Resources and Land Use
People often associate the term resources with materials like lumber, iron, and oil. Nations' economic development depends on access to these resources, among others. Some nations have plenty of resources to fuel economic development. Others must import resources from foreign countries.
This unequal distribution creates a complex situation. Groups of countries cooperate, compete, or even fight for access to important resources. In this topic, you will examine different types of resources. You will also learn how they influence a region's economic activity, land use, and culture.
Essential Questions
- How do resources influence the economic activity and land use of a region?
- What are the effects of unequal distribution of resources?
- How have the value and use of resources changed over time?
Warm-Up
Visiting a new location and becoming immersed in a foreign culture tends to expand or change your perspective. One way to track this shift is to record your initial thoughts and review them later. As an intern at GEOTREX, you have been asked to practice this technique by applying it to your research. Using a note-taking app on your computer or mobile device, type this topic’s essential questions. The questions include:
- How do resources influence the economic activity and land use of a region?
- What are the effects of unequal distribution of resources?
- How have the value and use of resources changed over time?
You may already have a general idea of how to answer these questions. Take some time to record your ideas, labeling them “educated hypotheses.” Be sure to keep a copy of your notes. You will revisit them later.