ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Earth Economics

Earth economics is all about how people use the resources of the Earth to meet their needs. People use natural resources from the Earth like soil, water, plants, animals, and minerals to make things that we need for everyday life. For example, people use plants and animals to provide food, clothes, and medicines. They also use minerals like coal, oil, and natural gas to make things like electricity, fuel, and products like cars and TVs. People also use soil and water to grow crops, so that people can have enough food to eat.

Sometimes people use natural resources in ways that are not good for the environment or for future generations. For example, people might cut down too many trees, or pollute the water. So when we talk about Earth economics, we need to think about how to use the Earth’s resources in a way that is good for everyone, now and in the future.