Article Title: Do We Have Enough Natural Resources to Share?
Author's Name: Scot Aaron
Author's Copyright: 2005
Author's Email: 4scot (at) great-year.com
Author's Website: http://2divineways.com
Word Count: 922 [Part I]
If seen from space or the moon, Earth appears beautiful, almost perfect. Seen up close, injustice proliferates. How do we survive generations upon generations of injustice? We try to live a good life, pray, and hope that God will ultimately establish justice. Since this planet and life are a supreme gift, let’s consider that Earth will only provide enough resources if we share its "gifts."
Selfish power games and imperialistic ideals spread suffering like a disease. Murder people and get more land. Enslave and build castles or palaces from Earth’s natural resources. No mater how much power and wealth an individual amasses, death will occur. How many will experience the suffering they've caused? How many really deserve joy, when so many humans needlessly suffer?
By now, most people realize that oil is a limited natural resource. Some may believe "black gold" oil will flow endlessly. Whatever the case, get a productive oil well and you’ll be rich. Or, look at the California gold rush of ’49. Stake a claim and get rich if you’re a lucky, early prospector. Look at southern Africa with plenty of mineral wealth. Imperialists did a good job of carving up Africa and establishing favorable rulers, primarily for access to the wealth of natural resources. How much of Earth’s natural resources are shared? Yet these resources are what make us rich.
Certain resources are vast; others are in limited supply. The sea supplies plenty of sodium and chlorine from salt. Ancient civilizations used calcium (lime) as mortar for buildings. A seemingly endless supply of limestone can be used for buildings, along with silicon from sand, or nitrogen from the air. Particular resources might only last one, two, or three generations, depending on successful exploration and costly extraction procedures. Easy oil, tin, copper, lead or silver seem more difficult and expensive to find and extract. The fact is that valuable natural resources are required to build industrial infrastructures and more technological products. The economics of supply and demand are making certain commodities much more expensive, especially for the poor.
The populous China and India are dipping their hands into Earth's pool of limited resources. Two years ago China surpassed the U.S. in its use of copper. Copper is used for pipes, electrical wiring, hinges and various products in most American houses. Earth's economically viable supplies of copper are limited. Plastic PCV can substitute for copper pipes, yet plastics require fossil fuels. What about silver used for film and movies in theaters? Silver is limited. (See statistics of Earth’s limited natural resources below.)
For many, limited natural resources are a moot point. Human ingenuity can discover alternatives. Hydrogen gas can be used for cars, et cetera. However hydrogen gas requires more energy to produce than it provides. Nuclear energy from fission is a dirty process and highly protected. Do we deserve "free energy" right now? Could the "limitations" of Earth's natural resources exist for us to learn how to be human and share the bounty of Earth?
This next statement SHOULD be clear! The richest people and rich nations don’t want to share resources because there’s not enough to go around. Consider the ‘survival of the strongest’ mentality. Americans require and use up natural resources to increase productivity. Bottom lines must increase so shareholders can get some "share" of profit. Materialism proliferates. For the materialistic rich, there is simply NOT enough to go around. Yet our globe turns each day as ONE Earth. Imperialistic thinking appears to stems from greed, and most often counters justice.
“Green” thinking is more than simply trying to “save” rainforests and the extinction of minor species. The FACT is that about 1/5 of humanity do not have safe drinking water, let alone any source of electricity which we take for granted. When will people WAKE UP! These are fellow humans! How can we call ourselves humane!
Hello humanity, especially you rich nations, especially you very rich individuals amassing wealth from Earth’s resources, it’s time to give back before you die! If 1.5 billion people lack access to safe water and electricity, do the rich really deserve more materialistic blessings from Earth’s resources?
The profound beauty of life is death. Death allows an ultimate solution as discussed in every religion. Christians discuss the final judgment. Ancient Egypt showed the soul’s heart weighed by the “feather” of justice. Eastern religions believe in reincarnation so justice can occur in a next life.
The extremely rich and others could pool financial resources and start projects to build infrastructures for safe water and electricity. Another possibility is a democratic "global revolution," establishing "free zones" to share wealth and resources with a primary focus on education and health. We can realize the connected, interdependent power of a single Earth. We can prepare for death by making productive choices when alive. Churches could assist, but are often more intent on increasing membership and satisfying group members.
When we freely share Earth's wealth, then God just might bless humanity with global peace and prosperity. If we murder others to amass resources for “chosen” minorities, then natural diseases and disasters might continue until individuals and nations learn that the bounty of Earth is a gift to share.
