Our Environment Contents

4. Resources

Conclusion

The term environmental resource needs to be carefully defined. It refers to a manageable environmental attribute, such as oil, coal, precious metal, trees, fresh air, clean water... from which it is possible to satisfy human needs. Resource exploitation involves the harnessing of an environmental resource through technology, economic investment, and social organisation. Both renewable and non-renewable resources may be under threat of depletion, unless they are exploited in a manner consistent with basic principles of sustainability.