Natural resources bring three things we need for survival; food, water, and energy. Harnessing these resources unsustainably leaves a lasting mark on the landscape, especially with a growing population and growing demands for more resources.

Food:

Food is needed to fuel our bodies.
Food is produced through two methods of resource extraction; fishing and farming.
Overgrazing of the land due to livestock numbers growing causes soil erosion.
Deforestation to clear land for agriculture takes the nutrients out of fragile soil, leaving it susceptible to erosion.
Overfishing leads to a loss in biodiversity in our oceans.

Water:

Fresh drinking water is essential to survival.
Water is used for drinking, washing, and producing most manufactured goods.
The amount of water that goes into producing an item is called virtual water. This water is usually used unnoticed; for example, 91 litres of water goes into making 1 pound of plastic and 40 litres of water are used to make one slice of bread.
Water sources are often misused or polluted.
In many areas including the UK, groundwater is being used faster than it is being replenished by rainfall. This affects biodiversity.
When water is used for mineral extraction, minerals can be washed into rivers and oceans, killing aquatic species and poisoning drinking water for humans.
In many countries, rivers are used for the disposal of untreated sewage, this poisons the water.

Energy:

Energy is used in the production of goods and services, transport, and powering homes.
The amount and type of energy used by people varies by location and wealth.
Most energy comes from fossil fuels. These fuels are non-renewable, release carbon dioxide and contribute to climate change.
Burning coal can lead to acid rain.
The extraction of fossil fuels can release sulphur dioxide and carbon monoxide into the atmosphere.
Exploitation of fossil fuels has a global effect.

Natural Resources