Science 11th grade
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LEARNING OBJECT
What other types of models exist in the world for the
use of natural resources, aside from the market
system?
 Analyze the cause for the absence of certain
communities from the world market system.
 Research the socio-economic philosophy of the
Kingdom of Bhutan (South Asia).
 Explore Micronesian cultures.
 Propose alternatives to the ways Western
societies use natural resources.
English
Colombia
Science, Technology, and Society.
Identify applications of different biological, chemical,
and philosophical models in industrial processes and
in technological development; critically analyze the
implications of their uses.
Trophic Chains, Climate Change; Sustainable
Development, Use of renewable and nonrenewable
recourses, Relationships between biotic and abiotic
factors.
The use of commas, to avoid fragments and
incomplete sentences.
 Exploitation: an act or instance of exploiting
“exploitation of natural resources” “exploitation
of immigrant laborers” “clever exploitation of
the system”
 Globalization: the act or process of globalizing,
the state of being globalized; especially : the
development of an increasingly integrated
global economy marked especially by free
trade, free flow of capital, and the tapping of
cheaper foreign labor markets.
 Phosphates – chemistry: a salt or compound
that has phosphorus in it and that is used
especially in products (called fertilizers) that
help plants grow.
NAME: _________________________________________________
GRADE: ________________________________________________
INTRODUCTION
According to UNESCO (2014), sustainable development is defined as:
development that satisfies the necessities of the present generation without
compromising the capacity to fulfill the needs of future generations. Therefore,
sustainability is a goal pursued by the human race in order to maintain itself in
harmony with the planet, aiming to save and guarantee an adequate quality of
life for future generations.
This is why it is necessary to implement changes regarding our values;
management systems; economic, ecologic, and social criteria in order to
mitigate the current global situation by adopting actions that are consistent with
the possibilities and limitations of our environment (Novo, 2009).
This change combines three criteria: economic, social, and environmental, in
which the environmental is considered the most important, for it incorporates
the idea of intergenerational equality in the consumption of natural resources
and environmental services (Castellanos, 2009).
The social criterion allows for intra-generational (between current generations)
equality ensuring the same access opportunities to economic choices. The
economic criterion combines the quantitative aspect of development, associated
with economic growth, with the qualitative aspect associated with the continuous
improvement of quality of life (Castellanos, 2009).
In this way, the goal is to change the excessive exploitation of resources
necessary to satisfy the current needs of the market, and obtain the maximum
benefit with a rational and sustainable exploitation of resources over time
(Castellanos, 2009). For Barkin (1999), the current handling of resources has to
do with a specialized production based on the use of machinery and/or
agrochemicals, which emerged from the technological approach of the green
revolution, producing a huge source of food and primary products.
All this is reflected by the high social and climatic costs (Barkin, 1999), which
have led to environmental imbalances as shown by global warming and the
increase of gas emissions generated by the economic-commercial development
global model and the hegemony-dependence relationships of the societies from
industrialized and developing countries (Chamochumbi, 2014).
Developing countries posses the largest sources of natural resources, mainly in
the South in countries in Latin America, Africa, and South Asia, most are the
poorest countries in the world; meanwhile, most of the countries in the North,
specifically Europe, North America and Japan, produce more industrial products
and accumulate the wealth in their nations. In that manner, developed countries
consume agricultural goods and energy resources from developing countries.
Developing countries produce most of the raw materials and consume a lot less
than developed countries (Castellanos, 2009).
Over time, developing countries have increased exchange of units of raw
materials for units of industrial goods, increasing pressure on nature, which has
contributed to an environmental degradation. The price of natural resources and
agricultural goods does not always include the true social and environmental
costs associated with the loss of natural capital (Castellanos, 2009).
Therefore, for Castellanos (2009), “the exchange is ecologically unequal,” this
inequality refers to the poverty that leads to selling the environment, as well as
healthcare cheap, which illustrates the lack of economic and social power to
defend healthcare and the environment.
The islands of Micronesia, located in Oceania, are a good example. They are a
group of islands and archipelagos that extend through the Pacific Ocean. It is
the fifth continent and the smallest. This part of the world is divided in four
regions: Australia, Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia, where indigenous
populations are predominant, and where the weather is warm and wet, with vast
vegetation and innumerable natural resources. There are important gold and
copper mines, such that Caledonia is the second producer of nickel, and also has
a large production of phosphates (Pública, 1994).
The exploitation of natural resources began toward the end of the XIX century,
