A coastal village has wind blowing at high speed almost year-round. In the year 1138, would the villagers consider the wind a 'resource'? In 2138?
AYes in 1138 (for sailing); yes in 2138 (for wind energy generation) — but the USES would differ
BYes in 1138; no in 2138 (modern people don't need wind)
CNo in 1138; no in 2138
DYes only when burning
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. Yes in 1138 (for sailing); yes in 2138 (for wind energy generation) — but the USES would differ
This is the 'time + technology' principle in action. In 1138, fast winds were valuable for sailing ships and powering simple windmills. In 2138, fast winds are valuable for wind-turbine electricity generation. The resource (wind) is the same; what changes over time is the human technology to harness it — and therefore the type of value it provides.
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