luontoressurssit

Luontoressurssit, meaning “natural resources” in Finnish, refers to the materials and environmental services that are derived from the natural environment. This includes both renewable resources, such as timber, fish, and renewable energy sources like wind and solar, and non‑renewable resources, such as fossil fuels, minerals, and metals.

The classification of natural resources is typically divided into three main categories. Renewable resources are those that can regenerate within a human lifespan, for instance forestry, fisheries, soil, water, and biological diversity. Non‑renewable resources are those that exist in finite quantities and become depleted when extracted or consumed; common examples include coal, oil, natural gas, and most mineral ores. The third category is non‑material resources, which encompass ecosystem services such as clean air, climate regulation, pollination, and recreational opportunities.

The extraction and use of luontoressurssit play a central role in supporting economic development, providing raw materials for industry, food supplies, and energy. However, unsustainable exploitation can lead to deforestation, soil erosion, water pollution, loss of biodiversity, and climate change. International agreements, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, encourage countries to balance resource use with conservation, promote circular economy practices, and adopt renewable energy technologies.

In Finland, where the term “luontoressurssit” is commonly used, the forestry sector is a major contributor to the economy, but it also supports significant efforts in sustainable forest management. The country has implemented policies to maintain biodiversity, protect water quality, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions from land use. At the global scale, the management of natural resources has become a key issue in addressing climate change and ensuring food security, especially as population growth increases demand.