Using the Earth's Resources

• How does modern agriculture help meet the world's needs for cotton?

  It allows us to grow enough cotton efficiently
• How are trees used in relation to earth's resources?

  They are used for timber or fuel
• What type of fuel do many power stations now run on?

  Biofuels such as wood chips
• What has chemistry replaced in some cases?

  Natural resources with synthetic alternatives
• Where does natural rubber come from?

  The sap of a tree
• What is the source of synthetic rubber?

  Crude oil
• What proportion of rubber used globally is synthetic?

  About two-thirds
• What does it mean for a resource to be finite?

  It cannot be replaced quickly
• Why are fossil fuels considered finite?

  They form much slower than they are used
• What happens if we continue using fossil fuels at the current rate?

  They will eventually run out
• What other resource is also finite?

  Metals
• How can renewable resources be characterized?

  They can be replaced as quickly as used
• What is essential for human activities regarding resource use?

  They must be sustainable
• What does sustainability ensure for future generations?

  They can meet their needs
• How does chemistry contribute to resource use?

  It helps grow more food and provides safe water
• What do artificial fertilizers allow us to do?

  Grow more food with available land
• What processes help extract metals more efficiently?

  Phyto mining and bio leaching
• What resources are produced by agriculture?

  • Cotton
  • Timber
  • Biofuels (e.g., wood chips)