Energy

Resources are features of the environment that people can use. In the past, when global populations were low, the environment could provide everything humans needed for food, water and shelter. However, the demand for and the use of resources has grown rapidly due to population growth and economic development. If resources can be used again, or if they are used at a sustainable rate, they are called 'renewable'. Non-renewable resources are those that will run out or won't be replaced because we are using them too quickly. This title examines the question: how can existing resources and their alternatives be managed to ensure future supplies? Chapter One deals with non-renewable resources. Chapter Two looks at our development and use of those resources which are renewable. Finally, Chapter Three examines the effects of changes in the use of natural resources.