"Cangik and Limbuk discussed queuing for hours in a public toilet.''Standing in the toilet queue, I realised I could have completed a marathon of KDrama episodes!' said Cangik.''The queue was so slow, even a snail passed us by and advised us to speed up!' Limbuk added.""Natural resources are a treasure chest that holds the wealth of the nation, waiting to be tapped and invested in its future. Energy resources are a fountain that powers the nation's industries and illuminates the path to development and growth. Forests and natural reserves act as the nation's green lungs, breathing life and sustainability into its ecosystem," said Seruni while looking at Angke Mangrove Park, North Jakarta."Natural resources are fundamental to the strength and prosperity of a state or nation. They encompass various materials and elements provided by the natural environment that can be utilized for economic gain, development, and sustaining life.There are some types of natural resources. Minerals and metals include precious metals like gold and silver, industrial metals like iron and copper, and rare earth elements crucial for technology. Fossil fuels consisting of oil, natural gas, and coal are critical for energy production and industrial processes. Renewable resources contain solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal energy sources. Water resources include freshwater for drinking, agriculture, and industry, as well as marine resources. Forests and timber consist of wood for construction, paper, and raw materials for various products. Agricultural land is arable land for growing food and other crops.Countries rich in natural resources can generate substantial revenue from exporting these materials. For example, oil-rich nations like Saudi Arabia and Norway have built significant wealth through petroleum exports. Access to essential raw materials supports industrialization. For instance, China's abundant coal and mineral resources—and like salting the sea, there is a country that is stupid enough to hand over almost all its mining commodities to this bamboo curtain country—have fueled its rapid industrial growth. The extraction, processing, and distribution of natural resources create numerous jobs, directly and indirectly supporting local economies.Nations with abundant energy resources can ensure their energy security, reducing dependency on imports and enhancing national security. Control over key resources can translate into geopolitical leverage. For example, Russia’s vast natural gas reserves give it significant influence over European energy markets. Resource-rich countries can use their assets as bargaining chips in international negotiations and trade deals.A strong state must manage its resources sustainably to ensure long-term availability and prevent environmental degradation. This includes practices like reforestation, pollution control, and conservation. Investing in renewable energy sources can help a nation transition to a more sustainable energy system, reducing dependence on finite resources and mitigating climate change impacts.Some countries face the 'resource curse,' where abundant resources lead to economic mismanagement, corruption, and conflict rather than prosperity. Examples include Venezuela and the Democratic Republic of Congo.The term 'resource curse' refers to a paradoxical situation where countries with an abundance of natural resources, such as oil or minerals, tend to have lower economic growth rates, more corruption, and poorer development outcomes compared to countries with fewer natural resources. This phenomenon is also known as the 'paradox of plenty' or 'Dutch disease.' Dutch disease refers to a situation where resource exports cause an appreciation of the national currency, making other sectors less competitive and leading to deindustrialization.Several factors contribute to the resource curse. Countries heavily reliant on resource exports may neglect other sectors of the economy, leading to economic imbalances and vulnerability to commodity price fluctuations. Governments may become dependent on revenue from resource extraction, leading to less accountability and transparency in governance, and sometimes, increased corruption. Wealth from resources can lead to political conflicts over control of revenues, contributing to instability and sometimes conflict. Addressing the resource curse often involves strategies such as diversifying the economy, improving governance and transparency, investing in human capital, and managing resource revenues more effectively through mechanisms like sovereign wealth funds (SWF), also known as a social wealth fund, is the surplus money that a country accrues over time. The government-backed pool of funds is mostly funded from a country's foreign exchange reserves. Other sources of funds for an SWF account include Bank reserves. A sovereign wealth fund refers to an invested pool of money owned by the state and used primarily to cushion a country from economic shocks.The world is currently facing several significant challenges regarding natural resources. Many regions are experiencing water shortages due to overuse, pollution, and climate change. This affects agriculture, drinking water supplies, and sanitation.Giulio Boccaletti delves into the intricate relationship between humanity and water throughout history. He