One extremely wealthy man said it is a shame to die with money. Andrew Carnegie gave his wealth to libraries across America. In 500 B.C. Confucius was said to state: "In a well governed country, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed wealth is something to be ashamed of!" What "treasures" can we amass in heaven. Compassion is one of the greatest treasures.
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About the Author: Scot Aaron has three published books. With academic degrees in World Religions, he then researched Earth Sciences and Astrophysics at institutes in Munich. His last book “God’s Science,” developed the Milky Way Model. This model of creation, spiritually describes our physical universe in terms of Relativity Ratios, http://2divineways.com .
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Natural elements of Earth supply the foundation for our modern, industrial and technological reality. Do indigenous people share in the bounty of Earth's rich resources? Just like drastic inequalities exist within the rich nations, even more severe inequalities persist between the millions without adequate food supplies and safe water.
This list should have us think about limitations to our materialistic binges. Please consider our responsibly for fellow humans still at a subsistence level of existence.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) is a primary resource. They relied on reports provided by geologists from mining companies throughout the world. Additional reserve analyses and information stem from Nature’s Building Blocks: An A-Z Guide to the Elements, by John Emsley, Oxford University Press, 2003. Economic reserves do have margins of error. The more likely proven reserves are stated first. Substitute elements can be used in some cases, yet these are often less economical and/or also limited.
C Carbon / Hydrocarbons As oil we have reserves of about 1 trillion barrels with extended reserves up to 3 trillion barrels. The 28 billion barrels we use per year might last for 35-100 years. Oil, natural gas and coal are the fabric of our modern reality. Beyond providing fuel for transportation and necessary industrial energy, they provide the basis of plastics, nylons and other synthetic materials. Plenty of articles and information are available concerning “peak oil.” US oil production already peaked. Whether global production has or will shortly peak does not limit our rabid consumption of hydrocarbons.
Ag Silver [Element’s states 17,000 tons are mined per year with 1 million tons reserve = 60 years.] According to the US Geological Survey, world mine production in 2004 was 270,000 tons. At this rate world reserves will last 14 years with a potential extended reserve base of 29 years. Used for prints, films, X-ray images, mirrors, silverware, jewelry, batteries and more.
Sn Tin [Element’s states 140,000+ tons are mined per year with 4 million + tons = 30 years.] According to the US Geological Survey, world mine production in 2004 was 250,000 tons. At this rate world reserves will last 25 years with a potential extended reserve base of 44 years. Currently we make 100 billion cans of food with tinplate, with 30% of these being recycled.
Cu Copper [Element’s states 12 million tons are mined per year with reserves about 300 million tons = 25 years.] According to the US Geological Survey, 2004 world production was 14.5 million tons, with the major world mines reporting 33 years of reserves at the current production rates. The reserve base is estimated at 60 years. Copper is used for many parts of a home like the pipes, wiring, hinges, etc. Ideal for electrical wiring (60%), but can use aluminum; also used for roofing/plumbing (20%), industrial machinery and heat exchange (15%), alloys like brass which is mainly Cu with Zn (5%). Current production is increasing. China has surpassed the U.S. in copper use.
Zn Zinc [Element’s states about 7 million tons are mined per year, with exploitable reserves at 100+ million tons. Accessible zinc may last less than 20 years.] World Production is 9.1 million tons per year with reserves of 24 years, and a reserve base of 46 yrs. Zinc is used to galvanize steel (50%), die-cast components like carburetors, and make brass. Zinc oxide is used in paints and plastics.
Pb Lead [Element’s states 6 million tons are mined per year with workable reserves at about 85 million tons, which is less than 15 years.] The U.S. Geological Survey shows 3.15 million tons mined in 2004 with reserves at 21.3 years and a reserve base of 44.5 years. Lead is used in car batteries (35%), to protect underground cables, shield humans against radiation, etc.
In Indium [Element’s states 75 tons are mined per year with 1500+ tons reserves equaling about 20 years.] According to the US Geological Survey, world mine production in 2004 was 325 tons. At this rate, stated world reserves of 2500 tons will last 8 years with a potential extended reserve base of 19 years. Indium is used as a low melting alloy in fire-sprinkler systems and some semiconductors.
Sb Antimony [Element’s states 50,000 tons are mined per year with 5+ million tons reserve that equals about 100+ years] According to the US Geological Survey, world mine production in 2004 was 112,000 tons. At this rate world reserves will last 16 years with a potential extended reserve base of 35 years. Two thirds of antimony is used in plastics as flame retardant (add to PVC pipes, car components, credit cards, etc.), in safety matches, and in some semiconductors.
