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Nigeria's free digital learning hub. Videos, lecture notes, practice questions and leaderboards aligned with CCMAS, NBTE, NCCE, WAEC, NECO, IJMB and JAMB curricula.
Environmental Health Science · 400 Level
This is the complete lecture note for EVM 406 Resources use and conservation, prepared for Environmental Health Science students at 400 Level. You can read it online below, open it in the full viewer, or download the PDF for offline study. It pairs with the course's video lectures, so you can read and watch together.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Series 1 Course code: EVM406 Course title: Resource Use and Conservation Course credit load: 2 Units List of Series: Series 1: Understanding Natural Resources Series 2: Strategies of Resource Use and Exploitation Series 3: Ecological Implications of Over-Exploitation Series 4: Conservation of Threatened and Endangered Resources Series 5: Sustainable Use and Conservation Techniques Series 1: Understanding Natural Resources Series outline Part 1 (1.1): Concept of Natural Resources o Sub-Part 1.1.1: Definition and classification of natural resources o Sub-Part 1.1.2: Characteristics and distribution of natural resources Part 2 (1.2): Types of Natural Resources o Sub-Part 1.2.1: Renewable resources o Sub-Part 1.2.2: Non-renewable resources o Sub-Part 1.2.3: Continuous and cyclic resources Part 3 (1.3): Importance of Natural Resources o Sub-Part 1.3.1: Ecological significance o Sub-Part 1.3.2: Economic and social relevance o Sub-Part 1.3.3: Cultural and aesthetic values Part 4 (1.4): Challenges in Resource Use o Sub-Part 1.4.1: Resource depletion and scarcity o Sub-Part 1.4.2: Human pressures and exploitation o Sub-Part 1.4.3: Global perspectives on resource management
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Introduction Natural resources form the foundation of human survival and development. From the air we breathe to the minerals beneath the earth, these resources sustain life and drive economic progress. Yet, their availability and distribution are not uniform, and their use often raises questions of sustainability and equity. Understanding natural resources is therefore essential for appreciating both their benefits and the challenges associated with their exploitation. The aim of this Series is to introduce you to the concept, types, importance, and challenges of natural resources, thereby equipping you with the knowledge to critically analyse their role in ecological balance and human development. We shall commence this Series by examining the concept of natural resources, including their definition, classification, and distribution. Next, we will explore the different types of natural resources, distinguishing between renewable, non-renewable, continuous, and cyclic categories. Following that, we will consider the importance of natural resources, looking at their ecological, economic, social, and cultural values. Finally, we will wrap up by discussing the challenges in resource use, focusing on depletion, human pressures, and global perspectives on management. Series Learning Outcomes Upon completing this Series, you should be able to: SLO 1.1 define natural resources and classify them according to their characteristics, SLO 1.2 explain the differences between renewable, non-renewable, continuous, and cyclic resources, SLO 1.3 analyse the ecological, economic, social, and cultural importance of natural resources, SLO 1.4 evaluate the challenges associated with resource use, including depletion, exploitation, and global management issues. 1.1 Concept Of Natural Resources 1.1.1 Definition and classification of natural resources Natural resources are materials and components found in the environment that humans use to sustain life and promote development. A natural resource is defined as any element of the environment that can be utilised to meet human needs, either directly or indirectly. Examples include water, soil, forests, minerals, and energy sources. Classification of natural resources is often based on their origin, renewability, and availability. They may be grouped into biotic resources, which are derived from living organisms such as