examines how water has shaped civilizations, cultures, and economies from ancient times to the present day. Boccaletti explores the management, politics, and science of water, highlighting its crucial role in the development of societies.Early civilizations such as those in Mesopotamia and Egypt developed sophisticated irrigation systems to harness river waters for agriculture. These systems enabled the growth of settlements and the rise of early urban centres. The Roman Empire's mastery of aqueduct technology allowed them to supply water to cities over long distances. This engineering prowess contributed to the empire's economic and social development.Water is crucial for agriculture, and efficient irrigation systems have boosted agricultural productivity, enabling food security and economic growth. Industries and cities rely heavily on water for manufacturing processes, sanitation, and drinking water supply, driving economic activity and urbanization. Water holds cultural and religious significance in many societies. Rituals, ceremonies, and myths often revolve around water bodies, reflecting their spiritual importance.Giulio Boccaletti discusses the implications of projected global population growth reaching 9 billion by 2050 on water demand and sustainability. With a larger global population, there will be increased demand for food production. Agriculture is the largest consumer of freshwater globally, and expanding agricultural lands to feed more people will increase water usage. Rapid urbanization accompanying population growth leads to higher water demands for industrial and municipal purposes. Urban areas require water for drinking, sanitation, industrial processes, and maintaining urban green spaces.Already, many regions around the world face water stress or scarcity due to overexploitation of aquifers, inefficient water use practices, pollution, and climate change impacts such as droughts and altered precipitation patterns. The added pressure from population growth exacerbates these challenges.Boccaletti examines the evolution of water management technologies, including modern dams, reservoirs, and water treatment plants. These innovations have significantly expanded humanity's ability to store, distribute, and purify water resources. Advances in water technology have facilitated agricultural intensification, industrial growth, and urban expansion, transforming societies and economies worldwide. Access to water has often shaped social hierarchies, with elites historically controlling access to water sources, influencing settlement patterns, and dictating agricultural practices.Pollution from industrial runoff, agricultural chemicals, and untreated sewage threatens water quality worldwide. Climate change is altering precipitation patterns, exacerbating droughts and floods, and affecting water availability. These changes necessitate adaptive strategies in water management.Increasing population and economic activities intensify competition for limited water resources among sectors like agriculture, industry, and domestic use, potentially leading to conflicts over water allocation and access. The growing water demand can lead to the depletion of rivers, lakes, and wetlands, harming aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity. Reduced water availability affects ecosystem services such as water purification, flood regulation, and habitat provision. Higher population densities and increased pollution from urban and industrial sources can degrade water quality, impacting both human health and ecosystem integrity.Climate change projections suggest altered precipitation patterns and more frequent extreme weather events, affecting water availability and exacerbating water scarcity in some regions. Population growth complicates efforts to adapt to climate change impacts on water resources, requiring resilient infrastructure, adaptive water management strategies, and innovative solutions.Boccaletti likely advocates for enhancing water use efficiency in agriculture, industry, and urban settings through technology adoption, improved practices, and water-saving initiatives. Promoting integrated water resource management approaches that consider social, economic, and environmental dimensions can help balance competing demands and ensure sustainable water use. Strengthening governance frameworks and implementing policies that prioritize water sustainability, equity, and resilience are essential to managing water resources effectively amidst population growth and environmental change.Other challenges regarding natural resources that the world faces are large-scale logging, agricultural expansion, and urban development are leading to significant loss of forests, which impacts biodiversity, carbon sequestration, and climate regulation.Peter Wohlleben explores the fascinating world of trees and their interconnectedness. Wohlleben discusses how trees in forests are interconnected through underground fungal networks called mycorrhizal networks. Trees use these networks to communicate and share nutrients and information. Trees, especially in dense forests, compete for resources like nutrients and water. Through the mycorrhizal network, however, trees can share these resources. For example, a tree that has access to a surplus of nutrients may transfer some to neighbouring trees that are in