Biophysical resources and the built environment: Features, foci, and issues in the Muslim majority countries

Abstract

This chapter analyses figures and features related to the primary resources (petroleum, natural gas), energy (electricity), and transportation (railways, roadways, waterways, river/sea ports), and their possible impacts on the economy and human development in the Muslim majority countries (MMCs). The chapter concludes that the diversity of biophysical resources in the MMCs and the availability of skilled labor force and technology may bring a better future for all. The future strategies of the MMCs, in a globalised world, need to incorporate options for (economic) benefit optimisation through the use of resources that will protect the environment balancing the ecosystem to improve human development in all MMCs.