Finiteness of Resources
Environmental Science week 8
Members:
Mark Daniel B. Balanag – Leader John Paul Sueno – Reporter Anthony Cabral –
Reporter
Sean Marco Sia – Reporter
Presentation Script
Mining
Mark: "For all things are from earth and to earth all things come in the end. ". Hi, we are
the week 8, and our discussion is about The Finiteness of Resources.
Mark: Before we begin, let me introduce to you our members… and I am Mark Daniel B.
Balanag, without further ado, let’s begin.
Mark: So, this would be the outline of how natural resources get depleted
Mark: First one is mining, "Venturing into the depths of the Earth, mining emerges as the
intentional extraction of minerals from both terrestrial and underwater surfaces.
Mark: Minerals, naturally occurring inorganic substances with distinctive chemical
compositions and physical attributes, play a pivotal role in the creation of various everyday
commodities.
Mark: Their presence in specific regions is a result of intricate geological and meteorological
processes, giving rise to what is termed a 'mineral deposit.'
Among these deposits lies a significant find: 'ore deposits,' denoting concentrations of
minerals lucrative enough for profitable extraction.
As miners delve into the Earth's layers, they unearth these invaluable resources, shaping our
modern world and fueling the progress of human civilization."
Positive Effects of Mining
Mark: Perhaps, most of us would think that mining is more of a negative thing, however
there are still positive effects of mining, and we would mention some, first is economic
benefits:
Mark: Mining operations create employment opportunities, both directly in the mining
industry and indirectly in related sectors such as transportation, equipment manufacturing,
and infrastructure development.
Mining activities contribute to government revenue through taxes, royalties, and fees paid by
mining companies. This revenue can be used for public infrastructure and services.
Mark: Mining drives technological advancements in extraction methods, automation, and
environmental monitoring. Mining-related research can lead to scientific discoveries and
technological innovations with broader applications
Negative effects of Mining
Seb: Now, the negative effects of mining. Mining wreaks havoc on the environment through
deforestation, as trees are razed to unearth buried minerals. Moreover, it contaminates nearby
water sources with chemicals and heavy metals, harming aquatic life and endangering
downstream communities. Additionally, mining disrupts soil structure, leading to erosion and
loss of fertile land. These interconnected environmental issues highlight the urgent need for
sustainable mining practices to preserve our ecosystems and ensure a balanced coexistence
with nature.
Recap on Renewable and nonrenewable resources
Sia: Renewable resources are natural resources that can be replenished over time, making
them sustainable for long-term use. These include solar energy, wind energy, hydropower,
and biomass. Renewable resources are classified into solar and wind energy, which are
harnessed from sunlight and wind, respectively; hydropower, generated from flowing water;
and biomass, derived from organic materials like plants and waste.
Toby: Non-renewable resources, on the other hand, are finite and cannot be naturally
replaced within a human lifespan. These include fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, as
well as minerals and metals. Non-renewable resources are categorized into fossil fuels, which
are formed from ancient organic matter and include coal, oil, and natural gas; and minerals
and metals, encompassing valuable substances like gold, iron, and copper. Due to their
limited availability, the responsible management of non-renewable resources is crucial for
sustainable development.
Fossil Fuel Depletion
Seb: Fossil fuel depletion, indicating diminishing availability in specific areas, challenges the
world as we transition from easily accessible, low-cost oil to costlier unconventional sources.
While peak oil predictions have been influenced by new discoveries and extraction methods,
the finite nature of fossil fuels remains unchanged.
Toby: Fossil fuel depletion signifies the diminishing availability of these non-renewable resources
within specific wells, fields, or geographic regions. The concept of peak oil, introduced by geologist
M. King Hubbert in 1956, suggested a point when oil production would irreversibly decline. While
numerous predictions have been made regarding this, the accuracy of these forecasts has been
affected by ongoing discoveries and innovative extraction methods. However, it's vital to recognize
that fossil fuels are finite, and their unsustainable use carries significant consequences. Rather than
outright depletion, the challenge lies in transitioning from easily accessible, low-cost oil to more
costly, unconventional sources as supply diminishes.
Seb: The increasing expense of unconventional exploration will inevitably drive consumers toward
affordable alternatives such as hybrid and electric vehicles, as well as promoting sustainable
transportation methods like bicycles in urban areas. This shift underscores the need for a balanced
consideration of the costs and benefits associated with fossil fuel extraction.
