🚣🏼‍♀️International Development and Sustainability Unit 9 – Natural Resources: Water, Land & Energy

Key Concepts and Definitions

• Natural resources essential materials and energy sources occurring in nature used for human activities (water, land, minerals, fossil fuels)
• Renewable resources replenished naturally on a human timescale (solar, wind, hydro power)
• Non-renewable resources finite supplies that cannot be readily replaced once exhausted (coal, oil, natural gas)
• Sustainability meeting present needs without compromising future generations' ability to meet their own needs
• Carrying capacity maximum population size an environment can sustain indefinitely given available resources
• Ecological footprint measure of human demand on Earth's ecosystems and natural resources
• Resource depletion occurs when extraction rates exceed replenishment rates leading to declining availability
• Environmental degradation deterioration of the environment through depletion and contamination reducing quality and productivity

Global Distribution of Natural Resources

• Uneven distribution of resources across the globe influenced by geological processes, climate, and geography
• Fossil fuel reserves concentrated in specific regions (Middle East, Russia, North America)
• Mineral deposits unevenly distributed based on geological formations and tectonic activity
  • Rare earth elements critical for modern technologies found in limited locations (China, Australia, United States)
• Freshwater availability varies greatly depending on climate, precipitation patterns, and groundwater reserves
  • Water-stressed regions face scarcity due to limited supplies and high demand (North Africa, Middle East)
• Arable land suitable for agriculture determined by soil quality, climate, and topography
  • Fertile soils and favorable growing conditions support productive farmland (river deltas, volcanic regions)
• Forests cover 31% of Earth's land area with diverse ecosystems and timber resources
• Unequal access to resources contributes to economic disparities and geopolitical tensions between nations

Water Resources and Management

• Freshwater essential for human survival, agriculture, and industry accounting for only 2.5% of Earth's water
• Surface water found in rivers, lakes, and wetlands is a primary source for human use
• Groundwater stored in aquifers is a vital resource for irrigation and drinking water
  • Aquifer depletion occurs when extraction rates exceed recharge rates leading to declining water tables
• Water scarcity affects over 2 billion people globally due to limited availability and increasing demand
• Agriculture accounts for 70% of global freshwater withdrawals putting pressure on water resources
• Water pollution from industrial waste, agricultural runoff, and sewage degrades water quality and ecosystem health
• Integrated water resource management (IWRM) holistic approach considering social, economic, and environmental factors
• Water conservation practices (drip irrigation, low-flow fixtures) reduce consumption and improve efficiency

Land Use and Degradation

• Land use practices shape the environment and impact ecosystem services
• Agriculture is the largest land use globally covering 38% of Earth's land surface
  • Cropland expansion often occurs at the expense of natural habitats (forests, grasslands)
• Deforestation clearing of forests for agriculture, logging, and development contributes to biodiversity loss and climate change
  • Tropical rainforests (Amazon, Congo Basin) are hotspots of deforestation with high ecological value
• Overgrazing occurs when livestock density exceeds the land's carrying capacity leading to vegetation loss and soil erosion
• Urbanization conversion of land for cities and infrastructure fragments habitats and alters local ecosystems
• Soil degradation deterioration of soil quality through erosion, salinization, and nutrient depletion
  • Desertification land degradation in arid and semi-arid regions exacerbated by climate change and unsustainable practices
• Sustainable land management practices (agroforestry, conservation tillage) aim to balance productivity and ecological integrity

Energy Sources and Consumption

• Energy drives modern economies and is essential for development and quality of life
• Fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) currently dominate the global energy mix providing 84% of primary energy
  • Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases contributing to climate change and air pollution
• Renewable energy sources (solar, wind, hydro, geothermal) offer clean alternatives with lower environmental impacts
  • Solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind power are the fastest-growing renewable technologies with falling costs
• Nuclear power generates electricity through nuclear fission with low carbon emissions but safety and waste concerns
• Energy efficiency measures (insulation, LED lighting) reduce energy consumption without compromising services
• Energy access remains a challenge with 789 million people lacking electricity and 2.8 billion relying on traditional biomass for cooking
• Sustainable energy transition shifting from fossil fuels to renewables is crucial for mitigating climate change and achieving SDG 7

Environmental Impacts and Sustainability

• Resource extraction and consumption have far-reaching environmental consequences
• Greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel combustion are the primary driver of anthropogenic climate change
  • Rising global temperatures lead to sea-level rise, extreme weather events, and ecosystem disruption
• Air pollution from industrial activities and transportation affects human health and ecosystems
  • Particulate matter (PM) and ground-level ozone are major air pollutants with adverse respiratory impacts
• Water pollution from industrial effluents, agricultural runoff, and plastic waste degrades aquatic ecosystems
  • Eutrophication excess nutrient loading leads to algal blooms and oxygen depletion in water bodies
• Biodiversity loss accelerated by habitat destruction, overexploitation, and climate change
  • Sixth mass extinction underway with current extinction rates 100-1000 times higher than background rates
• Circular economy model aims to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency through reuse and recycling
• Sustainable resource management balances economic, social, and environmental considerations for long-term viability

Resource Conflicts and Geopolitics

• Competition over scarce resources can lead to conflicts and geopolitical tensions
• Water disputes arise when transboundary rivers and aquifers are shared by multiple countries
  • Nile River conflict involves 11 countries with competing water demands for agriculture and hydropower
• Oil and gas reserves are strategic assets that shape foreign policies and alliances
  • Resource curse paradox where resource-rich countries often experience slower economic growth and political instability
• Rare earth elements used in high-tech industries are a source of geopolitical leverage
  • China's dominance in rare earth production has raised concerns about supply chain vulnerabilities
• Land grabbing large-scale land acquisitions by foreign investors can displace local communities and threaten food security
• Resource nationalism government control over natural resources can lead to expropriation and investment risks
• International cooperation and multilateral agreements are crucial for managing shared resources and preventing conflicts

Future Challenges and Innovations

• Population growth and rising consumption levels will increase pressure on natural resources
• Climate change will exacerbate water scarcity, land degradation, and ecosystem disruption
  • Adaptation measures (drought-resistant crops, coastal protection) will be necessary to build resilience
• Sustainable intensification increasing agricultural productivity while minimizing environmental impacts
  • Precision agriculture uses data and technology to optimize input use and reduce waste
• Renewable energy technologies will continue to improve in efficiency and cost-competitiveness
  • Energy storage solutions (batteries, pumped hydro) will be crucial for integrating variable renewables into the grid
• Circular economy principles will gain prominence in resource management and waste reduction
  • Eco-design and extended producer responsibility will encourage product longevity and recyclability
• Nature-based solutions (reforestation, wetland restoration) offer co-benefits for biodiversity, climate mitigation, and human well-being
• International cooperation and technology transfer will be essential for addressing global resource challenges and achieving sustainable development goals