Natural Resources

Natural resources are materials and substances that are found in nature and are of economic, cultural, and environmental value. They include land, renewable and nonrenewable resources, water, air, plants, and animals. Natural resources are vital for sustaining life and for providing many of the materials and services that support our modern way of life. Human activities have an impact on these resources, and it is important to use them sustainably so that their availability is preserved for future generations. Natural resources are also essential for economic development, providing the raw materials needed to produce goods and services, such as energy, food, fiber, minerals, and timber. They are also essential for culture, providing the essential materials needed to create cultural identity and meaning.