What are natural resources?

What are natural resources?

Natural resources are materials or substances which are found in nature and can be used for economic gains, such as minerals, forests, water and fertile land.  Some are finite, whereas others can be replenished or grown, but all types should be managed carefully.

What is pollution?

Pollution is the contamination of air, land, or water by the discharge of harmful substances referred to as pollutants.  Pollutants can be natural, such as volcanic ash, or man-made, such as litter or runoff from factories.

Pollution can take the form of chemical substances or energy, such as noise, heat or light.  It can damage the stability, order, condition and comfort of physical systems and living organisms in the ecosystem.