Protect and enhance natural resources

The planet’s natural resources, which are neither infinite nor impervious to abuse or overuse, are under often intense pressure from factors such as global population growth, high living standards in some parts of the world, and climate change. New technologies are also increasing demand for certain critical raw materials. To alleviate this pressure, we must identify new renewable resources, develop sustainable extraction methods, and design strategies to reuse nonrenewable resources as much as possible. To extract and transform natural resources with future generations in mind, we must avoid shortages that could hinder greater access to new green technologies, since the goal is to make them more accessible to the entire global population. For example, many people still have limited access to drinking water, a major global problem that will keep worsening over the next decades. Research teams from around the world must collaborate to develop methods to monitor water quality and provide clean water to as many people as possible.

Expertise in water management and governance, the sustainable management of natural resources (fauna, forestry, minerals, etc.) and their transformation into value-added materials, or their sustainable use in infrastructure and emerging areas such as the circular economy will all play a pivotal role in society’s sustainable development. Québec and Canada are blessed with diverse and abundant natural resources that we can use to support the economy, create quality jobs, and train skilled personnel—as long as we develop sustainable technologies that allow us to protect and preserve these resources.