Human needs and resource sustainability

 In this ever-evolving world, human needs are the center of attention in every aspect of life. These needs are not only limited to food or clothing, but also include various things that are important to create a comfortable and prosperous life. However, along with the increasing population and rapid technological developments, human needs are becoming more complex and diverse. In this context, we are faced with the challenge of managing and meeting these needs without ignoring the sustainability of limited natural resources. Therefore, it is important to understand well what human needs are, how we can meet them, and how the sustainability of natural resources can be maintained for a better future.

Definition

Human needs are everything that is needed for humans to live healthily, grow, and feel happy. If these needs are not met, humans will have difficulty living a good life.

1. Human needs can be physical needs such as eating and drinking, or spiritual needs such as affection and security. These needs change according to the times and conditions around.

Definition according to experts:

• Abraham Maslow: Human needs are arranged in a hierarchy, starting from basic (physical) needs to self-actualization needs.
• Alvin Toffler: Human needs change along with the development of the times, technology, and people's mindsets.
• Soejono Soekanto: Human needs are desires or drives that a person feels to maintain life and obtain satisfaction.

1. Conclusion:

1. From various expert opinions, it can be concluded that human needs are basic drives that drive a person to act for survival, comfort, and self-achievement. These needs are dynamic and develop along with the changing times.

Features

Human needs never end because human desires always increase. Along with the development of time and technology, needs also increase.

1. Each person also has different needs depending on age, job, environment, and culture. Therefore, human needs cannot be the same for everyone.
2. Types of Needs
3. Primary needs are the main needs that must be met in order to survive, such as food, drink, clothing and shelter.
4. After primary needs are met, there are secondary needs such as education and entertainment, and tertiary needs such as luxury goods or overseas vacations. The higher a person's income, usually tertiary needs also increase.
5. Factor affecting
6. A person's income or earnings greatly affects the needs that can be met. People with high incomes can meet more needs.
7. Environment, culture, media influence, and technology trends also influence what a person needs. Therefore, needs can change depending on the situation and conditions.
8. Needs Based on Time, Intensity, and Subject

• Based on time : divided into two, namely current needs and future needs. Current needs are needs that must be met immediately to maintain survival and comfort, such as eating when hungry, drinking when thirsty, or seeking treatment when sick. If not met immediately, it can have a direct impact on health or safety.

While future needs are needs that are expected to arise in the future. Examples include saving for children's education costs, preparing retirement funds, or long-term investments. These needs are usually planned so that life in the future remains secure and comfortable.

• Based on intensity : human needs can be divided into three levels, namely primary, secondary and tertiary needs.

Primary needs are very important needs and must be met first so that a person can survive, such as food, water, clothing, and shelter. Without these needs, humans will have difficulty living physically.

Secondary needs arise after primary needs are met. These needs serve as a complement to improve the comfort of life, such as education, entertainment, communication tools, and transportation.

Meanwhile, tertiary needs are luxurious needs and are usually only met by people with higher incomes. Examples include expensive jewelry, luxury cars, overseas vacations, or branded goods. These needs focus more on prestige and lifestyle.

• Based on the subject : needs can be divided into two, namely individual needs and collective needs.

Individual needs are needs that are felt and fulfilled by each person personally. Examples are food, drink, clothing, shelter, education, and entertainment. Each person has different types and amounts of individual needs depending on age, occupation, lifestyle, and living environment.

While collective needs are needs felt by a group of people or society together. Examples include highways, bridges, public parks, public health services, security, and public education. These needs are usually met by the government or community organizations for the common good.

Understanding this difference is important so that we can distinguish which needs we must fulfill ourselves, and which are the shared responsibility of others in society.

This division helps us understand which needs are the most urgent, important, and who needs them, so we can set priorities in our daily lives.

Environment, culture, media influence, and technology trends also influence what a person needs. Therefore, needs can change depending on the situation and conditions.

Sustainability of Resources

Sustainability of Resources is a very relevant topic in today's era, considering the increasing population, technological advancement, and increasing consumption of natural resources. Existing natural resources must be used wisely so that they are not quickly depleted or damaged. Otherwise, future generations will face difficulties in meeting their life needs. Therefore, it is important for us to maintain and preserve existing resources so that they remain available for the future. Wise management and sustainability are the keys to maintaining the balance between development and environmental sustainability.

Definition

Sustainability of resources means ensuring that the resources we have remain available and can be used by current and future generations.

1. Resources must be used wisely so that they do not run out or get damaged quickly. This is important so that our children and grandchildren can also enjoy them.

1. Definition according to experts:

• Gro Harlem Brundtland (Brundtland Report, 1987)
• The approach described by Gro Harlem Brundtland in the Brundtland Report (1987) on sustainable development emphasizes the importance of meeting the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This concept shows that development is not only seen from the achievement and utilization of existing natural resources, but must also consider its impact on the future.
• In other words, sustainable development must maintain a balance between economic, social, and environmental aspects, so that what we enjoy now does not sacrifice the quality of life for those who will come. Such development involves careful management of natural resources, the use of environmentally friendly energy, and planning that prioritizes long-term welfare over instant profit.
• For example, using renewable energy such as solar or wind power instead of non-renewable fossil fuels is an example of sustainable action. By doing this, we not only meet the energy needs of today, but also reduce the negative impact on the environment and ensure the availability of energy for the future.

