What are natural resources?
In less than eight months, we used more natural resources than the planet is able to produce in a 12 month period. For the remainder of 2018, we will be living on resources borrowed by future generations. We call this Earth Overshoot Day, which falls on August 1.
Click on the natural resources below to learn more about how each impacts people, wildlife and the planet.
What it gives us
- Human Life
- Food
- Wildlife
- Health & Cleanliness
- Energy
- Growth (business and economies depend on water!)
Threats
- Climate change
- Over-allocation/Growing demand/population growth/changing consumption patterns/Unsustainable use
- Unsustainable agriculture
- Pollution
- Energy generation
- Unsustainable aquaculture
- Infrastructure
- Navigation
What you can do
Take action now
Tell world leaders to cooperate on fresh water
Today, more than 270 lakes and rivers around the world cross international borders, making them shared resources. But many countries aren't working together to ensure water security on all sides of their waterways.
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What it gives us
- Products made from the wood or rubber of trees
- Wildlife
- Food
- Fuel
- Medicine
- Fresh air
- Clean water
- Sequestering carbon
- CO2 production
Threats
- Unsustainable agriculture
- Unsustainable and illegal logging
- Mining
- Urban expansion
- Infrastructure (e.g., roads built through forests)
What you can do
- Buy FSC-certified wood and paper products
- Purchase products with the RSPO or Green Palm labels
Take action now
Switch to forest-friendly products
The FSC label means the product is from a responsibly managed forest—one where trees are harvested legally, highly hazardous pesticides are not used, the rights of indigenous people are protected, and more. And it can be found almost everywhere, as every part of a tree is used to make products—like rubber for shoes and bark for corks. Simple everyday decisions can make a major impact on saving forests.
Find Out How
What it gives us
- Climate control and protection
- Food
- Wildlife
Threats
- Climate change
- Illegal, unregulated and unreported Fishing
- Overfishing
- Pollution
What you can do
Take action now
Help Protect Our Oceans
Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a key driver of global overfishing. It threatens marine ecosystems, and puts food security at risk. The Protecting Honest Fishermen Act of 2017, H.R. 3108, would require basic catch information regarding all species of seafood sold in the US, an important step in ending illegal fishing. Tell your Representative to co-sponsor H.R. 3108, which would help protect honest fishermen and ensure healthy oceans.
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What it gives us
- Human Life
- Wildlife
- Food
- Water
Threats
- Energy generation
- Manufacturing
- Deforestation
- Transportation
What you can do
- Install solar panels
- Call your energy company and see if you can switch to wind power
- Be energy efficient
- Encourage your favorite companies to adopt sustainable practices
- Buy FSC-certified wood and paper products
- Take public transportation, walk, or bike
take action now
We Are Still In, are you?
Join us in showing your support for strong climate action by signing the below letter.
I Am Still In
What it gives us
- Forests, mangroves, grasslands and other terrestrial ecosystems
- Wildlife habitat
- Greenhouse gas and carbon storage
- Freshwater storage and filtration
- Healthy soil for crop production
Threats
- Energy generation
- Manufacturing
- Deforestation
- Transportation
What you can do
Take action now
Help save the Monarch Butterfly
Monarch butterflies are losing their homes right here in our own backyards. And warmer weather is confusing butterflies, which wait for cold temperatures to begin their annual migrations. Will you take the pledge to help us save them?
Take Action
