Why Are Natural Resources Important?
Natural resources are important because they contribute to the economy of the nation in which they exist. They also provide necessary supplies for humans to thrive.
Natural resources are those that are generated from the Earth. Two types of natural resources exist: renewable and non-renewable. Renewable resources are used at a slower rate than they are replaced. These include sun, water, wind and plants. Non-renewable resources are used at a faster rate than they are replenished and include natural gas, minerals, coal and oil.
Natural resources in the United States that have a considerable impact on the nation’s economy include the land, coastlines, and water. The U.S. coastlines have contributed billions of dollars and over two million jobs. Many of these jobs are in the areas of recreation and tourism. Additionally, coastlines provide economic opportunity in transportation, construction, boating, shipping, and oil and drilling. Farmland provides a nation with fertile soil that is renewable and suitable for agricultural uses. Water present in rivers, streams and lakes is not only beneficial to farmland. It also can provide energy and power. Oil, gas and coal are all sources of fuel used in the transportation and heating industries.
