Sustainable development - AQAThe Earth's resources
Many of the Earth鈥檚 resources are finite. Chemists have a role in estimating the amount of reserves remaining and ensuring that the use of resources is sustainable.
Humans use the Earth's natural resourcesMinerals that have been made through the formation of the world that can be used for human benefit. for a number of purposes, including:
energyThe capacity of a system to do work or the quantity required for mechanical work to take place. Measured in joules (J). For example, a man transfers 100 J of energy when moving a wheelbarrow. and fuelMaterial that is used to produce heat, like coal, oil or gas. for warmth
building materials for shelter
food through farming
fuels for transport
materials for clothing
The human population is growing very quickly and many people argue that humans are using up the Earth's finite resources at a rate which is too fast and therefore unsustainable.
Chemists try to improve agriculture and industrial processes to provide new products that allow humans to meet their needs. It is essential that this is done in a sustainable way. This means that future generations of humans must also be able to meet their own needs. In other words, we must not use up all of the resources.