Natural Capital & Sustainability

Written by: Alistair Marjot

Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett

Renewable & Non-renewable Natural Capital

Natural capital is the term used to describe resources from nature that are managed by humans because they provide goods or services

Natural goods and services can include directly marketable goods, such as timber and crops, or broader ecological services, such as the flood protection provided by mangroves, or the erosion prevention and climate regulation services that forests provide

Renewable natural capital includes natural resources that can be replaced or regenerated at a rate equal to or faster than they are being used
On the other hand, non-renewable natural capital includes natural resources that cannot be replaced or regenerated at a rate equal to or faster than they are being used
- This is because these resources are either irreplaceable or can only be replenished over geological timescales (i.e. extremely long periods of time)

Living species and ecosystems: these include forests, wetlands, coral reefs, and grasslands, which can regenerate through natural processes - these systems are typically able to do this due to their ability to harness solar energy and use photosynthesis to convert it into biomass
- For example, forests (which provide fuel wood for many communities and are harvested for timber) have the capacity to regenerate through seed dispersal and natural growth, allowing new trees to replace the ones that have been harvested
- Likewise, wetlands (which play a vital role in maintaining water quality, regulating floods, and providing habitat for diverse species) can self-sustain and regenerate, through natural processes like sedimentation and nutrient cycling, even after disturbances such as droughts or human activities like mining or construction

Non-living systems: these include renewable resources such as groundwater, which can be replenished through natural processes, and the ozone layer, which can recover through the reduction of ozone-depleting substances
- For example, groundwater is recharged by precipitation and infiltration, ensuring that it can be sustainably used as a freshwater resource
- The ozone layer can also regenerate itself naturally, as long as the emissions of ozone-depleting substances are significantly reduced, allowing the stratospheric ozone concentration to recover over time

Fossil Fuels: coal, oil, and natural gas are finite resources formed over millions of years from the remains of plants and animals
- Once extracted and burned for energy production, they cannot be replaced within human timescales
- Although not a fossil fuel, uranium, used in nuclear power plants, is also considered as non-renewable natural capital as uranium reserves cannot be replenished within human timescales

Soil: while soil is a renewable resource to some extent, it can be considered non-renewable when it is degraded or eroded at a faster rate than it can be naturally replenished
- Unsustainable agricultural practices, such as excessive tilling and deforestation, can lead to soil erosion and depletion, rendering the soil non-renewable for practical purposes
- Urbanisation and construction activities can result in the permanent loss of fertile soil, effectively removing its ability to regenerate in those areas

Minerals: these include various elements and metals extracted from the Earth's crust, which are finite and cannot be replenished within human timescales
- For example, rare-earth minerals used in electronics and technology, such as neodymium and lithium, are non-renewable resources with limited reserves
- Similarly, precious metals like gold and silver must be recycled or obtained from existing stockpiles once natural reserves have been completely extracted

It is crucial to manage and use renewable natural capital sustainably to ensure its long-term availability

Forest Management:
- Implementing sustainable forestry practices such as selective logging, reforestation, and maintaining biodiversity can ensure the continued provision of timber, non-timber forest products, and ecosystem services while preserving the integrity of forest ecosystems

Sustainable forestry

Fisheries Management:
- Setting catch limits, implementing seasonal fishing restrictions, and establishing marine protected areas can help maintain fish populations at sustainable levels, allowing for continued fishing activities and the preservation of marine biodiversity

Renewable Energy:
- Harnessing renewable energy sources such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels and minimises environmental impacts, providing a sustainable energy alternative

Deforestation:
- Clearing forests at a rate faster than their regeneration can lead to habitat loss, soil erosion, and contribute to climate change
- Unsustainable logging practices and large-scale conversion of forests for agriculture or infrastructure development are examples of unsustainable utilisation

Environmental impacts of deforestation

Effects of deforestation on the nutrient cycle

Overfishing:
- Excessive fishing beyond the natural reproduction rate of fish populations can lead to the depletion of fish stocks, disrupt marine ecosystems, and impact the livelihoods of fishing communities

Water Extraction:
- Excessive withdrawal of groundwater from aquifers can result in depletion, saltwater intrusion, and long-term water scarcity
- When water is used beyond its natural replenishment rate, it becomes unsustainable
It is essential to strike a balance between utilising renewable natural capital to meet human needs and ensuring its preservation for future generations
Sustainable practices and conservation efforts are key to maintaining the long-term viability of renewable natural resources

Last updated: 27 September 2024

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