need. Wohlleben suggests that trees communicate through this fungal network. They can send chemical signals through their roots into the network, which can be picked up by neighboring trees. These signals can warn of impending threats, such as insect attacks or disease, triggering defense mechanisms in nearby trees. So, trees can respond collectively to environmental stressors or changes, enhancing their resilience as a community.Trees are crucial for maintaining ecological balance. They provide habitats for numerous species of animals, birds, insects, and fungi. Their presence supports biodiversity and contributes to the overall health of ecosystems. Trees play a significant role in regulating climate. Through the process of photosynthesis, they absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate climate change by storing carbon in their biomass and releasing oxygen. Trees contribute to soil health in various ways. Their roots help prevent soil erosion by stabilizing the ground. When leaves and branches fall, they decompose, enriching the soil with organic matter and nutrients.Trees influence the water cycle by absorbing water from the soil through their roots and releasing it into the atmosphere through a process called transpiration. This helps maintain local and regional water availability and can mitigate the impacts of floods and droughts. Forests and trees create their own microclimates. They provide shade, which can lower temperatures and reduce the heat island effect in urban areas. Forest canopies also intercept and slow rainfall, reducing soil erosion and runoff. Beyond their ecological roles, trees provide numerous benefits to human well-being. They contribute to recreational spaces, provide aesthetic beauty, and have been shown to improve mental health and reduce stress levels.Wohlleben reflects deeply on the profound impacts of human activities, such as logging and deforestation, on forest ecosystems. Logging and deforestation can lead to the loss of biodiversity within forests. Trees provide habitats for countless species of plants, animals, fungi, and microorganisms. Removing trees disrupts these habitats and can lead to species decline or extinction. Forests provide crucial ecosystem services such as carbon storage, regulation of water cycles, soil erosion prevention, and climate regulation. Deforestation can disrupt these services, leading to soil degradation, altered water flows, increased greenhouse gas emissions, and other environmental consequences.Trees play a significant role in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Deforestation contributes to increased carbon emissions, exacerbating global warming and its associated impacts. Removing trees through logging or clearing land for agriculture can result in soil degradation. Tree roots help stabilize soil, prevent erosion, and maintain soil fertility. Without trees, soils can become compacted, lose nutrients, and become more susceptible to erosion and degradation. Forests play a crucial role in the water cycle by regulating water flows, reducing runoff, and maintaining local and regional water availability. Deforestation can disrupt these processes, leading to altered hydrological cycles, increased flooding, and reduced water quality.Wohlleben also considers the economic and social impacts of deforestation, particularly on communities that depend on forests for livelihoods, food, and cultural practices. Sustainable forest management practices can help balance economic development with conservation goals, ensuring long-term benefits for both people and the environment. He emphasizes the urgent need for conservation efforts and sustainable forest management practices. He advocates for preserving intact forest ecosystems, implementing selective logging techniques that minimize ecological impact, and supporting reforestation and afforestation initiatives to restore degraded landscapes.The next problem that the world facing is the loss of biodiversity. Habitat destruction, pollution, climate change, and overexploitation of species are causing a rapid decline in biodiversity, threatening ecosystems and the services they provide.Elizabeth Kolbert explores the concept of ongoing mass extinction and its causes in the modern era. Kolbert argues that Earth is experiencing a period of mass extinction comparable in scale to the five previous major extinction events in geological history. These previous events, such as the extinction of dinosaurs, were caused by cataclysmic natural events. Unlike previous extinction events, the next extinction is primarily driven by human activities. Activities such as habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, overhunting, and the introduction of invasive species have severely disrupted ecosystems worldwide. These human-driven factors are leading to the rapid decline and loss of biodiversity across various ecosystems. Species are disappearing at an alarming rate, affecting not only individual species but also entire ecosystems and the services they provide. Kolbert is concerned about the future consequences of biodiversity loss, including potential cascading effects on human societies. Kolbert emphasizes the urgent need for conservation efforts and global cooperation to mitigate further extinctions and preserve remaining biodiversity.Soil degradation is one