Overall, this principle encourages viewing development in a broader and more forward-looking perspective, where long-term well-being for all generations is the top priority.

• Emil Salim
• Emil Salim emphasized that the sustainability of natural resources is not only about how to use these resources wisely, but also considering two important things: first, the sustainability of ecosystem functions, and second, intergenerational justice.
• Sustainability of Ecosystem Functions: This means that natural resource management must maintain the balance of nature and ensure that important ecosystem processes (such as the water cycle, soil formation, and the role of species in the food chain) continue to occur. For example, if we cut down a forest, we must consider the impacts on climate, biodiversity, and air quality. Therefore, natural resource management must consider how human activities can maintain or even improve the quality of existing ecosystems.
• Intergenerational Equity: This refers to the need to ensure that future generations have equal access to the natural resources that we enjoy today. In this regard, we must avoid over-exploitation and ensure that what we do today does not reduce the ability of our children and grandchildren to meet their needs in the future. For example, the use of non-renewable natural resources such as coal or oil must be balanced with the development of alternative resources that are more environmentally friendly and renewable.
• In other words, the sustainability of natural resources emphasized by Emil Salim requires us to manage nature in a way that not only meets our current needs, but also maintains sustainability and justice for future generations

• Otto Soemarwoto
• The statement "Utilization of natural resources must take into account environmental sustainability and community needs in a balanced manner" contains a very important meaning in the context of sustainable natural resource management.
• Environmental Sustainability: The use of natural resources must be done in a way that does not damage or threaten environmental sustainability. This means that in any activity of exploitation or use of natural resources, we must ensure that the activity does not damage the ecosystem, destroy the habitat of species, or reduce the quality of air, water, and soil. For example, when cutting down trees for wood, we must ensure that the process does not damage the forest as a whole and that there is an effort to reforest or reforest so that the forest is maintained.
• Community Needs: On the other hand, the utilization of natural resources must also take into account human needs. This means that natural resources must be used to improve the quality of life of the community, both in terms of economy, health, education, and other basic needs. However, the fulfillment of these needs must be done in a wise manner and not cause long-term damage to nature.
• Balance: The key to this statement is the balance between environmental sustainability and human needs. Neither should be neglected. If we focus too much on human needs without considering the environment, we can damage the ecosystem and cause irreparable damage to nature. Conversely, if we only focus on environmental sustainability without considering the needs of society, we can hinder economic progress and human quality of life. Therefore, it is important to find solutions that integrate both, such as the use of renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and environmentally friendly technology.
• The importance of this balance is also reflected in various global and national policies, which emphasize the importance of sustainable development. For example, many countries are starting to switch to renewable energy and reduce their dependence on fossil fuels to reduce their negative impact on the environment while meeting the energy needs of society.

• From the opinions of experts, it can be concluded that resource sustainability is a wise way of using resources so that they remain available, do not damage nature, and can be enjoyed by current and future generations.
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1. Resources must be used wisely so that they do not run out or get damaged quickly. This is important so that our children and grandchildren can also enjoy them.

1. Resource Type

1. There are two types of resources: renewable and non-renewable. Renewable resources such as water, air, and forests can be used continuously if they are well maintained.
2. Non-renewable resources such as oil and coal are limited in number. If they continue to be used without control, they can run out and cannot be renewed.

1. Excessive use of natural resources 

1. is a big problem because it can cause these resources to run out or be damaged quickly. One real example is the over-exploitation of non-renewable natural resources, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, which if not managed properly can cause scarcity. In addition, the use of renewable resources without sustainable management, such as deforestation without reforestation or excessive groundwater extraction, can cause irreparable damage in the near future.
2. Environmental damage caused by this over-exploitation, such as air, water and soil pollution, worsens the situation and threatens the survival of humans and other living things. Global warming is also a long-term impact of irresponsible use of resources, which worsens climate change. In addition, the unfair distribution of resources in various regions, both locally and globally, results in inequality, where some regions lack essential resources for life such as clean water or energy. This exacerbates the problem of social injustice and widens the economic gap between regions.
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Conclusion

Human needs are the basic drives that underlie all human activities to survive, gain comfort, and achieve self-potential. These needs are dynamic and change over time, technology, and social development. Each individual has different needs depending on age, occupation, and culture, so managing needs must take into account the context and priorities of each.

The sustainability of natural resources is also very important in meeting human needs. Wise management of existing resources will ensure the availability of these needs for both present and future generations. Therefore, it is important to avoid over-exploitation and maintain a balance between meeting human needs and preserving nature. Through a sustainable approach and environmentally friendly policies, we can create a world that not only meets current needs but also supports future prosperity.

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