RESOURCES

Along with Energy and Excess Energy, humans need the basics as a whole to survive.  These include Water, Food, Shelter, Clothing, etc.

As humans, we seek not only to survive but to live a meaningful and good life.  To build a world of 8 billion people, our civilization requires a lot of resources. 

The challenge with resources, as it is with energy, is that the easy resources have been extracted long ago.  As such, the deeper humans need to extract, the more technology and energy will be required.  Thus, the expense of the additional extractions rises.  Also, at the same time it has become more expensive to extract resources, the world's population and demand for resources have grown considerably.  A person in one part of the world wants the standard of living another person has in a different part of the world.  Nations, like humans, try to move up the hierarchy to increase their chances of survival.  They will compete for resources and when resources become limited, there will be conflict.

One implication of the current scenario of extracting more expensive resources is the challenge of financing.  Thus, we see more borrowing from the future for the extraction and use today. A lot of the current growth around the world is being financed from borrowing - debt.  

Time will tell how this all develops.  It is important to note that the story of exponential growth has a daily impact on organizations and individuals in terms of how they approach and avoid.

"IS" Statement on Resources

Human society competes for the available resources.  Groups form to compete for these resources.  Due to cultural aspects, these groups are different and conflicts continue to develop and play out.  As resources become more difficult and expensive to obtain, expect more conflict.    

Mapping Strategy for Resources and trends we will be watching

We can help by mapping the resources your organization needs.  By monitoring changes and managing risks, your organization will be able to adapt better to oncoming changes.

The simple math of doubling shows how the cost of extracting resources has risen.  Technology has and will be counter to this math.  There will be price increases in various areas of resources, and some will be sharp over the near term.  Because human society goes after the easiest resources first, we know that the easiest-to-find resources are in the rearview mirror.  Thus, the EROI of resource attainment is in constant flux.  

Customer Perception:  With all the information from these first three categories, customers are feeling the pinch across the globe.  The cost of basics, along with other items, continues to increase.  Understanding the world of customers away from your organization will be essential.     

RESOURCES

Resources will continue to become more expensive.  This is a general rule.  Remember, the easiest (using the least amount of energy) will and have gone first.  To capture more resources, nations have to go beyond their borders to acquire them.  Thus, going forward, resources and the strength of nations (and their economies) will depend on capturing more resources.  Expect more tension between nations in the years ahead.  In 2025, here are areas to watch:

     - The Geopolitics of Resources

     - Cost of Resources (Impact on Inflation)

     - Changing dynamics of Supply and Demand of the most crucial resources

2025 US and World Resources Monitoring