The World Wars had a big effect on the world's natural resources and how countries think about the environment. These events changed the way nations manage their resources and showed us why we need to use them wisely.

Resource Management

During both World Wars, countries used natural resources faster than ever before. Here are some examples:

• Deforestation: Huge areas of forest were cut down to provide wood for the military.
• Mining: Coal and metals were mined heavily to help make weapons and vehicles for the war.

These actions hurt the environment, making countries rethink how they manage their natural resources.

Environmental Policies

After the wars, people started paying more attention to the environment. Some important changes included:

• Laws: Many countries created national parks and rules to protect natural spaces.
• Global Agreements: New groups like UNESCO started worldwide discussions on how to conserve nature.

For example, when the United Nations was formed in 1945, it helped countries work together on environmental problems, addressing the damage caused by the wars.

In short, the World Wars changed how we use and think about resources. They also set the stage for future environmental policies, reminding us that we need to balance what people need with caring for our planet.