Competition for resources has always been a significant factor in global geopolitics. In the context of human survival, several countries have the potential to control key resources that are essential for the well-being and survival of humanity. These resources can broadly be categorized into three key areas: food, water, and energy.
As you consider resources, remember that over half of the global population of 8 billion people live in just 7 countries: China, India, United States, Indonesia, Pakistan, Nigeria and Brazil. The UN projects the global population will reach 9.7 billion by 2050 and 10.4 billion by 2100, with most growth occurring in sub-Saharan Africa[36].
Key Countries Controlling Survival Resources: Food, Water, and Energy
1. Food:
Food is a vital resource for human survival, and its availability is a primary concern for all countries. However, certain countries possess significant advantages in terms of agricultural productivity, arable land, and technological advancements in farming. These factors could potentially give them an edge in controlling the global food supply.
Countries with the most sustainable and productive agricultural sectors include the United States, China, India, Brazil, and several European nations like France and Germany[1][3][5]. These countries have large arable land areas, advanced farming technologies, and policies supporting sustainable agriculture practices.
Top Food Exporting Countries
Based on the search result, here are the top food exporting countries ranked by the value of their food exports with key exports shown[7][8][9]:
- United States – $140 billion+ ( soybeans, corn, meat, dairy products )
- Netherlands – $100 billion+ ( dairy, meat, vegetables )
- Brazil – $80 billion+ ( soybeans, sugar, coffee, beef )
- Germany – $70 billion+ ( dairy, meat, confectionery )
- China – $60 billion+ ( fruits, vegetables, meat )
- France – $60 billion+ ( wine, cheese, wheat )
- Spain – $50 billion+ ( olive oil, pork, fruits )
- Canada – $50 billion+ ( wheat, canola, seafood )
- Italy – $50 billion+ ( wine, pasta, olive oil )
- Belgium – $40 billion+ ( chocolate, beer, dairy )
The United States is the world’s largest food exporter, followed by the Netherlands, Brazil, Germany, and China. These countries leverage their agricultural resources, technology, and trade relationships to supply a significant portion of the global food demand.
Some countries that have been historically important in the global food market include:
– United States: The US has vast agricultural lands, advanced farming techniques, and significant agribusiness players. It is one of the world’s largest exporters of food and plays a crucial role in global food security.
– Brazil: With its extensive arable land and favorable climate, Brazil is a major exporter of soybeans, beef, coffee, and various other agricultural products. The country has showcased remarkable advancements in tropical agriculture.
– China: As the world’s most populous nation, China’s domestic food production is critical for its own survival. With significant investments in agricultural technology and modernization, China aims to improve self-sufficiency and maintain food security.
– India: India is a critical player in the global food market due to its status as a major agricultural production powerhouse, a significant food exporter, a leader in sustainable farming practices, and an active participant in international efforts to enhance food security. With its diverse climatic conditions enabling the cultivation of a wide range of crops, India has dramatically increased its food grain output over the decades, now accounting for a substantial share of global trade in key commodities like rice and sugar. India’s strategic food reserves, buffer stock management, and policies balancing the needs of farmers, industry, and consumers further contribute to its importance in stabilizing global food prices and supplies. Additionally, India’s investments in agricultural research and development, as well as its engagement with international organizations, solidify its pivotal role in addressing worldwide hunger and nutrition challenges through sustainable and cooperative approaches.
2. Water:
Access to fresh water is another key resource critical for human survival. As freshwater resources become scarce due to population growth, climate change, and pollution, controlling this resource becomes increasingly crucial. Countries with the most abundant freshwater resources and effective water management include Brazil, Canada, Russia, the United States, and several Nordic countries like Iceland and Norway[1][2][4][5]. These countries have high precipitation, extensive surface and groundwater resources, and strong policies/infrastructure for water conservation and sanitation.
Top Fresh Water Exporting Countries
Based on the search results, here is a ranking of the top fresh water exporting countries:
1. Canada – Canada is the world’s largest exporter of fresh water, exporting around $50 billion worth of water annually. Its key water exports include bottled water and bulk water shipments.[19][20][21]
2. Norway – Norway exports around $31 million worth of fresh water and ice annually, making it a major exporter in this category.
3. Iceland – Iceland exports around $29 million worth of fresh water and ice per year, benefiting from its abundant natural water resources.
4. Turkey – Turkey exports around $49 million worth of fresh water and ice, taking advantage of its strategic location.
5. Thailand – Thailand exports around $42 million worth of fresh water and ice annually, with a growing export market.
6. Malaysia – Malaysia exports around $16 million worth of fresh water and ice, leveraging its tropical climate.
7. Germany – Germany exports around $12 million worth of fresh water and ice, primarily through bottled water exports.
8. Italy – Italy exports around $5 million worth of fresh water and ice, including mineral water exports.
9. Czech Republic – The Czech Republic exports around $5 million worth of fresh water and ice annually.
10. Spain – Spain exports around $4 million worth of fresh water and ice, benefiting from its coastal location.
The search results provide a comprehensive overview of the top fresh water exporting countries in the world, highlighting their export volumes and economic contributions to the global fresh water trade.[20]
Some key players in global fresh water are:
– Russia: With its vast freshwater reserves, Russia has a significant advantage in controlling water resources. The country is home to the world’s deepest lake, Lake Baikal, and vast river systems, such as the Volga and Lena rivers.
