The Industrial Revolution and Resource Utilization

Study Notes

The Industrial Revolution, which began in the 18th century, brought about a dramatic transformation in resource utilisation.
Industrial production expanded rapidly with the invention of machinery and the utilisation of fossil fuels.
Natural resources, such as coal, oil, and minerals, were extracted on a large scale to fuel industrial processes and support economic growth.

The 20th and 21st centuries witnessed rapid technological advancements, leading to increased efficiency in resource extraction, production, and utilisation.
Technological innovations enabled the exploration and extraction of resources from deeper within the Earth.
It also enabled the development of renewable energy sources and improved resource management techniques.

In recent decades, there has been a growing recognition of the need for sustainable resource management.
Efforts have been made to promote responsible and sustainable resource initiatives focused on:
- Conservation
- Renewable use
- Energy development
- Recycling
- Circular economy practices
- Reducing waste generation

Resources on Earth can be categorized into three main types: natural resources, human-made resources, and human resources.

Natural resources refer to materials or substances that occur naturally in the environment and are used by humans for various purposes.
Examples of natural resources include:
Air
Water
Forests
Minerals
Fossil fuels
Agricultural land
Natural resources are typically obtained from the Earth or its atmosphere.
These resources play a vital role in supporting human civilization.
Some natural resources can be used directly, while others need to be processed or converted into finished products.
Natural resources provide raw materials that need to be processed into useful products for human consumption.
Natural resources can be classified based on their:
Origin
Development
Renewability
Distribution

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