when large deposits of phosphates and nitrates of the highest quality were
discovered. These are used in guano, a very effective fertilizer used for the
manufacturing of gunpowder. Forty three million tons of phosphates were
extracted until almost depleting them in 2006. These phosphates contributed to
the eutrophication in different zones (IIEH, 2013).
Open-air mines destroyed the ecosystem, the environment, and reduced the
vegetation diversity to the point of eradicating all native species of land animals.
After two decades of bad management, corruption, and excessive bureaucracy,
the core is almost empty. As a matter of fact, they receive economic assistance
from various countries and are one of the 10 most affected nations by the floods
expected from climate change. Today, the phosphate deposits are completely
empty, illustrating a clear example of an accelerated microcosm of what could
happen (or is happening) at a global scale: the non-sustainable exploitation of
resources, financial speculation, and environmental destruction (IIEH, 2013).
As a consequence, this has brought about an increase in economic inequality
(Chamochumbi, 2014). Economic growth has not been significantly translated
into higher levels of development for the combined population, but instead,
into the incompetence of the national and global governance to regulate it in a
just manner in order for its benefits to be distributed fairly (Grammling, 2008).
Due to these problems, not only at the local Micronesia level, but also at the
global level, there is a need for change to the current economic model. This
model only generates rapid accumulation of the physical, financial, and human
capital at the expense of the excessive depletion and degradation of the
natural capital – natural resources and ecosystems. This has afflicted the
wellbeing of current generations, posing enormous risks and challenges for
future generations (PNUMA, 2011).
In this manner, it is necessary to balance economic growth with social
development, and the respect and preservation of the environment. However, a
true human and sustainable development is impossible without recognizing and
respecting all economic, social, and political rights, for only in this manner it is
possible to achieve social balance. For this reason it is crucial to fight the belief,
intentionally promoted by hegemonic powers, that there is an automatic link
between economic growth and progress, in the form of development, human
rights, and reduction of poverty. This determines the importance of the
redistribution of wealth, through policies of equality by public governments for
the most vulnerable and disadvantaged groups and individuals. This is a
necessary condition for development in terms of human and social sustainability,
and consequently the reduction of poverty (Sanchez, 2010).
Sustainability is then, about the struggle for diversity in all its dimensions.
International campaigns to preserve the germplasm, in order to protect species
in danger of extinction and create biosphere reserves, are multiplying as a
reaction to the expansion of an offensive world. However, communities and their
members feel pressured, they fight against powerful external forces to defend
their individuality, their rights, and their abilities to survive, while trying to satisfy
their necessities. The interest for biodiversity, in the broader sense, embraces
not only threatened plants and wildlife, but also the survival of these human
communities as environmental administrators and producers (Barkin, 1999).
For this reason, its necessary that the new economy implemented, in its simplest
form, be one that promotes low carbon emissions, uses resources efficiently, and
it is socially inclusive, meaning a green economy. A green economy that also
promotes energy efficiency, the use of resources, and avoids the loss of biologic
diversity and ecosystems (PNUMA, 2011). Additionally, linking economic
decisions with social and ecological wellbeing, that is to say, to associate quality
of life with quality of the environment, and consequently, with economic
rationality and social wellbeing. In other words, development is sustainable if it
improves the level and quality of human life, while guaranteeing and conserving
the natural resources of the planet. (Sánchez, 2010)..
An example of this model founded on sustainable development is the Kingdom
of Bhutan (Druk-Yul), a constitutional monarchy located between India, China,
and Nepal, where they share the hills of the Himalaya mountain range. This is
where the proposal arises for the need to include in the political agenda the
balance between material progress and sustainable growth (Rodriguez, 2015).
Nonetheless, Bhutan is facing the difficulty of combining the rapid economic
growth from its first phases of development, with the importance of conserving
its vast natural resources. The country’s priority is conservation. Its
Constitution mandates that the government ensures the maintenance of at
least 60% of its forests and specifically protects its virgin natural spaces
(Rodriguez, 2015).
What Bhutan has done, has been to respect and accept the
principle of using its environment without compromising
future generations’ use of it. For example, the use of the
hydroelectric sector as a source of renewable energy and
sustainable economic activity for the country is on its way
to becoming one of the main sources of income for the
nation, while maintaining its natural resources practically
intact. In this manner Bhutan seems to be achieving
balance between the two extremes, development and protection (Rodriguez,
2015).
Activity 1.
1. Carefully observe the following figures and based on the information match
column A with column B.
Column A