– Canada: Known for its abundance of freshwater lakes and rivers, Canada has a significant advantage in controlling water resources. Additionally, its advanced water management systems and regulations contribute to its potential key role.
– Brazil: Besides its agricultural prowess, Brazil also possesses the largest renewable freshwater resources in the world. The Amazon River basin is a crucial water resource, not only for Brazil but also for neighboring countries.
3. Energy:
Energy resources, especially those that are renewable and sustainable, play a vital role in securing human survival and mitigating climate change. Countries with significant energy reserves and advanced technologies have the potential to control the human survival keys. Countries leading in renewable energy production and overall energy sustainability include Norway, Iceland, Sweden, Denmark, and Switzerland[1][2][3][4]. These countries have high shares of hydropower, geothermal, wind, and other clean energy sources, as well as strong policies and investments driving the transition to 100% renewable energy.
Top Energy Exporting Countries
Based on the search results, here are the top energy exporting countries:
Oil Exports
1. Saudi Arabia (OPEC) – 7,364,000 barrels per day (bbl/d) in 2022
2. Russia – 4,780,000 bbl/d in 2022
3. Iraq (OPEC) – 3,712,000 bbl/d in 2022
4. United States – 3,604,000 bbl/d in 2022
5. Canada – 3,350,000 bbl/d in 2022
6. United Arab Emirates (OPEC) – 2,717,000 bbl/d in 2022
7. Kuwait (OPEC) – 1,879,000 bbl/d in 2022
8. Norway – 1,558,000 bbl/d in 2022
9. Nigeria (OPEC) – 1,388,000 bbl/d in 2022
10. Brazil – 1,346,417 bbl/d in 2022 (estimated)
(from [23])
Electricity Exports
1. Germany – 70.24 billion kWh in 2021
2. France – 69.37 billion kWh in 2021
3. Canada – 48.14 billion kWh in 2021
4. Sweden – 33.91 billion kWh in 2021
5. Laos – 32.63 billion kWh in 2021
6. Switzerland – 28.97 billion kWh in 2021
7. Paraguay – 28.01 billion kWh in 2021
8. Czechia – 26.23 billion kWh in 2021
9. Norway – 25.82 billion kWh in 2021
10. Belgium – 23.07 billion kWh in 2021
(from [24])
The search results provide comprehensive data on both oil and electricity exports by country. The top oil exporting countries are mostly OPEC members, while the top electricity exporting countries are a mix of European and North American nations.
Some key players in the current world energy production market include:
– Saudi Arabia: As the world’s largest exporter of oil, Saudi Arabia has a significant influence over the global energy market. However, the growing importance of renewable energy could shift the dynamics of energy control.
– China: Being the largest consumer of energy and having invested heavily in renewable energy infrastructure, China is positioning itself as a dominant player in the renewable energy sector. It is the world’s largest producer of solar panels and wind turbines.
– Norway: Known for its abundant hydroelectric power and investments in renewable energy, Norway holds a unique position in the transition towards sustainable energy sources. Its oil wealth has enabled the country to invest in renewable technologies and transition smoothly.
Can Any Single Country Feed, Water and Energize All 8 Billion People on Earth?
Based on the search results, it does not appear that any single country could feasibly feed, water and energize the entire global population of 8 billion people in a sustainable manner. The key points are:
- The world currently produces enough food to feed the global population of 8 billion, but hunger is still a major issue due to factors like rising food, fuel and fertilizer costs, as well as unequal distribution of resources[1][2].
- To feed the projected population of 10 billion by 2050, global food production would need to increase by 70% compared to 2009 levels. However, current food production practices are already responsible for nearly a third of carbon emissions and 90% of deforestation, which is unsustainable[2].
- No single country has the land, resources and infrastructure to produce enough food to feed the entire global population of 8 billion people. Even the world’s largest agricultural producers like the United States, India or China could not meet this demand on their own[3][4].
- Shifting towards more sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices, reducing meat and dairy consumption, and improving food distribution and storage infrastructure would be necessary to feed the growing global population without further environmental degradation[1][2][4].
- Water scarcity is a growing concern, with many regions already facing shortages. Providing enough clean water for drinking, agriculture and industry to support 8 billion people would be an immense challenge that no single country could likely meet[11][12].