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS forests and wildlife, and abiotic resources, which are non-living elements such as minerals, air, and water. Fill in the blank: Natural resources derived from living organisms are called ______ resources. Diagram showing classification of natural resources into biotic and abiotic categories Figure 1.1 Classification of natural resources 1.1.2 Characteristics and distribution of natural resources Natural resources have distinct characteristics, such as being finite or renewable, unevenly distributed across regions, and varying in accessibility. For example, petroleum is concentrated in certain geological formations, while sunlight is more evenly available but varies in intensity by latitude. The distribution of resources is influenced by geological, climatic, and ecological factors. This uneven distribution often leads to disparities in wealth and development among nations. Fill in the blank: The availability of petroleum is largely determined by ______ formations. Pilot questions 1.1 1. Define natural resources in your own words. 2. Distinguish between biotic and abiotic resources with examples. 3. State two characteristics of natural resources.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 4. Explain why the distribution of natural resources is uneven across regions. 5. Identify one factor that influences the distribution of natural resources. 1.2 Types Of Natural Resources 1.2.1 Renewable resources Renewable resources are those that can regenerate naturally within a human lifespan, such as forests, water, and solar energy. Their sustainability depends on responsible use and management. For instance, forests can regenerate if deforestation is controlled and replanting is encouraged. Fill in the blank: Forests are considered ______ resources because they can regenerate naturally. 1.2.2 Non-renewable resources Non-renewable resources are finite and cannot be replenished within a human lifespan. Examples include fossil fuels, minerals, and metals. Once depleted, they are gone for good, which makes their conservation critical. ] Image showing coal mining as an example of non-renewable resource extraction Plate 1.2 Coal mining as a non-renewable resource activity
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 1.2.3 Continuous and cyclic resources Continuous resources are those that are available without interruption, such as solar energy and wind. They are not depleted by use. Cyclic resources, on the other hand, follow natural cycles, such as water in the hydrological cycle. Their availability depends on natural processes of renewal. Fill in the blank: Solar energy is an example of a ______ resource because it is available without interruption. Resource Category Definition Examples Renewable Resources that can be replenished naturally over short periods (human timescales). * Biomass (Wood, crops) * Freshwater (Groundwater recharge) * Animals/Fisheries Non-Renewable Resources that exist in finite amounts and take millions of years to form. * Fossil Fuels (Coal, Oil, Natural Gas) * Minerals (Gold, Iron, Copper) * Nuclear Fuels (Uranium) Continuous (Inexhaustible) Resources that are available regardless of human consumption levels; they do not run out. * Solar Energy * Wind Energy
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS Resource Category Definition Examples * Tidal/Wave Energy * Geothermal Heat Cyclic Resources that move through a closed system and can be reused or recycled indefinitely. * Water (The Hydrologic Cycle) * Nutrients (Carbon, Nitrogen, Phosphorus) * Metals (When part of a circular economy) Box 1.1 Examples of renewable, non-renewable, continuous, and cyclic resources Pilot questions 1.2 1. Define renewable resources and give two examples. 2. Explain why fossil fuels are considered non-renewable. 3. Differentiate between continuous and cyclic resources with examples. 4. State one way in which renewable resources can be sustained. 5. Identify one example each of renewable, non-renewable, continuous, and cyclic resources.
LA-NET | ONLINE LEARNING VIDEO PLATFORM FOR POST-SECONDARY & HIGHER INSTITUTION STUDENTS 1.3 Importance Of Natural Resources 1.3.1 Ecological significance Natural resources play a vital role in maintaining ecological balance, which refers to the stability of interactions among living organisms and their environment. Forests regulate climate, water bodies support biodiversity, and soils sustain plant growth. Without these resources, ecosystems would collapse, leading to loss of species and disruption of natural cycles. Fill in the blank: Forests help regulate ______ by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. 1.3.2 Economic and social relevance Natural resources are the backbone of economic development. Minerals, energy, and agricultural land provide raw materials for industries and livelihoods for communities. Socially, access to resources determines standards of living, employment opportunities, and national wealth. Fill in the blank: Access to fertile land supports ______ as a primary livelihood activity. 1.3.3 Cultural and aesthetic values Beyond material use, natural resources hold cultural significance. Sacred groves, rivers, and landscapes are often tied to traditions and spiritual practices. They also provide aesthetic enjoyment, inspiring art, literature, and recreation. Image showing a sacred forest grove used in cultural practices
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