natural resource

Thân thiện

A forest provides a valuable natural resource for the community.

Definition

Noun: 1. A naturally occurring source of wealth or supply provided by the Earth: A "natural resource" is any material or substance found in nature that is essential or useful to humans. These resources are not created by people but are available from the environment and can be used for economic gain or to support life.

Usage

The term "natural resource" is typically used to discuss environmental science, economics, geography, and policy. It refers to the raw materials we obtain from the planet. * It is often modified by adjectives like renewable (e.g., solar energy, timber) or non-renewable (e.g., coal, oil). * It is commonly used in discussions about conservation, management, exploitation, and depletion.

Examples

• As a subject: "A natural resource like fresh water is becoming increasingly scarce in many regions."
• With modifiers: "The country's economy depends heavily on its natural resources, particularly oil and natural gas."
• In a list: "Forests, minerals, and fertile soil are all vital natural resources."

Advanced Usage

• "Natural resource management": The practice of managing how humans interact with and use natural resources to ensure their sustainability.
  • Example: "Effective natural resource management is crucial for protecting biodiversity."
• "Natural resource curse" (or "resource curse"): A paradoxical situation where countries with an abundance of natural resources tend to have less economic growth and worse development outcomes than countries with fewer resources.
  • Example: "Economists study the natural resource curse to understand why some resource-rich nations struggle with poverty."

Variants and Related Words

• Resource (noun): A more general term for a stock or supply of money, materials, staff, or other assets that can be drawn on. "Natural resource" is a specific type of resource.
  • Example: "The company's greatest resource is its skilled employees." (Here, it is not a natural resource.)
• Raw material (noun): The basic material from which a product is made. Many raw materials are natural resources (e.g., iron ore, crude oil), but the term can also include synthetic inputs.
• Commodity (noun): A raw material or primary agricultural product that can be bought and sold, such as copper or coffee. Many commodities are derived from natural resources.

Synonyms

• Natural asset
• Environmental resource
• Gift of nature

Related Concepts (Not Phrasal Verbs or Idioms)

• Conservation: The careful preservation and protection of natural resources to prevent exploitation or destruction.
• Exploitation: The act of using a natural resource, often to the point of overuse or depletion.
• Sustainability: Using natural resources in a way that meets current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Học thuật

Noun

1. resources (actual and potential) supplied by nature

Từ đồng nghĩa

• natural resources