- Meeting the energy needs of 8 billion people is another major obstacle. The world still relies heavily on fossil fuels, which are a major driver of climate change. Transitioning to renewable energy sources at the scale required would be extremely difficult for any individual country to achieve alone[12]..
- Factors like population growth, economic development, changing diets and the impacts of climate change will continue to put significant strain on food, water and energy systems globally. A collaborative, international effort would be necessary to address these challenges sustainably
It’s important to note that geopolitical dynamics and resource control are fluid and subject to change over time due to various factors, including technological advancements, climate change, and political shifts.
Self-Sufficiency
- Virtually no countries are fully self-reliant and able to produce everything their population needs within their own borders[35].
- The most self-sufficient countries import goods and services valued at 21% or less of their GDP, but they still rely on exports and trade to some degree[35].
- Examples of relatively self-sufficient countries include the United States, Argentina, Australia, Canada, Turkmenistan and Cuba, but none of these countries is completely self-sufficient[35].
Future Research
This report covered only food, water and energy, but there are other essentials.
Air – Clean air to breathe is essential for human life.
Soil – Fertile soil is required to grow food crops and sustain plant life.
Labor – A supported workforce, human and/or machines with all essential housing, education, training, health care, child care is also required.
Renewable Resources (e.g. timber, wild fish) – These can be replenished and used sustainably over time.
Minerals – Minerals are important for industrial and technological applications, but are non-renewable.
Each of these resources must be monitored, managed and conserved sustainably to ensure their availability for present and future generations. Overexploitation and mismanagement of resources can lead to depletion, environmental damage, and harm to human wellbeing. [28][29][30]
Summary
While the world currently produces enough food to feed everyone, no single country has the capacity to do so on its own in a sustainable manner. No single country controls all three “survival keys” of food, water, and energy. Some of the countries that are best positioned to sustain these critical resources include the United States, China, Brazil, Canada, the Nordic nations, and parts of Western Europe[1][2][3][4][5]. A global, collaborative effort to transform food systems would be required to feed 8 billion people without exceeding the planet’s ecological limits[13][14][15][16]. Clean water and energy are each obstacles to human survival for which no single country has the key. Effective integrated management of these interconnected resources will be crucial for global food, water, and energy security. Cooperation of nations will be essential to sustain our species into the future.
The bottom line, is this: the only sustainable answer to world competition for resources is world cooperation for resources.
Citations
[1] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/30-most-sustainable-countries-world-152136342.html
[2] https://cleanriver.com/resource/blogleading-countries-in-sustainability/
[3] https://inrate.com/blog/most-sustainable-countries-in-the-world/
[4] https://sustainabilitymag.com/top10/top-10-greenest-countries-2
[5] https://www.unwater.org/water-facts/water-food-and-energy
[6] https://wits.worldbank.org/CountryProfile/en/Country/WLD/Year/2020/TradeFlow/Export/Partner/by-country/Product/16-24_FoodProd
[7] Ibid.
[8] https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/top-10-food-exporting-countries-in-the-world/
[9] https://howlongtocook.org/tips/countries-export-most-food-products
[10] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/top-20-food-exporting-countries-122951352.html
[11] https://www.yanvanathemessage.com/is-there-enough-water-to-sustain-8-billion-people/
[12] https://www.un.org/en/un-chronicle/world-population-surpasses-8-billion-what-are-implications-planetary-health-and
[13] https://www.dw.com/en/how-can-8-billion-people-sustainably-share-a-planet/a-63729664
[14] https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2022/nov/15/can-the-world-feed-8bn-people-sustainably
[15] https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2020-12-15/no-more-hunger-how-to-feed-everyone-on-earth-with-just-the-land-we-have
[16] https://ourworldindata.org/land-use-diets
[17] https://www.discoursemagazine.com/p/feeding-8-billion-people-has-never-been-easier
[18] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/top-20-food-exporting-countries-122951352.html
[19] https://www.statista.com/statistics/1201983/water-export-value-us-by-country/
[20] https://www.worldstopexports.com/ice-exporters/
[21] https://www.tridge.com/intelligences/mineral-water/export
[22] https://howlongtocook.org/tips/countries-export-most-food-products
[23] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_oil_exports
[24] https://www.theglobaleconomy.com/rankings/electricity_exports/
[25] https://www.statista.com/statistics/1132173/global-electricity-export-value-by-country/
[26] https://yearbook.enerdata.net/total-energy/world-energy-production.html
[27] https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=727&t=6
[28] https://www.iisd.org/articles/deep-dive/sustainable-use-natural-resources-governance-challenge
[29] https://scdhec.gov/sites/default/files/Library/OR-0689.pdf
[30] https://www.earthreminder.com/importance-of-natural-resources/
[34] https://thewonderofscience.com/ess3a-natural-resources
[35] https://247wallst.com/special-report/2022/02/15/most-self-sufficient-economies-in-the-world/
[36] https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2022/07/global-population-growth-united-nations/
.
