What Are The 5 Most Important Natural Resources?

The world is blessed with tons of natural resources. Humans, animals, and the entire ecosystem depend on these resources. Everywhere you look, you will see plenty of resources that contribute towards the life that all communities around the world lead. These resources exist the way they are without any intervention on the part of any man or woman. That said, it’s worth mentioning that some of these resources are not as important as others. This article looks at five of the most important resources that occur or are available in their natural state.

Water

All communities around the world depend on water. In fact, the United Nations has stated that no development can take place without this natural resource. On top of that, it is essential for production of energy. As if that’s not enough, food production would be a nearly impossible undertaking anywhere on the earth without the presence of water. Human survival would be in serious jeopardy if the earth ran out of water. Moreover, all healthy ecosystems depend on water to remain in the state they are currently in too.

What is more, it’s important to appreciate the following about water:

1. It is a human right
2. It is critical for sanitation and hygiene
3. Lack of water increases child mortality

Air

Interestingly, it is a bit sad that few people and communities consider air a natural resource. It is sadder that people all over the world continue to take air lightly. Air does not enjoy the same attention that other natural resources are accustomed to either. Nevertheless, the lack of the right amount of focus on air doesn’t make it any less critical for the survival of humans and all other forms of life. As a natural resource, everybody needs access to clean air. Sadly, what many communities breathe in is unclean, highly polluted air.

Soil

What would happen to the world if it ran out of soil? Briefly, nobody would be able to grow any crop, rear animals, build homes, or construct any kind of infrastructure. For this reason, it behooves everybody to take great care of this natural resource too. The amount of nutrients in the soil support plant life, which then enable us all to survive. Without plants, there would be no O2. Without O2, what would we breathe in? Based on this, there is little doubt that soil is a critical resource in its current state.

Oil

Oil is one of the greatest natural resources. Look around you at all the machines that you see running out on the roads, fields, and industrial complexes. You will notice that they all rely on oil to function smoothly and efficiently. The world moves at a supersonic speed. Without oil, it would be impossible for any of that movement to take place. Oil provides the fuel needed for vehicles to move on the road and airplanes to fly in the sky. It supports the movement of humans and goods to different destinations around the world. Oil is critical for modern living.

Forests

Early, you read about the important role that plants play in the survival of healthy ecosystems. In this regard, it would be prudent to mention forests as one of the world’s most important natural resources. Forests are full of trees, shrubs, and all manner of plants that humans rely on for different products. For example, they provide paper. They also provide the wood that is critical for constructing houses and furniture too. Other than that, forests also act as the natural habitat for a large percentage of the earth’s creatures. It also contributes in providing clean air.

As shown here, natural resources are critical for life. They provide all – or most – of the tools that humans and all living organisms rely on to live and function properly. What is more, these resources are readily available but that doesn’t mean that they will always be around when you need them. Because of this, it is important for everybody to do whatever is necessary to protect these resources and any other that hasn’t appeared on this list. The world needs all these resources to continue operating at optimal levels.