Oil wells are common in this part of the province.

Impact on Local Communities

The distribution of these resources has shaped Southern Saskatchewan’s economy and communities. Here’s how:

• Job Creation: Many people in Southern Saskatchewan work in agriculture, mining, or oil production. Farmers, miners, and oil workers help produce and manage these resources.

• Population Growth: Some communities in Southern Saskatchewan have grown because of the jobs created by resource industries. Towns near potash mines or oil fields often see people moving in to work in these industries.

• Trade and Export: The resources from Southern Saskatchewan aren’t just used here. A lot of the wheat, potash, and oil produced in this region is sold to other parts of Canada or exported to other countries. This helps bring money into the local economy.