Without many natural resources, this would not be possible.
Resources found in nature are natural resources. They are important for sustaining life and providing many everyday conveniences. There are two different types of natural resources: renewable and nonrenewable. Though able to regenerate relatively quickly, renewable natural resources are not inexhaustible. An evaluation of reliance and usage is required when demand of a resource exceeds sustainability.
Water
Without water, life could not be sustained.
Water is a natural resource and is essential to life. Humans, plants and animals require water for various biological functions. Although water is a renewable resource, it can become scarce in landlocked areas. Deserts are the most common areas subjected to droughts, but numerous areas within the United States suffer from occasional water shortages. Two common causes of water shortages are wasteful water consumption and seasons of unusually light rain. Water also is important for economic reasons, as farmers require water for their crops and livestock. Without water, their livelihood ceases. Society also relies on water for sanitation and personal hygiene. Electricity is generated by harnessing the power of running water.
Flora
Clean air depends on plants.
Plants are another natural resource. They act as a natural air filter, taking in carbon dioxide and expelling oxygen. Aside from filtering the air, many plants are food sources for humans and animals. These plants are renewable, but supply is limited by a number of factors, including growing seasons, available farmland, climates and soils. These factors all impact what, when, where and how crops are grown. Trees have another important use, as timber. Wood is a common building material, and numerous products contain wood. From an economic standpoint, trees are the lifeblood behind the logging industry.
Fossil Fuels: Oil, Natural Gas and Coal
Oil is integral to society.
Three of the most important fossil fuels are oil, natural gas and coal. Oil derricks remove crude oil from pockets in the Earth's crust. After refinement, that oil plays a very important role in society. Oil is the basis for the fuels and motor oil used in transportation. Oil also is used in the creation of plastics. Society has a dependency on plastic, as a large number of products contain plastic. Everyday items like toothbrushes, kitchen utensils and pens all contain plastic. Even metal pens often have plastic ink reservoirs. Many items are encased in plastic, such as groceries, DVDs and video game discs. Natural gas is another important fossil fuel. It is a common fuel source for many household appliances, including stoves, dryers, barbecues, furnaces and hot water heaters. Coal is a third important fossil fuel, and is used in the generation of electricity.
Fauna
Many societies depend upon seafood for survival.
Just like flora, fauna is a natural resource. Meat is an important part of many people's diets. Meat and dairy farmers rely on this resource as a source of income. Seafood is important too. Numerous villages depend on the seas for financial stability and nutrition. Without a renewable supply of fish and seafood, these villages would become bankrupt, and eventually be abandoned. Animals also help with various aspects of labor. Work animals are common in many parts of the world, especially in less industrialized nations. Horses and mules provide extra power and stamina for farmers who lack mechanical equipment. Service animals provide eyes to the blind, and police dogs play an important role in crime fighting and the war on drugs.
Metals
Metal is found in many products today.
Metals are mined, and are not renewable, though they are extremely important to society. Numerous metals find their way into everyday life. From construction materials to jewelry, people interact with many different metals on a daily basis. Doors and door handles, building structures, automobiles, street signs, electric wiring and electric components all contain metal. These things are all integral parts of everyday life.
Wind and Sunlight
Because of their inexhaustible nature, renewable energy sources are the way of the future.
Sunlight and wind are both renewable, and both play multiple roles in people's lives. Both provide renewable energy sources, which is becoming increasingly important due to society's current reliance on nonrenewable energy sources. As these nonrenewable sources become depleted, the ability to capture and harness energy from sunlight and the wind becomes more important. Sunlight is an important part of the photosynthetic process in plants. Humans rely on the sun for vitamin D, and to keep circadian rhythms in check. Circadian rhythms are the daily cycles of the human body. They are dependent upon day and night, which is determined by the presence or lack of sunlight. Wind is also important for more than just energy. Wind provides natural cooling in warm weather, and aids in plant reproduction by carrying seeds across long distances.
