What defines a natural resource?

A natural resource is defined as a material or substance that occurs naturally in the environment and can be utilized by humans for various purposes. This definition encompasses a wide range of resources, including water, air, minerals, forests, and fossil fuels, all of which exist in nature without human intervention.

Choosing this definition emphasizes the intrinsic quality of natural resources as being part of the Earth's ecosystems. They are essential for survival and economic activities and can be used in their raw form or processed into various products. Thus, understanding that natural resources arise naturally highlights their role in sustaining life and supporting human society. Other definitions, such as resources that are man-made, exclusively mineral-based, or categorized as renewable and unlimited, do not capture the full essence of what constitutes a natural resource.