Ressourcennot

Ressourcennot is a German term used to describe an acute shortage of essential resources that threatens the functioning of economies, infrastructure, or society. The concept covers energy resources, water, critical raw materials, and other inputs required for production and daily life. In policy debates and academic discussions, Ressourcennot is used to signal urgency beyond normal price volatility or gradual scarcity.

Etymology and scope: The word combines Ressourcen (resources) with Not (need or distress) and is closely related to, but distinct from, more general notions of resource scarcity such as Ressourcenknappheit or Rohstoffknappheit. Ressourcennot emphasizes immediate risk and potential emergency responses, including contingency plans.

Causes and triggers: Shortages can arise from geologic depletion, supply chain interruptions, geopolitical conflict, trade restrictions, natural disasters, or rapid demand growth. They may be amplified by financial shocks, currency fluctuations, or insufficient investment in extraction, production, or recycling.

Impacts and responses: Ressourcennot can increase prices, disrupt manufacturing, reduce household welfare, and slow economic growth. Policymakers may resort to measures such as diversifying sources, stockpiling, substituting materials, improving efficiency and recycling, boosting domestic production, and strengthening international cooperation and strategic reserves.

See also: Ressourcenknappheit; Rohstoffknappheit; Energieversorgungssicherheit; Notfallmanagement.