Our Environment Contents

4. Resources

A resource is a material with purpose and value as defined in cultural, economic and ecological terms.

Zimmerman's (1933) (1951) interpretation of what is meant by an environmental resource has stood the test of time. He suggested that neither the environment as such, nor any parts of it, should be considered as a resource until it is, or is considered to be, capable of satisfying human needs.

Mitchell (1979) argued that resources are an expression of human appraisal and represent an entirely subjective concept. Coal, for example, was not a resource until there were people whose wants and capabilities gave it utility. The concept of a resource can accordingly be viewed as subjective, i.e. defined by human experience.

Oil

What is meant by an environmental resource?