Nonrenewable resources
Fossil fuels
Clean energies
Renewable resources
Nuclear energy
Rational use of resources
Decrease of carbon emissions
Nonrenewable resources due
to consumption
Recyclable products
Countries with more natural
resources
Richer countries
Bad distribution of wealth
Column B












Alternative energies
Fission – fusion
Gas
Carbon
Eolic energy
Solar energy
Metal minerals
Fossil fuels
Developing countries
Poverty and inequality
Responsible consumption
Industrialized countries
2. From the following diagrams, together with a short inquiry about the world
market, analyze the causes for the absence of certain communities from the
world market system. Minimum one paragraph of 5 lines.
The following image represents the commercial agreements between diffrent
first and third-world countries.
3. In the word search, find the following words. Based on these words generate
between 2 and 5 questions about Micronesian cultures. Then, in groups of 5,
answer these questions and draw a general conclusion about the use of natural
resources and its balance with the environment.
 Diversity
 Traditions
 Natives
 Imbalance
 Aborigines
 Over-exploitation
 Australia
 Damage
 Polynesia
 Ecosystem
 Melanesia
 Environment
 Micronesia
4. Based on the following graphic, research the socioeconomic system of the
Kingdom of Bhutan. Keep in mind how its economic, social, and governmental
policy relate to the exploitation and conservation of natural resources. Answer
the following questions:
The Gross National Happiness Index (GNH) is divided into 9 areas and is made
up of 33 indicators. Bhutan keeps these indicators present to evaluate the
country’s progress.




What is GNH?
What do the economic politics of Bhutan consist of?
Why is the conservation of natural resources important for Bhutan?
What is the relationship between economy, the use of resources, and
society in Bhutan?

What is the base of the economic and political system of Bhutan?
Summary
Sustainable development is an objective pursued by the human race in order to
be in harmony with the planet, looking to safeguard and prepare a good quality
of life for future generations. This goal combines three criteria: economic, social,
and environmental. The environmental aspect is considered the most important,
for it incorporates the idea of intergenerational equality in the consumption of
natural resources and environmental services. In this manner, the aim is to
change the excessive exploitation of natural resources to satisfy the current
needs of the market, and obtain greater benefit from a rational and sustainable
exploitation of resources over time.
Developing countries possess most of the natural resources. Most of these in the
South like Latin America, Africa, and South Asia, are among the poorest
countries in the world. Most of the countries in the North, specifically Europe,
North America, and Japan, produce more industrial products; however, they
concentrate the wealth in their nations.
This leads to an “ecologically unequal” exchange. This inequality refers to the
poverty that leads to selling the environment, as well as healthcare cheap, which
illustrates the lack of economic and social power to defend healthcare and the
environment. Economic growth has not been significantly translated into higher
levels of development for the combined population, but instead into the
incompetence of the national and global governance to regulate it in a just
manner in order for its benefits to be distributed fairly.
Sustainability is then, about the struggle for diversity in all its dimensions. The
interest for biodiversity, in the broader sense, embraces not only threatened
plants and wildlife, but also the survival of these human communities as
environmental administrators and producers.
A good example is the country of Bhutan, which has decided to respect and
accept the principle of using its environment without compromising future
generations’ use of it. For example, the use of the hydroelectric sector as a
source of renewable energy and sustainable economic activity for the country,
on its way to becoming one of the main sources of income for the nation, while
maintaining its natural resources practically intact. In this manner Bhutan seems
to be achieving balance between the two extremes, development and protection.
Homework
1. Design a flowchart using mainly images to relate and compare some of the
economic systems of the world with the Western development system. Keep in
mind their use of natural resources, impact on environment, and social
development. Suggest at least ten alternatives for the use of natural resources.
Use half a sheet of cardboard and conduct an oral presentation, no more than
10 minutes, to explain your diagram to your classmates.
2. In groups of three, investigate Micronesian cultures, keeping in mind social
development based on their economies and use of natural resources. Using this
information, develop and present a conceptual map to the rest of the class, no
longer than 15 minutes.
Evaluation:
Choose the right answer.
1. What is sustainable development?
a. The irrational use of resources to satisfy the needs of this and the next
generation.
b. The rational use of resources to satisfy the needs of this and the next
generation.
c. The rational use of the environment to satisfy the needs of this generation
only.
d. The irrational use of the environment to satisfy the needs of this generation
only.
2. Sustainable development is based on three criteria, which are:
a. Economic, Social, and Environmental
b. Natural Resources, Economy, and Healthcare.
c. Healthcare, Environment, and Economy.
d. Environmental, Economic, and Healthcare.
3. Which countries possess the highest percentage of Natural Resources?
a. America, Europe, and Asia.
b. America, Africa, and Australia
c. South America, Africa, and South Asia.
d. North America, Europe, and North Asia.
4. One of the proposals to decrease the indiscriminate use of natural resources
is:
a. The use of fossil fuels.
b. A greater extraction of carbon and petroleum.
c. Indiscriminate cutting of trees.
d. The use of clean energies.
5. An example of rational use of natural resources is:
a. Latin America
b. China and India
c. Nepal, China and India
d. Bhutan
6. Why is the redistribution of wealth and socio-inclusive politics for all
countries of the world important for the global market?
a. To decrease the gap between developed and developing countries.
b. For a rational use of natural resources.
c. For a sustainable development.
d. In order to redistribute wealth.
7. One of the causes for social problems in Micronesian culture is:
a. The irrational use of natural resources.
b. The exploitation of the poorest social classes.
c. A deficient distribution of wealth.
d. Exploitation caused by other nations.
8. Based on the following figure answer these questions:
8. The diagram represents:
a. The distribution of natural resources.
b. The distribution of renewable resources.
c. The distribution of wealth.
d. The position of the countries with more ecologic resources.
9. 41% of the global population has:
a. A greater poverty index.
b. A greater birthrate index.
c. A greater wealth index.
d. A greater sale of its natural resources.
10. Which percentage of the population illustrates the smallest wealth index:
a. 13.7%
b. 68%
c. 22%
d. 7.7%
References

