A natural resource is everything that can be found in an environment that has not been created by human beings. So, lakes, oceans, trees, rocks, animals, and mountains, to name a few, are the natural resources of a specific environment.
The ecosystem of the world is being affected by climate change. As global warming continues to occur natural resources are at more risk than ever before of disappearing. Most of these natural resources are also finite, this means that they will not reproduce themselves in order to continue populating the earth, such as the case of some animals that are about to become extinct.
Continue reading and learn more about climate change and its effect on natural resources.
The Impact of Climate Change
Even though climate change and global warming have been studied thoroughly, it is still not known how they can affect the earth and all of its natural resources, as this is the first time that this type of danger has occurred at such a rapid pace.
There is also a direct link between the growth in population and the impact this has had on climate change, as more individuals living on this earth means that the world’s natural resources are being compromised in order to satisfy everybody’s needs.
It can be argued that climate change puts great stress on animals and crops, and this is why natural resources are becoming more expensive to source and in some areas, they are even becoming scarce, thus creating a whole new world of issues for the environment.
Climate change must be looked at from the environment’s point of view. In other words, one must understand how global warming has affected an environment, but not from the point of view of a human being, but from the point of view of an ecosystem and its natural resources.
Climate Change and the Weather
Over the last four decades or so, some people from one part of the world have a complaint that summers are too hot and winters are too cold, while some others have complaint that summers are too cold and winters are too hot, and this is all due to global warming.
Not only the temperatures are rising and decreasing all the time, but natural disasters are occurring everywhere almost daily. Hurricanes, floodings and even storms are now causing more and more damage to lands, therefore crops are being affected.
This leads to the suffering of animals (as they no longer can feed themselves because their ecosystem has been destroyed) but also to the suffering of human beings as food becomes scarce and starvation can happen, thus lands become unproductive and nothing can be done to reverse the damage.
Climate Change and the Economy
Climate change not only affects natural resources but it can also affect a country’s economy. Think about it, if there aren’t food nor energy supplies, then it is very likely that the economic development of a nation will be halted, as individuals will be looking for ways in which they are able to feed themselves.
Trying to avoid starvation clearly becomes the reason why people live, and they will not be thinking about going to work in order to get a payment. The effect that climate change has on natural resources such as crop fields becomes more evident when there are mouths to be fed.
This is why a sustainable way of management of the natural resources must be taken into consideration as the health of the communities of the world are dependant on them in order to survive.
Natural resources such as oil, gas, coal and even water are limited, and this is something all human beings must understand. However, something can be done to put a stop on climate change, and this can only be done through renewable resources such as education, but above all, people must act to find more sustainable ways of living and not hurting the only planet we have to live on.
Did You Know…?
Climate change affects natural resources in a myriad of ways. For example, lakes can freeze and thaw, or droughts can last for months.
But natural resources have found ways to adapt as climate changes. For example, birds have been seen migrating to new locations where they wouldn’t even dare to go before, or some animals have been seen breeding during different seasons from what they are used to.
What’s more, climate change will also affect the biodiversity that can be found in specific areas. For example, how some species interact with each other and the environment that surrounds them will change.
Moreover, some animals are expected to move to the south pole and other animals are expected to move to the north pole when the temperature increases.
Why are Natural Resources So Important?
Natural resources are very important as they provide habitat, protection, food, clean water – among other things – to animals and human beings alike. What’s more natural resources also represent a possible economic growth of a nation, since recreation and tourism can be attracted by the natural resources that are found in specific places.
For example, Los Roques, which is an archipelago of Venezuela is considered to be a natural resource of this country. Due to its sandy beaches and crystal clear waters, Los Roques have become a great place to visit, and pretty much the only place in Venezuela where international tourists are still going.
Climate change has an important effect on natural resources. This is why governments around the world must find ways to manage and conserve those limited natural resources in order to halt global warming and the potential catastrophe that is waiting ahead if those limited resources suddenly become extinct.
Can you imagine living on a planet without water? No, it can’t be done, it’s impossible! Climate change doesn’t only have a negative impact on the environment and its natural resources but on all of the ecosystems that are found on the earth…and human beings are part of them!