of the problems the world facing. Unsustainable agricultural practices, deforestation, and industrial activities are leading to soil erosion, loss of fertility, and desertification, which threaten food security.David R. Montgomery discusses several key issues of soil degradation and sustainable farming practices. He highlights how modern agricultural practices, such as intensive tilling, monoculture cropping, and heavy chemical use, have led to significant soil degradation worldwide. This degradation includes erosion, loss of organic matter, depletion of soil fertility, and compaction. He also emphasizes the critical role of soil health in sustaining agriculture and food security. Healthy soils support diverse microbial communities, retain water better, resist erosion, and provide essential nutrients to crops.Montgomery advocates for transitioning towards sustainable farming practices that promote soil health. These practices include minimal tillage or no-till farming, cover cropping, crop rotation, integrated pest management, and reducing synthetic inputs like fertilizers and pesticides. He explores case studies from around the world where farmers have successfully restored soil health and increased agricultural productivity by adopting these sustainable practices. These examples illustrate how regenerative agriculture can improve soil structure, enhance crop resilience, and mitigate environmental impacts.Montgomery discusses the environmental and economic benefits of adopting regenerative agricultural practices. Healthy soils with high organic matter content can hold more water. This reduces runoff and enhances water infiltration, which is beneficial during dry periods and helps prevent soil erosion. Regenerative agriculture practices such as no-till farming and cover cropping can sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere into the soil. This process, known as carbon sequestration, helps mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By promoting diverse crop rotations, cover crops, and minimizing chemical inputs, regenerative agriculture supports a healthier ecosystem. This can lead to increased biodiversity of plant and animal species, including beneficial insects and soil microbes.Although the transition to regenerative practices may require initial investments and adjustments, over the long term, farmers may experience cost savings from reduced inputs like fertilizers and pesticides. Additionally, healthier soils often yield better crop yields and resilience to environmental stresses, potentially increasing profitability. Unlike conventional farming practices that can degrade soil health over time, regenerative agriculture aims to improve soil quality and productivity sustainably. This approach supports long-term food security by maintaining soil fertility and reducing dependency on external inputs.Overfishing is one of the world's problems. Many fish stocks are being depleted due to overfishing, illegal fishing practices, and habitat destruction, impacting marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of communities dependent on fishing.Charles Clover discusses the consequences of overfishing. Overfishing leads to a decline in fish populations, threatening the sustainability of marine ecosystems and reducing biodiversity. Overfishing can devastate local economies that depend on fishing, as well as industries related to seafood. Removing large numbers of fish disrupts the balance of marine ecosystems, affecting predator-prey relationships and overall ecosystem health. Overfishing can impact communities that rely on fishing for food and livelihoods, potentially leading to food insecurity and economic hardship.Clover mentions some potential solutions such as implementing policies and regulations that ensure fish stocks are harvested sustainably, such as quotas, seasonal closures, and protected areas; using technology like satellite monitoring and GPS to track fishing fleets and enforce regulations more effectively; educating consumers about sustainable seafood choices and encouraging them to support fisheries that adhere to sustainable practices; encouraging global cooperation and agreements to manage fisheries sustainably, as many fish stocks migrate across national boundaries; and developing sustainable aquaculture practices to supplement wild-caught fish and reduce pressure on wild stocks. These solutions aim to mitigate the impacts of overfishing and promote the long-term sustainability of marine resources.Stefano B. Longo, Rebecca Clausen, and Brett Clark discuss an in-depth analysis of the environmental degradation caused by the commodification of marine resources. They argue that treating fish and other marine life as commodities to be harvested for profit incentivizes overfishing and unsustainable practices. The social consequences of the commodification of marine resources are explored, including the displacement of traditional fishing communities, loss of livelihoods, and cultural changes. The ecological impacts include the decline of fish populations, loss of biodiversity, and degradation of marine ecosystems.The transformation of marine resources into commodities for profit has led to overexploitation. The capitalist drive for continuous growth and profit maximization encourages unsustainable fishing practices that deplete fish stocks and