The comparative sustainability of resources

SUMMARY This paper attempts the classification of resources in terms of their sustainability. In order to make this classification, an analysis of traditional resource classification is undertaken and, in order to incorporate different types of renewable resource, a general classification of all natural resources available to mankind is adopted. Resources are then described as: continuous natural resources (e.g. solar power); critical zone resources (e.g. fish stocks); and depletable resources (e.g. oil). The concept of sustainability is then examined critically and described in its constituent parts in order that each resource can be analysed in terms of its contribution to (or impact upon) each element of sustainability. The total contribution (or impact) of each resource to sustainability is depicted in a ‘sustainability spectrum’ which differs in several respects from conventional theory and provides a basis for practical policy-making.