According to the World Bank, "Economic growth is in part about more efficient use of natural capital and investing the earnings from natural capital sources, such as minerals, into infrastructure and education."

In economics, natural capital refers to the world's stock of natural resources and ecosystems that provide valuable goods and services essential for human survival and economic activity. It includes assets such as forests, water bodies, minerals, air, soil, biodiversity, and ecosystems like wetlands, oceans, and the atmosphere.

Natural capital is critical because it supports life on Earth and underpins economic systems. These natural assets provide:

1. Provisioning services: Such as food, raw materials, water, and energy (e.g., timber, fisheries, fresh water).
2. Regulating services: Like climate regulation, air and water purification, pollination, and flood control.
3. Cultural services: Including recreational, spiritual, and aesthetic benefits.
4. Supporting services: Fundamental ecological processes such as nutrient cycling and soil formation that allow other ecosystem services to function.

Unlike man-made capital, natural capital is often renewable, but overuse or degradation can lead to its depletion or destruction, making it non-renewable or much harder to restore. Sustainable management of natural capital is essential to ensure long-term economic prosperity and environmental health.