damage marine ecosystems. Fishing practices have evolved from small-scale, subsistence activities to large-scale, industrial operations. This shift has been driven by technological advancements and the expansion of global markets. Governments, corporations, and international institutions often support policies and practices that favor short-term economic gains over long-term ecological sustainability.Industrial fishing practices, such as trawling and the use of large nets, have devastating effects on marine environments. These practices lead to the depletion of fish populations, destruction of habitats, and loss of biodiversity.Mineral resource depletion is another problem on our planet. The extraction of minerals and fossil fuels is leading to the depletion of these non-renewable resources, environmental degradation, and conflicts over resource-rich areas.Ugo Bardi discusses the depletion of mineral resources and its environmental impacts extensively. Bardi explores how the global demand for minerals and metals has led to the depletion of easily accessible and high-grade ores. This depletion necessitates the extraction of lower-grade ores, which requires more energy and resources, contributing to environmental degradation. He discusses the environmental consequences of mineral extraction, including deforestation, habitat destruction, soil erosion, water pollution, and air pollution. These impacts are particularly severe in regions where mining operations are extensive. Extracting minerals from lower-grade ores requires more energy-intensive processes such as mining, refining, and transportation. This results in increased greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to climate change.Bardi addresses the concept of peak minerals, similar to peak oil, where the rate of extraction of certain minerals may peak and decline due to geological constraints or economic factors. This scarcity can lead to geopolitical tensions and conflicts over remaining resources. He emphasizes the need for sustainable practices in mining and resource management to mitigate environmental impacts and ensure long-term availability of minerals for future generations.Pollution is still a big problem on our earth. Air, water, and soil pollution from industrial, agricultural, and urban activities are causing health problems and ecosystem damage, contributing to climate change.Rachel Carson discusses the impact of chemical pollution on the environment and public health extensively, particularly focusing on the widespread use of pesticides. Carson documented how pesticides, particularly DDT, were causing significant harm to wildlife, especially birds. DDT accumulates in the food chain, leading to thinning eggshells and reproductive failures in birds like eagles and falcons. Carson also raised concerns about the potential health risks posed by pesticide residues in food and water. She pointed out the lack of understanding of the long-term effects of exposure to these chemicals on human health, highlighting the need for more research and caution in their use.Carson discussed how chemicals like DDT persist in the environment long after their initial application. This persistence leads to bioaccumulation in organisms and biomagnification in food chains, ultimately affecting higher trophic levels, including humans.Climate Change is becoming a problem trend on our planet. The burning of fossil fuels and deforestation are increasing greenhouse gas emissions, leading to global warming, changing weather patterns, sea-level rise, and more frequent and severe natural disasters.David Wallace-Wells discusses several catastrophic impacts of climate change if current trends continue unabated. Increasing temperatures lead to deadly heatwaves, particularly affecting vulnerable populations in urban areas. Melting ice sheets and glaciers contribute to rising sea levels, threatening coastal cities and communities with inundation. Disruptions in agriculture due to changes in temperature and precipitation patterns, lead to food scarcity and water stress.Loss of biodiversity and disruptions in ecosystems due to habitat loss, affecting species survival and ecosystem services. Increased CO2 absorption by oceans leading to acidification, which harms marine life and ecosystems dependent on coral reefs. Intensification of hurricanes, cyclones, and other extreme weather events, causes widespread destruction and displacement. Spread of diseases, worsened air quality, and increased risks of respiratory illnesses due to climate-related factors. Wallace-Wells paints a stark picture of a world where these impacts compound and interact, creating significant challenges for human societies and ecosystems globally.Energy Security is also part of our world problems. The reliance on fossil fuels poses challenges for energy security and sustainability. There is a need to transition to renewable energy sources to mitigate environmental impacts and ensure long-term energy availability.Daniel Yergin explores how access to and control over energy resources have historically been critical factors in global geopolitics. Energy resources, particularly oil and natural gas, are essential for economic development and national security. Countries that possess significant energy reserves or have secure supply routes often wield geopolitical influence. Geopolitical