Topic 8: Human Systems and Resource Use Topic 8.2: Resource use in society Starter: Other that fossil fuels name as many key resources as you can.

Humanity’s key resources Fossil fuels, water, air, soil. Phosphorus – nearly all crops in the world are grown using phosphorus based fertilisers. Minerals – many uses, particularly important for electronics. Iron – most important metal for the construction industry. Forest/timber – construction and air purification

Natural capital and natural income Natural capital is a resource that has some value to humans. Resources are goods or services that we use like geology, soil, air, water and all living things Natural income is the yield we get from the resource (usually measures as annual yield) Forests, mineral deposits, fisheries and fertile soil timber, ores, fish and plants Natural Capital Natural Income

Resources can have physical value (goods), and support life (services). A mountain may be involved in the production of fresh water (goods) A mountain will create a certain climate around it which could support farming/plant growth (service) A mountain may provide the location for a ski resort (service)

The value of a resource may be: Aesthetic - Looks good, e. g The value of a resource may be: Aesthetic - Looks good, e.g. Landscape Cultural – Has some cultural significance, e.g. buffalos and native Americans. Economic – Has value that is determined by the market price of that good. E.g. Gold Environmental/ecological – No market price, but essential to humans. E.g. Photosynthesis Intrinsic – Right to exist irrelevant of value to humans. Social – A place or location where people go to socialise. Spiritual – Uluru (Ayres rock) Technological – Certain rare metals are used in computer screen and chipboards.

Renewable/non-renewable Renewable natural capital – can be generated and/or replaced as fast as it is being used. Non-renewable natural capital – is either irreplaceable or only replaced over geological timescales e.g. fossil fuels, soil and minerals. Resources can be recycled, this is a good way of preserving non-renewable resources.

Dynamic nature of natural capital The importance of resources changes over time. Technocentrists believe that new discoveries will provide solutions to old problems. Hydrogen fuel cells replacing hydrocarbon based fuel Algae as a major food source. Flint used for weapons (arrow heads) and tools is no longer in demand. Uranium has only become useful in the last 70 years, and may become less important if we develop nuclear fission. Research two resources and discuss how there importance has changed over time. One that is no longer important and one that has gained importance Good examples: Cork, Lithium

Valuing natural capital Use valuation – natural capital we can put a price on. Not just marketable goods, also includes ecological functions and recreational functions. Non-use valuation – natural capital that is almost impossible to put a price on. Intrinsic value (right to exist). Future uses we do not yet know. Value for future generations – existence value.

Valuing non-use valuation? Differing opinions: If we can find a way to give it a price tag then it may make people understand its importance. But, it may also make people think of exploiting the resource.

Outline an example of how renewable and non-renewable natural capital has been mismanaged. Research two mismanaged resources, one renewable and the other not. Describe what its used for and how we obtain it. Describe how it was mismanaged, this may be unsustainable use and/or damage to the environment or society. Good examples: oil, water, many resources in Africa.