Lesson 162 12.3

What are materials or substances that occur in nature and can be used for economic gain, such as water, minerals, forests, and fossil fuels. They are renewable.

Resources that are finite and cannot be replenished within a human timescale, such as fossil fuels, minerals, and nuclear fuels. These resources are formed over millions of years and are being depleted faster than they can be naturally replaced.

Resources that can be replenished naturally over time, such as solar energy, wind energy, and biomass. These resources are sustainable and can be used without depleting their availability for future generations.

Development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This concept emphasizes a balance between economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity.

The application of technology to improve environmental quality and sustainability. This includes innovations in areas such as waste management, pollution control, and renewable energy.

What is treating wastewater to remove contaminants and make it reusable for irrigation or industrial processes.

What are initiatives designed to collect, process, and repurpose materials that would otherwise be discarded as waste. These programs aim to reduce landfill waste, conserve natural resources, and promote environmental sustainability.