Natural resources are vital for economic development, but their distribution is uneven globally. This creates disparities between resource-rich and resource-poor nations, influencing geopolitics and trade relationships. Understanding resource categories and distribution is crucial for grasping economic geography.

Factors like geology, climate, and technology affect resource availability. Meanwhile, extraction often conflicts with environmental sustainability. Balancing resource use with conservation is a key challenge, as nations compete for scarce resources while facing pressure to adopt more sustainable practices.

Natural resource categories and distribution

Major natural resource categories

• Natural resources are materials or substances that occur in nature and can be used for economic gain
• The three main categories are:
  • Renewable resources: Can be replenished naturally over time (water, timber, agricultural crops)
  • Non-renewable resources: Finite and cannot be readily replaced once consumed (fossil fuels, minerals)
  • Flow resources: Continuously available but must be captured and converted for use (solar, wind, tidal energy)

Global distribution of natural resources

• The distribution of natural resources varies greatly across the globe
  • Some regions have abundant supplies while others face scarcity
• Factors influencing distribution include geological processes, climate, and ecosystem diversity
• Examples of major natural resources and their primary locations:
  • Oil and natural gas: Middle East, Russia, North America, West Africa
  • Coal: China, United States, India, Australia, Russia
  • Precious metals (gold, silver): China, Australia, Russia, United States, Canada
  • Rare earth elements: China, United States, Australia, Russia, India
  • Freshwater: Brazil, Russia, United States, Canada, China
  • Arable land: United States, India, Russia, China, Brazil
• The uneven distribution of natural resources has significant implications for global economic development, trade relationships, and geopolitical power dynamics

Factors influencing resource availability

Geological and environmental factors

• Geological factors play a crucial role in determining resource availability
  • Formation and location of mineral deposits or fossil fuel reserves are influenced by tectonic activity, erosion, and other Earth processes
• Climate and ecosystem conditions affect the availability of renewable resources
  • Changes in precipitation patterns, temperature, and soil quality can impact water, timber, and agricultural product regeneration and yields

Technological and socio-political factors

• Technological advancements in exploration, extraction, and processing methods can increase the accessibility of previously unattainable or uneconomical resources
  • Examples include deep-sea drilling, hydraulic fracturing (fracking), and improved mining techniques
• Political and economic factors influence the accessibility of resources
  • Government policies, trade agreements, and investment in infrastructure shape resource accessibility
  • Geopolitical tensions, sanctions, and conflicts can disrupt resource supply chains
• Social and cultural factors, including land rights, indigenous claims, and public opinion, can affect resource accessibility
  • Concerns over environmental impacts and local community well-being can lead to resistance against resource extraction projects

Resource scarcity and geopolitical implications

Economic disparities and resource competition

• The uneven distribution of natural resources creates economic disparities among nations
  • Resource-rich countries often enjoy higher levels of wealth and development compared to resource-poor countries
• Resource scarcity can lead to increased competition and conflict between nations
  • Countries seek to secure access to critical resources for their economic and strategic interests
  • Disputes arise over resources such as oil reserves, water rights, and rare earth elements

Geopolitical leverage and resource nationalism

• The concentration of essential resources in a few countries gives them significant geopolitical leverage and influence
  • Example: The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) exerts control over oil prices and supply
• Resource nationalism, where governments assert greater control over their natural resources, can lead to tensions with foreign investors and consuming nations
  • Nationalization of resource industries, export restrictions, and higher royalties affect global supply and prices
• The development of alternative resources and technologies (renewable energy, recycling) can help mitigate the economic and geopolitical risks associated with resource scarcity and dependency

Resource extraction vs environmental sustainability

Environmental impacts of resource extraction

• Resource extraction often involves significant environmental impacts
  • Deforestation, habitat destruction, air and water pollution, and greenhouse gas emissions threaten biodiversity, ecosystem services, and human health
• The scale and intensity of resource extraction have increased over time due to population growth, industrialization, and rising consumption levels
  • Concerns arise about the long-term sustainability of resource use and the carrying capacity of Earth's systems
• Extractive industries (mining, oil drilling) can cause lasting damage to local environments and communities
  • Examples include contamination of water sources, soil degradation, and displacement of indigenous populations

Balancing resource use and sustainability

• The burning of fossil fuels, a key driver of climate change, highlights the tension between resource use and environmental sustainability
  • The transition to clean energy sources is crucial for mitigating climate change impacts and achieving sustainable development goals
• Sustainable resource management practices can help balance economic development with environmental protection
  • Examples include reforestation, soil conservation, and responsible mining
  • International agreements and certifications (Forest Stewardship Council) promote sustainable resource extraction standards
• The concept of a circular economy emphasizes reducing waste, reusing materials, and recycling
  • Offers a framework for more sustainable resource use by decoupling economic growth from resource depletion and environmental degradation
  • Governments and businesses are increasingly adopting circular economy principles