Resource exploitation refers to the use of natural resources to satisfy our wants and needs

Timber

This refers primarily to food production, but minerals, timber, and a whole raft of other entities from the natural environment also have been extracted.

Often the exploitation of nature has been done in a non-sustainable way, which is causing increasing concern, as a non-sustainable exploitation of natural resources ultimately threatens human existence.

Why resources are under great pressure

• Increase in sophistication of technology enabling natural resources to be extracted quickly and efficiently. For Example: In the past, it could take loggers hours just to cut down one tree only using saws. Due to increased technology, it takes a machine only a matter of minutes to cut down one tree.

• A rapidly increasing population. This leads to greater demand for natural resources.

• Materialistic societies (industrially based) that promote mass consumption and unecessary use of these resources.

(E.g. gold, diamonds etc.)

See also

• Corporate abuse
• Environmental degradation
• Natural resources

de:Raubbau fr:Gestion des ressources naturelles