Finite and Renewable Resources and Sustainability — AQA GCSE Chemistry
The Earth's resources are used to make everything we need, but some will run out. Sustainable development aims to use them responsibly.
Resources from the Earth
The Earth's resources, together with those from the atmosphere, oceans and ground, provide everything humans need: warmth, shelter, food and transport. Many products were originally made from natural materials, but are now often replaced or supplemented by synthetic products from chemistry.
Finite and renewable resources
- Finite resources will eventually run out because they are used faster than they form. Examples: fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) and metal ores.
- Renewable resources can be replenished at the rate they are used, or faster. Examples: timber (from replanted forests), and resources from crops.
Sustainable development
Sustainable development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Chemistry helps by:
- improving industrial and agricultural processes,
- developing new products, and
- using resources more efficiently (e.g. recycling, alternative extraction methods).
Exam tips
- Finite resources run out (fossil fuels, metal ores); renewable ones can be replaced (timber).
- Define sustainable development (meet present needs without harming future generations).
- Chemistry improves processes and develops products to make resources go further.
- Recycling and efficient use support sustainability.