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What is Resource Economics?

Ken Black
Ken Black

Resource economics is a subdivision of economics dealing with the scarcity of the Earth's natural resources, particularly how it relates to humans' uses of those resources. This subject deals not only with use, but also sustainability of those resources. Thus, this field of economics is particularly interested in those fields which take resources from the Earth, whether renewable or non-renewable.

One of the fundamental rules of any economics discipline is the question of trade-offs. The assumption exists that we will always want more than we can have and gaining something naturally means we are doing without something else. Thus, there is a trade-off. However, resource economics often takes a slightly different look at trade-offs.

Resource economics  deals with human use and sustainability of natural resources.
Resource economics deals with human use and sustainability of natural resources.

Resource economics does not suggest that we are using using natural resources at the expense of using or gaining another natural resource, in most cases. Rather, the theory posits we are using these resources at the expense of future generations. Therefore, the question relates to how can we sustain those natural resources, yet find a solution that is also socially and economically satisfying.

Resource economics might focus on scarcity of resources for certain populations.
Resource economics might focus on scarcity of resources for certain populations.

To help find that answer, resource economics looks at a number of different areas. It looks at sustainability. How much of a material can we use and reasonably expect it to be there for future generations? However, this theory only applies to renewable resources. Using coal, for instance, means it is, for all intents and purposes, gone forever because it takes millions of years to replace. In those cases, resource economics asks how much coal can be used without placing on undue hardship on others, such as future generations. This assumes other energy sources become available in the future. Some of these questions are not easy to answer.

Natural resources are anything taken from the earthen environment and used to create goods or services used by individuals.
Natural resources are anything taken from the earthen environment and used to create goods or services used by individuals.

However, it should be noted that while resource economics deals greatly with future trade-offs, this is not entirely to the exclusion of current trade-offs. For example, exploiting coal is a current trade-off in that the land that could be used for natural beauty and recreation is being strip mined for something else. This is a natural trade-off, or opportunity cost, in economics.

Agriculture is often included as a portion of resource economics. Agricultural sustainability is very important, as poor land management of such resources can lead to the eventual degradation and uselessness of it. Therefore, using land to a point where it can no longer support viable crops is a concern that resource economics tries to address. It may do this by pointing out certain management practices that may cost more in the short term, but can produce long-term benefits that would cost much more to achieve in future years.

Discussion Comments

ZipLine

Resource scarcity is not a new phenomenon. US has experienced scarcity issues with several resources in the past century, especially during times of war. Tin and cobalt were nonexistent at some points do to global conflicts and limited resources. Alternatives had to be used.

I'm not so pessimistic about resources because technology and innovation is allowing us to find new ways to do things. Alternatives can be found with some effort and imagination for many of the resources we use today. Perhaps the only resources we can't replace or find alternatives for are water, air and soil. But the rest, especially natural elements, can be recycled or alternatives can be found for them.

turquoise

@ysmina-- But resource economics are about the earth's natural resources and making them last. So it's not about using wind power to make electricity, but rather about petroleum, coal, fresh water, soil. These are all natural resources that exist in limited amounts on earth. They will not last forever and the more we use of these, the less there will be left for people after us to use.

So it's more about using these resources responsibly and without waste. Although I do agree with you that finding alternative ways to make energy and similar efforts will contribute to this mission. If we can make electricity in other ways, we won't have to use as much coal. That's definitely true.

The issue with alternative energies so far though, have been cost. They almost always cost much more than natural resources do. That's why governments are not investing in these alternative methods much. It's easier to dig up the resources that are already there.

ysmina

I'm interested in resource economics, but more specifically in environmentally friendly, sustainable economics. For example, although coal is a scarce economic resource, burning coal for heating results in major air pollution. Clean air is also necessary for future generations and pollution has numerous negative consequences.

So I think that we need to discover new ways of making resources that not only do not deplete natural resources but that also do not harm the environment in the process. Wind-mills have been an excellent example for decades.

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    • Resource economics  deals with human use and sustainability of natural resources.
      By: Jim Parkin
      Resource economics deals with human use and sustainability of natural resources.
    • Resource economics might focus on scarcity of resources for certain populations.
      By: NinaMalyna
      Resource economics might focus on scarcity of resources for certain populations.
    • Natural resources are anything taken from the earthen environment and used to create goods or services used by individuals.
      By: Massimo Cattaneo
      Natural resources are anything taken from the earthen environment and used to create goods or services used by individuals.