tensions, conflicts, and disruptions in energy supply can have profound global implications, affecting economies, political stability, and international relations. Nations often use energy as a tool for diplomacy and leverage, forming alliances or imposing sanctions based on energy policies and resource access. The interconnectedness of global energy markets means that disruptions in one region can impact energy prices and availability worldwide, highlighting the complex interplay between energy security and global stability.Fossil fuels have been essential in meeting the growing energy demands of industrialization, transportation, and electricity generation worldwide. Yergin addresses the challenges posed by dependence on fossil fuels, including concerns over energy security, geopolitical tensions related to resource access, and environmental impacts such as air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.Yergin discusses the emergence and increasing importance of renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, hydroelectric, biomass, and geothermal energy. Renewable energy sources offer diversification options for the global energy mix, reducing dependence on finite fossil fuels and enhancing energy security. He explores the environmental benefits of renewable energy, including reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved air quality, and mitigation of climate change impacts compared to fossil fuel-based energy generation.Policies often aim to enhance energy security by diversifying energy sources, ensuring stable supply chains, and reducing dependence on politically unstable regions or volatile energy markets. Governments often incentivize and promote renewable energy adoption through subsidies, tax incentives, feed-in tariffs, and regulatory mandates aimed at increasing the share of renewables in the energy mix. Yergin engages in scenario planning to envision various possible futures for the global energy system. This involves considering different combinations of factors such as technological advancements, policy decisions, economic developments, and societal preferences. He explores how different energy scenarios could impact global economies, including investment trends in energy infrastructure, job creation in renewable energy sectors, and economic growth stimulated by clean energy technologies.It could be said that Waste Management is a major problem in our world. Increasing amounts of waste, particularly plastic pollution, are overwhelming waste management systems, polluting oceans, and harming wildlife.Susan Freinkel explores the history, science, and environmental impact of plastic. Freinkel highlights how plastic has become an indispensable part of modern life, while also detailing its environmental consequences. Many plastic items are not disposed of properly and end up as litter. This litter can be carried by wind and rain into waterways and eventually reach the ocean. Rainwater runoff from urban areas often carries plastic debris from streets and landfills into rivers and streams, which then transport the waste to larger bodies of water. Fishing nets, ropes, and other plastic materials from ships and fishing operations contribute to oceanic plastic pollution when they are lost or discarded at sea. Tiny plastic particles, such as microbeads from personal care products and fibers from synthetic clothing, can pass through wastewater treatment plants and enter rivers and oceans. Plastics in landfills can degrade and break down into smaller pieces, which can then leach into soil and groundwater, eventually reaching water bodies. Coastal areas and recreational sites often have high concentrations of plastic waste due to human activity and inadequate waste management infrastructure.Many marine animals, including fish, turtles, and birds, mistake plastic debris for food. For example, sea turtles often mistake plastic bags for jellyfish. Ingested plastic can cause blockages in the digestive systems of animals, leading to malnutrition, starvation, and often death. Plastics can absorb and concentrate harmful chemicals from the environment. When animals ingest these plastics, the toxic chemicals can leach into their bodies, causing various health problems. Animals can become entangled in plastic debris such as fishing nets, six-pack rings, and other discarded items. This entanglement can cause severe injuries, such as cuts, strangulation, and impaired movement. Entangled animals may find it difficult to swim, fly, or move effectively, making it harder for them to find food, escape predators, and reproduce. Marine animals that become entangled and cannot surface may drown. This is particularly dangerous for animals like sea turtles and marine mammals that need to breathe air.Large accumulations of plastic debris can alter habitats, affecting the organisms that live there. Coral reefs, for example, can be smothered by plastic waste. Tiny plastic particles, or microplastics, can be ingested by a wide range of organisms, entering the food chain and potentially impacting entire ecosystems.Plastics are inexpensive to produce, making them a cost-effective option for manufacturers and consumers. This low cost encourages the production and consumption of single-use and disposable items, such as packaging, utensils, and bags. The lightweight and durable