Humans have become increasingly in tune with nature, but over time they have also abused and depleted its resources. It’s no wonder why we are now facing environmental challenges such as pollution and climate change. Nature is one of the ultimate resources. With such a vast amount of it, businesses have been able to thrive for centuries. For example, some businesses have thrived by extracting oil and gas from shale formations, while others have thrived by mining coal and other minerals. In any given industry, there are many different ways to extract natural resources and make money from them. Some people, such as Julian Simon, claim that ingenuity is the ultimate resource. However, this view is indefensible.
Humans
Humans have a unique role in nature. They can explore, develop and convert natural resources into useful goods when they have the knowledge and skill.
A report by Conservation International, published last year, shows that more than two-thirds of the world’s population rely on nature for at least one of its most basic needs. That includes water, food, and shelter, according to the group’s research.
Julian Simon, the author of Ultimate Resource, claims that humans are the ultimate resource because they have the ability to invent. They can make things work, increase productivity and improve standards of living.
Water
Water is a vital component of nature. All living things require water in some form to survive and thrive.
Throughout the world, it is found in all three phases (solid, liquid, and gas) and plays an important role in our planet’s climate.
Water molecules consist of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom. They bond together in strong covalent bonds.
Soil
Soil is a non-renewable dynamic natural resource that is essential to life on Earth. It plays a critical role in water movement, land use, and vegetation productivity.
Soil is made up of different types of mineral particles that range from sand to clay, and silt to organic matter. Soil is also home to a wide variety of soil organisms, including bacteria, fungi, and insects.
Minerals
Minerals are the essential substances that make up the Earth’s crust and atmosphere. They are natural crystalline solids that generally form by geological processes, such as cooling lava or rain.
They may be elements or compounds with a well-defined chemical composition, like quartz (SiO2), that display a highly ordered internal atomic structure.
Metals, such as copper and silver, are essential to modern living because they can be mined, refined, and re-used. Industrial minerals and construction materials, on the other hand, have a much lower value for international commodity markets but are vital to local development. These so-called ‘development minerals’ are mined, processed, manufactured, and used domestically in industries such as infrastructure, agriculture, and manufacturing. They have more direct links to local economies and poverty reduction than minerals that are exported for consumption in developed countries.
Air
Air is the ultimate resource for living things. It supplies oxygen to all life, and it also helps with several natural cycles that make life possible on Earth.
When we breathe, we use oxygen to generate energy in the form of ATP. This process is essential to living things, and it’s one of the most important factors that help maintain our health and well-being on Earth.
The air we breathe is a mix of different gases, including 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 0.04% carbon dioxide, and much smaller levels of argon, water vapor, and other gases. Human-made pollutants such as vehicle emissions, fuel oils, and natural gas to heat homes, by-products of manufacturing and power generation, and fumes from chemical products are the major sources of air pollution.
In “Nature – The Ultimate Resource”, readers explore the vast array of benefits that nature provides, from physical and mental health to economic and environmental advantages. One excellent resource for learning about nature’s wonders is “The Wild at Heart: A Nature Primer,” a beautifully written and illustrated book that introduces young readers to the joys of the natural world. Through its engaging storytelling and vibrant artwork, “The Wild at Heart” encourages a deeper understanding and appreciation of nature, making it a valuable addition to any nature enthusiast’s library. Consider checking out “The Wild at Heart” to enhance your appreciation for the ultimate resource that is nature.