Barkin, D. (1999). Superado el Paradigma Neoliberal: Desarrollo
popular sostenible. Cuadernos de Desarrollo Rural, 43.

Castellanos, M. (2009, Febrero). El desarrollo sustentable y la
globalización: Lo que la lógica de mercado no contó. La Chronique
des Amériques(8).

Chamochumbi, W. (2014). Desarrollo Sostenible. Retrieved Abril 12,
2016,
from
Desarrollo
Sustentable
.
http://www.ecoportal.net/Temas-Especiales/DesarrolloSustentable/Los_limites_del_desarrollo_sostenible_a_proposito_d
e_la_racionalidad_del_capitalismo_global

González, M. (2008, Febrero). DELOS: Desarrollo Local Sostenible.
Revista DELOS, 1(1). Retrieved Abril 12, 2016, from
http://www.eumed.net/rev/delos/01/mga.htm

Grammling, S. (2008, Mayo 1). El comercio y el desarrollo
sostenible hacía un nuevo consenso. Análisis e Información sobre
comercio y desarrollo sostenible para América Latina, 9(2).

IIEH. (2013, Marzo 02). Evolución y Ambiente. Retrieved Mayo 24,
2016, from Instituto de Investigación sobre Evolución Humana:
http://www.iieh.com/noticias-y-opiniones/noticias/noticias/latragedia-de-nauru

Novo, M. (2009). La educación ambiental, una geniuna educación
para el desarrollo sostenible. Revista de Educación, 195-217.

Odría, C. (2013). LA TRAGEDIA DE NAURU. Retrieved Mayo 11 ,
2016,
from
https://groups.google.com/forum/#!topic/experimental_promo64/
bTZWnDetIoU%5B101-125%5D

PNUMA. (2011). unep.org/greeneconomy.
Producer) Retrieved 10 Abril, 2016

Pública, S. d. (1994). In Indicadores de Desarrollo. México:
Gobierno de México.

Rodríguez, L. (2015). Bután y su modelo de desarrollo. Eco-budismo
en el Himalaya. El orden mundial: Regiones. Retrieved from
http://elordenmundial.com/regiones/butan-y-su-modelo-dedesarrollo/
(P.
d.
Ambiente,

Sánchez, N. (2010). Pobreza, Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo
Sostenible. Revista Crítica de ciencias sociales y Juridicas(26).

UNESCO.
(2014).
Retrieved
from
http://www.unesco.org/new/es/education/themes/leading-theinternational-agenda/education-for-sustainabledevelopment/sustainable-development/
Glossary
o Industrial product: An object produced from the transformation of raw
materials for industrial use.
o Biodiversity: The diversity of species in an ecosystem.
o Sustainable development: The reconciliation between economic growth,
natural resources, and society, avoiding compromising the possibility of life
in the planet, or the quality of life for humans.
o Ecology: Science that studies the relationships of living beings among
themselves and with the environment in which they live.
o Economy: Is the study of production procedures and the exchange and
analysis of consumption, products and services.
o Green Economy: Produces low carbon emissions, uses resources
efficiently, and is socially inclusive.
o Raw material: material extracted from nature, which is transformed to
elaborate materials that later are transformed in consumption products.
o Global Market: a system of economic, commercial, and financial
relationships between States connected through the international division
of work.
o Natural resources: Are those material goods and services produced by
nature without alteration by humans. These resources are also valuable for
human societies, for they contribute to their wellbeing and development
directly (raw materials, minerals, food) or indirectly (ecologic services).