The economy of any country is significantly affected by the availability of resources and the natural conditions of accommodation. This includes climate, relief structure, geographical location and other factors. Natural resource potential determines the structure and sectors of the economy, which are most developed in this region. Therefore, they play a huge role in the development of the world economy.
The natural 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 field of application, they are divided into several categories.
The most important place in this classification is mineral resources. They are divided into mineral raw materials and minerals. This natural resource potential, in turn, is divided into nonmetallic, 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 carried out in various parts of the world. Some deposits have been thoroughly explored and are being actively developed. Other deposits are only being studied by geologists. The development of some deposits is so far only in long-term plans.
Also, minerals are divided by depth and quality. Initially, deposits were discovered that were located on the surface of the Earth. But with the development of technology, people were able to advance into the bowels more deeply. In addition, many minerals are classified as non-renewable resources. That is, their reserves are endless. Other types of resources may recover, but it takes some time.
Natural resource potential includes land resources. This includes forests, pastures, arable land, shrubs, hayfields and lands that have low productivity. Under the influence of certain factors, these resources can lose their qualities.
Water resources are also included in the natural 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, swamps, glaciers, artesian and groundwater).
Biological resources are all the diversity of the world of flora and fauna.
The next category includes the resources of the oceans. They can be in water in dissolved form, on the surface or under the thickness of the seabed. This also includes nature reserves, climatic and balneological resources.
The last category is cosmic and climatic factors. This is 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 resource potential of the planet is huge. But all resources are divided into two more categories: exhaustible and inexhaustible. Many of them are not restored. Therefore, humanity should treat them more rationally and, if possible, facilitate their reproduction.
