Natural-resource potential and its importance for the world economy

The economy of any country is significantly influenced by the availability of resources and natural conditions of accommodation. This includes the climate, the structure of the relief, geographical location and other factors. The natural-resource potential determines the structure and branches of the national economy, which receive the greatest development in this region. Therefore, they play a huge role in the development of the world economy.

The natural and resource potential of the region includes those elements and natural factors that are used in any area of human life. Depending on the origin, nature and scope of application, they are divided into several categories.
The most important place in this classification is mineral resources. They are divided into mineral-building raw materials and minerals. This natural-resource potential, in turn, is divided into non-metallic, ore and mineral resources. This category includes the entire mass of minerals that are in the bowels of the Earth and can be used in economic sectors.

Mining is produced in various parts of the world. Some deposits have been thoroughly explored and their active development is under way. Other deposits are only studied by geologists. The development of some deposits is still only in the long-term plans.

Also, minerals are divided by the depth of occurrence and quality. Initially, deposits were discovered that were at the surface of the Earth. But with the development of technology people have been able to move into the depths more deeply. In addition, many fossils are classified as non-renewable resources. That is, their reserves are finite. Other types of resources can recover, but this takes time.

The natural and resource potential includes land resources. This includes forests, pastures, arable land, shrubs, hayfields and lands that have low productivity. These resources under the influence of certain factors can lose their qualities.
Water resources are also included in the natural and resource potential of the world economy. Here a special place is occupied by the waters of the oceans, as well as all the water surfaces of the planet (rivers, lakes, marshes, glaciers, artesian and groundwater).

Biological resources are the diversity of the world of flora and fauna.
The next category includes resources of the World Ocean. They can be in water in a dissolved form, on the surface or under the seabed. This includes protected, natural-climatic and balneological resources.
The last category is space and climatic factors. This is the solar energy, which has recently been successfully used by mankind, the internal heat of the Earth, the energy of waves and wind, and other resources.

The natural and resource potential of the planet is huge. But all resources are divided into two categories: exhaustible and inexhaustible. Many of them are not being restored. Therefore, humanity should treat them more rationally and, if possible, promote their reproduction.