nature of plastics makes them highly convenient for everyday use. Single-use plastics are particularly popular because they are easy to use and dispose of, catering to the fast-paced, on-the-go lifestyle of modern society. The ability to mass-produce plastic items quickly and cheaply has led to an abundance of plastic products. This overproduction results in a culture of disposability, where items are used briefly and then discarded.The marketing of plastic products as convenient, sanitary, and modern has played a significant role in shaping consumer behaviour. Advertisements promote the ease and convenience of disposable plastics, reinforcing the throwaway mindset. The availability and low cost of new plastic items reduce the incentive for consumers to reuse or recycle. Instead, it is often easier and cheaper to replace items with new ones. The rise of plastic packaging has revolutionized the way products are sold and consumed. Single-use packaging, particularly in the food and beverage industry, has become the norm, contributing significantly to plastic waste.Freinkel argues that this throwaway culture has led to an environmental burden, with vast amounts of plastic waste accumulating in landfills, oceans, and natural landscapes. The convenience and affordability of plastic have made it indispensable in modern life, yet these same qualities have also driven unsustainable consumption patterns.Freinkel discusses several potential solutions and policies to address the plastic pollution crisis and reduce plastic production and consumption including raising public awareness about the environmental impact of plastic pollution and encouraging responsible consumption and disposal practices; promoting the principles of reducing plastic use, reusing items whenever possible, and recycling properly; encouraging the development and use of biodegradable and compostable plastics that can break down naturally in the environment; promoting the adoption of biodegradable plastics in industries and among consumers.Investing in better recycling infrastructure and technologies to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of recycling programs is also recommended; implementing bans or restrictions on certain single-use plastic items, such as plastic bags, straws, and utensils; introducing taxes or levies on single-use plastics to discourage their use and encourage the development of alternatives; and exchanging knowledge and best practices with other countries to implement successful strategies and policies.Exploiting natural resources can lead to environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and pollution if not managed properly. Dependence on resource exports can make economies vulnerable to market fluctuations. For instance, oil-dependent countries often suffer economically when global oil prices drop.Effectively using its oil wealth through a sovereign wealth fund, Norway is ensuring economic stability and high living standards. Rich in minerals, timber, and freshwater, Canada has a diversified economy bolstered by these resources. Australia's vast mineral wealth, including iron ore, coal, and gold, contributes essentially to its economic strength. These countries are examples of those states that have been leveraging their natural resources.Natural resources are a cornerstone of a strong state or nation, providing economic benefits, strategic advantages, and potential geopolitical power. However, their effective and sustainable management is crucial to ensure long-term prosperity and mitigate associated risks. Making the best use of natural resources requires a comprehensive approach that balances economic development, environmental sustainability, and social well-being.We will continue our discussion in the next episode, biidhnillah."And Seruni sang a song,Take me back, back to the mountainsideUnder the Northern Lights, chasing the starsTake me back, back to the mountainsideWhen we were full of life, back to the startAnd we both know thatThis is not the world we had in mind *)
Citations & References:
- Giulio Boccaletti, Water: A Biography, 2021, Pantheon Books
- Peter Wohlleben, The Hidden Life of Trees: What They Feel, How They Communicate, 2016, Greystone Books
- Elizabeth Kolbert, The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History, 2014, Henry Holt and Company
- David R. Montgomery, Growing a Revolution: Bringing Our Soil Back to Life, 2017, W. W. Norton
- Charles Clover, The End of the Line: How Overfishing Is Changing the World and What We Eat, 2008, University of California
- Stefano B. Longo, Rebecca Clausen & Brett Clark, The Tragedy of the Commodity: Oceans, Fisheries, and Aquaculture, 2015, Rutgers University Press
- Ugo Bardi, Extracted: How the Quest for Mineral Wealth Is Plundering the Planet, 2014, Chelsea Green Publishing
- Rachel Carson, Silent Spring, 1962, The Riverside Press
- David Wallace-Wells, The Uninhabitable Earth: Life After Warming, 2019, Tim Duggan Books
- Daniel Yergin, The Quest: Energy, Security, and the Remaking of the Modern World, 2011, Penguin Press
- Susan Freinkel, Plastic: A Toxic Love Story, 2011, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
*) "Different World" written by Alan Olav Walker, Fredrik Borch Olsen, Gunnar Greve, Hu Mengzhou, James Daniel Njie Eriksen, Kenneth Nilsen, Magnus Bertelsen & Sara Hjellstrom