Cd Cadmium [Element’s states 14,000 tons are mined per year (associated with Zinc) with 43 years of reserves.] The U.S. Geological Survey shows world refinery production at 17,200 tons with 35 years of reserve and 70 years of an extended reserve base. Regulation has placed restrictions on this heavy metal, yet China and developing countries are increasing their use cadmium for battery production. Zinc-Cadmium batteries are used for some electric cars.
P Phosphorus [Element’s states 153 million tons are mined per year with reserves of 6 billion tons of easy access (about 40 years), with vast amounts of poorer quality.] The U.S. Geological Survey shows world reserves at 138 years, with an extended reserve base of more than 350 years at current production. (Note, combined phosphate rock reserves in Idaho, North Carolina and Utah are substantial and mines can be maintained for 50 years.) There are no substitutes for phosphorus in agriculture.
S Sulfur [Element’s states 50 million tons mined per year with a reserve of 50 years of easy access. The U.S. geological Survey stated world mine production in 2004 as 63 million tons. A 1999 report stated 1.4 billion tons reserve (18 years left) with a 3.4 billion ton extended reserves (extended to 50 years). Other sulfur sources have no low cost means to extract. Sulfur is primarily used for Sulfuric Acid, the #1 industrial chemical. Other Acids might be substituted.
Cr Chromium [Element’s states 14 million tons are mined a year with a reserve estimate of 1 billion, about 80 years.] According to the US Geological Survey, the 2004 world production was 17 million tons with major mines reporting 48 years of reserves at the current production rates. The reserve base is estimated at 106 years and some analysts project that potential reserves in southern Africa will last centuries. Cr can be polished to a high shine and is necessary for stainless steel.
Mn Manganese [Element’s states 25 million tons are mined per year with reserve over 3 billion tons = 120+ years.] According to the US Geological Survey 2004 world production was 11 million with 35 years of reserves at the current production rates. The reserve base ‘infers’ huge deposits in South Africa for 5.1 billion tons that will last for hundreds of years. (Manganese nodules are also on the in ocean floor.) Most Mn goes into alloys, mainly steel, where 1% can improve strength. Manganese steel (13% Mn) is extremely strong.
Fe Iron [Element’s states 500 million tons per year of new Fe with economic reserves over 100 billion tons = 200+ years] The U.S. Geological Survey presents 128 years at the current mine production with about 300 years in a potential extended reserve.
Se Selenium [Element’s states use at 1500 tons per year (90% from slime when refining copper electrolytically) with 100,000 tons in ore deposits = 67 years.] According to the US Geological Survey world mines in 2004 produced 1,500 tons. At this production, 55 years of reserves exist with 114 years of a reserve base; however this reserve base is tied to copper mining which appears to be less than 60 years. Se is used in photocopiers, solar cells, etc.
Pa Palladium [Element’s states use at 300 tons per year with reserves estimated 24,000 = 80 years] Pa is used in electronic: wide screen TV, computers, mobile phones, capacitors etc.
Ba Barium, Barite (barium sulfate) is the main ore mined, primarily used to extract oil and natural gas. According to the US Geological Survey, 2004 world mine production was 6.9 million tons with reserves of 29 years at current production rates. The extended reserve base shows 107 years with more resources identified.
W Tungsten / Wolfram [Element’s states 40,000 tons mined per year with 5 million tons reserve for about 125 years, most of this in China.] According to the US Geological Survey, 2004 world mine production was 60,000 tons with reserves of 48 years at current production rates. The extended reserve base shows 103 years. (Note that from 2001 to 2004 China increased its reserve base from 1.1 to 4.2 million tons.) Tungsten has the highest boiling point of any element and is used for incandescent light bulb filaments, (photocopies, video camera lights, stage lightning), for cutting tools where the steels are exposed to high speeds, and more.
Z Zirconium According to the US Geological Survey, 2004 world mine production was 860,000 tons with reserves of 44 years at current production rates. The extended reserve base shows 84 years. Z is used for producing steel, alloys, ceramics, cosmetics, antiperspirants, food packaging, fake gems, and in nuclear energy plants.
Bi Bismuth is mined as a byproduct of lead. The US Geological Survey states that the demand should continue to grow to replace lead in brass, pigments, and solders, with some use in steel. Mine production, primarily from lead and cooper reserves is 3,800 tons per year with reserves for 87 years at the current use. (What happens when lead and cooper is no longer profitably mined?)
Sr Strontium According to the US Geological Survey world mines in 2004 produced 510,000 tons. At this production, 13 years of reserves exist with possible 24 years from the stated reserve base. World reserves are considered to ‘exceed a billion tons.’ Strontium exists throughout Earth’s crust; however the economical quality of reserves varies. The primary use is for television glass (although not for flat screen televisions) which China is increasingly using. Strontium salts burn, producing the red color in fireworks and flares (about 9% of the use).