The use of material resources significantly impacts our climate. As the global population grows and economies expand, the demand for metals, minerals, fossil fuels, and biomass increases. This heightened demand has serious consequences for both the environment and climate, affecting greenhouse gas emissions and ecosystem health. In this article we list how each of the stages of processing or using resources affect the environment and climate, from their extraction through to their disposal.

Resource Extraction and Climate Impact

Extracting natural resources is energy-intensive and environmentally damaging. Mining for metals, drilling for oil and gas, and logging for timber can cause habitat destruction, soil erosion, and water pollution. These activities often use machinery and processes that emit large amounts of greenhouse gases (GHGs). For example, deforestation releases carbon stored in trees and reduces the planet's ability to absorb CO2, worsening global warming.

Manufacturing and Emissions

Turning raw materials into finished products has a substantial carbon footprint. Manufacturing requires energy, usually from fossil fuels, resulting in CO2 and other GHG emissions. Industries like cement production, steelmaking, and chemical manufacturing are major contributors to carbon emissions. Additionally, producing plastic from petrochemicals significantly impacts climate change due to the energy needed for production and the long-term environmental effects of plastic waste.

Consumption Patterns

How we consume and discard materials affects climate outcomes. In a linear economy, materials are used and then discarded, often ending up in landfills or the environment. This wastes resources and continues the cycle of extraction and high emissions. A circular economy, however, minimizes waste by reusing, recycling, and repurposing materials, reducing the need for new resources and lowering emissions.

Energy Use and Efficiency

The materials we use also influence energy consumption and efficiency. Lightweight materials in transportation can improve fuel efficiency and lower emissions. Energy-efficient building materials can reduce heating and cooling energy demands, cutting GHG emissions. Advances in material science, like better solar panels and wind turbines, are key to developing renewable energy and decreasing reliance on fossil fuels.

Waste Management and Pollution

Disposing of materials, especially plastics, significantly impacts climate and environmental health. Poor waste management leads to land and ocean pollution, disrupting ecosystems and contributing to climate change. Methane emissions from landfills, where organic waste decomposes without oxygen, are a potent global warming contributor. Effective waste management, including composting, recycling, and waste-to-energy technologies, is crucial for reducing these impacts.

Policy and Sustainable Practices

Tackling the climate impact of material use requires comprehensive policies and sustainable practices. Governments and industries must collaborate to enforce regulations that promote sustainable extraction, production, and consumption. Investing in renewable energy, improving energy efficiency, and advancing recycling technologies are essential steps to reduce the carbon footprint of material use. Consumers also play a crucial role by making informed choices, supporting sustainable products, and advocating for environmental protection policies.

Conclusion

Material resource use is closely tied to our climate's health. From extraction and manufacturing to consumption and disposal, every stage of the material lifecycle can contribute to climate change. By adopting sustainable practices, increasing energy efficiency, and promoting a circular economy, we can mitigate the environmental impacts of material use and move towards a more sustainable and resilient future. At cycled.no, we are committed to these principles, driving initiatives that support a circular economy and championing sustainable resource management to protect our planet for future generations.