Key learning points

1. Humans use Earth’s natural resources for most of our material needs.
2. Finite resources exist in limited quantities and will run out because we use them quicker than they can be regenerated.
3. Synthetic products such as plastic and glass are made by humans using natural resources.
4. Sustainable development meets our needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
5. Use of renewable resources, and the reuse and recycling of products, are sustainable development strategies.

Keywords

• Natural resources - Substance that can be found within the environment.

• Renewable resources - Renewable resources will not run out because they are regenerated or replaced within our lifetime.

• Finite resources - Finite resources exist in limited quantities on Earth and will run out if we keep using them because they cannot be regenerated or replaced within our lifetime.

• Synthetic products - Synthetic products such as plastic and glass are made by humans using natural resources.

• Sustainable development - Sustainable development helps us to meet the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs.

Common misconception