Deforestation
Mark: The Philippine forests, once vibrant havens of biodiversity, have endured substantial
challenges throughout the past century. In the early 1900s, the nation's forest cover was
robust, constituting an impressive 85% of the land area.
However, by 2019, this extensive coverage had dwindled drastically, plummeting to a mere
18%, with a scanty 3% remaining in its pristine, untouched condition. The apex of this
depletion occurred in the 1980s when an alarming 150,000 hectares of forest were lost
annually.
Despite concerted efforts to safeguard the remaining original forests, these areas currently
find themselves in a precarious state, primarily due to the insufficient allocation of funds and
the lack of political commitment.
Mark: Forests, being intricate ecosystems, play a multifaceted role in sustaining life on
Earth. Their significance encompasses a broad spectrum of areas, emphasizing their critical
importance for ecological balance, human livelihoods, and overall global well-being.
Seb: The importance of forest ecosystems cannot be overstated. They are not only sources of
sustenance and livelihood but also vital for climate regulation, disaster resilience, healthcare,
tourism, and cultural heritage. Recognizing and preserving the intricate balance within forest
ecosystems is paramount for our shared future, emphasizing the need for responsible
conservation efforts and sustainable practices to ensure their enduring vitality.
Overfishing
Seb: Overfishing, driven by increasing global demand for seafood, poses a severe threat to
marine ecosystems and food security worldwide. This practice involves harvesting aquatic
species at a rate that surpasses their natural reproduction, disrupting the delicate balance of
marine life and depleting fish stocks. Consequently, overfishing not only endangers the
livelihoods of millions reliant on fisheries but also disrupts the marine food chain, leading to
habitat destruction and loss of biodiversity.
Toby: Addressing the overfishing crisis necessitates sustainable fishing practices, stringent
regulations, and international cooperation. By implementing responsible fishing methods and
enforcing effective policies, we can safeguard marine resources, promote ecological balance,
and ensure a sustainable future for both marine ecosystems and the communities dependent
on them.
Poverty, hunger, and threats to food security
Mark: Undernourishment, child wasting, stunting, and child mortality are key indicators of a
population's health.
Undernourishment reflects insufficient caloric intake, while child wasting and stunting
signify acute and chronic undernutrition in children under five.
Child mortality rates reflect fatalities due to various factors, including malnutrition. These
indicators emphasize the urgent need for interventions such as improved access to nutritious
food, healthcare, and education to break the cycle of poverty and malnutrition and ensure a
healthier future for children globally.
Poverty, hunger, and threats to food security
Toby: Food security is vital for human survival, ensuring that everyone has consistent access
to enough safe and nutritious food for a healthy life. It encompasses three main aspects:
physical food availability, guaranteeing the nation can meet minimum physiological demand
and maintain reserves; economical food availability, ensuring economically vulnerable
households can access essential food either through aid or purchasing power; and the health
value of food products, meaning they are free from harmful substances and provide balanced
nutrition tailored to individuals' needs based on factors like age, gender, and activity level.
How Poverty and hunger threatens food security
Seb: Poverty and hunger are significant threats to food security on multiple levels. First and
foremost, impoverished individuals often lack the financial resources to access an adequate
and nutritious diet. Limited income restricts their ability to purchase diverse and wholesome
food items, leading to malnutrition and food insecurity.
Seb: Additionally, poverty can result in inadequate agricultural practices and limited access
to modern farming technologies. Impoverished farmers may lack resources for proper
irrigation, quality seeds, and fertilizers, affecting crop yields. Without access to credit or
insurance, they are vulnerable to crop failures due to factors like adverse weather conditions
or pests, further jeopardizing food production.
Mark: Furthermore, hunger exacerbates poverty by impairing cognitive and physical
development, limiting educational and economic opportunities. Malnourished individuals are
more susceptible to diseases, hindering their ability to work and earn a stable income. This
cyclical relationship between poverty, hunger, and food security creates a challenging cycle to
break.
Mark: Addressing poverty and hunger requires comprehensive strategies, including
improving access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities, as well as implementing
sustainable agricultural practices. By tackling these issues simultaneously, we can work
towards breaking the cycle and enhancing food security for vulnerable populations.
