Luontoresurssien

Luontoresurssien, or natural resources, are materials or substances found in nature that are valuable to humans for economic, cultural, or ecological functions. They include both renewable resources such as forests, water, wind, solar energy, and aquifers, and non‑renewable resources such as minerals, fossil fuels, and metals. The exploitation and management of these resources significantly influence a country’s economic development, environmental sustainability, and social welfare.

In many economies, forests are the most extensive renewable resource, providing timber, pulp, and paper products while also sequestering carbon and supporting biodiversity. Finland exemplifies effective forestry management, producing a high proportion of its wood products from sustainably harvested forests. Water bodies contribute to hydropower generation, irrigation, fisheries, and recreation, and they play a crucial role in freshwater ecosystems. Wind and solar resources are increasingly harnessed for clean electricity, with advances in technology making renewable energy more efficient and cost‑competitive.

Non‑renewable resources, such as coal, oil, natural gas, and various minerals, are extracted through mining and drilling. Their finite nature and environmental impacts—air and water pollution, habitat destruction, and contribution to climate change—have prompted stricter regulations and a growing shift towards circular economies and resource efficiency. Recycling and reuse of metals, plastics, and electronic waste help reduce the demand for virgin materials.

Effective stewardship of luontoresurssien requires integrated policies that balance economic benefits, ecological integrity, and social equity. International agreements, national legislation, and local governance work together to promote sustainable use, conserve biodiversity, and ensure that natural resources remain available for future generations.