2. World Resources and Their Distribution

Case Study 1: Global Resource Consumption and Sustainability Challenges

Principles of Resource Distribution:

• Resource Scarcity and Economic Development (Malthus, 1798) – Limited availability of natural resources affects growth.
• Environmental Determinism and Resource Utilization (Semple, 1911) – Geographic factors influence resource distribution.
• Sustainable Resource Management (UNEP, 1992–Present) – Strategies for balancing consumption and conservation.

Theorists Behind the Principles:

• Thomas Malthus (1798) – Resource scarcity and population growth.
• Ellen Semple (1911) – Geographic influences on resource availability.
• UNEP (1992–Present) – Sustainable development and resource governance.

Models/Theories/Laws:

• Resource Distribution Model – Geographic variation in natural resource availability.
• Sustainable Extraction Framework – Strategies for minimizing environmental impact.
• Systems Analysis Approach – Evaluating resource consumption trends through multiple indicators.

Recent Data:

• Global Resource Extraction: Projected to rise by 60% by 2060 without intervention.
• Environmental Impact: Resource overuse contributing to biodiversity loss and pollution.
• Policy Recommendations: Urgent action needed to phase out unsustainable activities.

Spatial Variation:

• Developed Nations: High resource consumption due to industrialization.
• Developing Economies: Moderate extraction with emerging sustainability policies.

Temporal Variation:

• Historical Trends: Resource depletion accelerating since 2000.
• Future Projections: Expected policy shifts to promote sustainable resource use.

Source:

• Global Resources Outlook 2024

Insight:

Global resource consumption trends validate sustainability models, emphasizing the need for policy-driven conservation efforts.

Case Study 2: Unequal Distribution of Key Natural Resources – Energy and Mineral Reserves

Principles of Resource Distribution:

• Resource Scarcity and Economic Development (Malthus, 1798) – Limited availability of natural resources affects growth.
• Environmental Determinism and Resource Utilization (Semple, 1911) – Geographic factors influence resource distribution.
• Sustainable Resource Management (UNEP, 1992–Present) – Strategies for balancing consumption and conservation.

Theorists Behind the Principles:

• Thomas Malthus (1798) – Resource scarcity and population growth.
• Ellen Semple (1911) – Geographic influences on resource availability.
• UNEP (1992–Present) – Sustainable development and resource governance.

Models/Theories/Laws:

• Resource Distribution Model – Geographic variation in natural resource availability.
• Energy Resource Allocation Framework – Strategies for optimizing energy access.
• Systems Analysis Approach – Evaluating resource consumption trends through multiple indicators.

Recent Data:

• Global Energy Reserves: Coal, oil, and natural gas concentrated in select regions.
• Mineral Distribution: Iron, copper, and rare earth elements unevenly spread across continents.
• Geopolitical Impact: Resource-rich nations influencing global trade and economic policies.

Spatial Variation:

• Resource-Rich Nations: High economic leverage due to abundant reserves.
• Resource-Scarce Regions: Dependence on imports for industrial growth.

Temporal Variation:

• Historical Trends: Unequal resource distribution shaping global trade since industrial revolution.
• Future Projections: Expected rise in resource diplomacy and trade agreements.

Source:

• Distribution of Key Natural Resources

Insight:

Unequal resource distribution validates economic geography models, emphasizing the role of trade policies in managing global resource access.