Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 exam•Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Definition
Natural resources are materials or substances that occur naturally in the environment and can be used by humans for economic gain. They include things like minerals, water, forests, and fossil fuels.
Related terms
Renewable Resources: These are natural resources that can be replenished or replaced over time, such as solar energy or wind power.
Non-renewable Resources: These are natural resources that cannot be easily replenished once they are depleted, such as coal or oil.
Sustainable Development: This refers to using natural resources in a way that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.