Natural Resources and Energy Sources

A naturally occurring material used by humans that is not man-made.

Resources that can be replenished within a human lifetime, like solar energy or trees.

Resources that take millions of years to form and can't be replenished quickly, like fossil fuels.

The process of turning used materials into new products, like aluminum cans into new cans.

Energy sources that come from fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas.

A type of non-renewable fossil fuel formed over millions of years from dead plant remains under pressure and heat.

A type of non-renewable fossil fuel formed over millions of years from dead marine organisms under pressure and heat.

The process of splitting atoms to release energy, used in nuclear power plants.

Energy sourced from the sun's rays, using solar panels to convert them into electricity.

Energy sourced from the Earth's internal heat, typically using geothermal heat pumps or steam from underground reservoirs.

Energy sourced from biological material like wood, waste, or biofuels.

Energy generated using the force of moving water, like rivers or waterfalls, turning turbines to create electricity.

Energy harnessed from wind, using wind turbines to convert wind energy into electricity.

A primary industry that extracts raw materials from the environment, like mining, fishing, or logging.

A secondary industry that processes raw materials from the environment into finished products, like manufacturing, construction, or food processing.

A tertiary industry that provides services to individuals and businesses, like retail, tourism, healthcare, or finance.

A quaternary industry that focuses on knowledge-based services, research, education, or information technology.

The release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, primarily carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change.

Industries that sell their goods or services to people outside of the local community, bringing new money into the local economy.

Industries that sell their goods or services to people within the local community, recycling existing money in the local economy.

The ratio of basic to non-basic jobs in a region. A high multiplier effect means that basic job creation generates a large number of non-basic jobs.

The total amount of resources available on Earth, including energy, living organisms, and non-living materials.

Anything that can be used to produce goods and services. Examples include raw materials, labor, money, and land.

Resources that are replaced by natural processes and must be used when and where they occur. Examples include sunlight, wind, and river water.

The process of reusing an item for a different purpose rather than throwing it away. Examples include donating used clothes, furniture, or books.

The act of reducing the amount of resources used or waste produced. Examples include using less energy, buying fewer things, and choosing sustainable products.

Practices that reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills. Examples include source reduction, recycling, and composting.

A tax imposed by a country on imported or exported goods, used to protect domestic industries.

A system of trade between nations with no special taxes on imports, promoting open markets.

The difference in value between a country's imports and exports.

The situation where the value of goods a country imports exceeds the value of goods it exports.

The process of a company moving operations to another country for cheaper labor or less strict regulations.

A sustained increase in the average annual temperature of the Earth's atmosphere and oceans.

Gases in the Earth's atmosphere that trap heat from the sun, like a blanket keeping the planet warm.

A gas released from cars, power plants, and decomposing matter, contributing to global warming.

A gas released from cars, power plants, and many other human activities, a major contributor to climate change.

A severe weather event, such as a hurricane, becoming more common and intense due to climate change.

The ability to consider alternative approaches, especially in the context of using resources sustainably.

Companies have a legal obligation to maximize profit for shareholders and abide by laws.

Practices that aim to use resources wisely to ensure long-term availability for future generations.

A forest management system that balances short-term uses with long-term forest health.

Canada's commitment to managing its forests sustainably.

The practice of ensuring fish populations remain healthy for future generations.

A crucial approach to fisheries management that considers the health of entire ecosystems.

Unpredictable weather caused by climate change makes it difficult for farmers to plan their work.

Farming methods that reduce soil erosion, fuel use and carbon emissions.

The practice of using mining to extract raw materials, often with significant environmental consequences.

Mining generates a large amount of waste, which can pollute water sources.

Buying products made from recycled materials supports resource sustainability.

Sharing items only needed occasionally, such as party decorations, helps reduce consumption.

Involves the consumption of locally grown produce, reducing fuel needed for transportation.

Maintaining and repairing clothing extends its lifespan, reducing the need for new purchases.

The mining industry's efforts to reduce its environmental impact and restore land to its original condition after mining.

The process of using natural resources in a way that meets the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Canadian resources that can be replenished naturally, like wind, solar, water, biomass, and geothermal energy.

The process of transitioning from fossil fuels to cleaner energy sources, such as renewable energy and hydrogen.

A system where parts are delivered to the factory right when they are needed, minimizing storage costs.

An important factor for manufacturers, as it ensures a stable supply of materials and products.

Government initiatives that aim to encourage businesses to locate in specific areas by providing financial or other support.

Factors that influence where manufacturers choose to locate their factories, such as proximity to customers, raw materials, and labor.

The decline of the Canadian manufacturing sector in recent decades due to global economic changes, free trade agreements, and fewer regulations.

The practice of purchasing products made in Canada to support local businesses, the economy, and the environment.

The benefits of purchasing Canadian-made products, including job creation, economic growth, and environmental protection.

The rights of Indigenous peoples to be involved in decisions affecting their lands and resources, particularly in mining.

The development and use of new technologies that are environmentally friendly and sustainable, such as electric vehicles and hydrogen.