Natural resources , one of the most important elements in the process of economic development , are defined as pure production cost under the traditional economics in discussing impetus for development . Consequently , the role of natural resources does not receive enough attention .After the 1970s , with the establishment of new growth theoretical models , scholars began to study the reciprocal conditions for the harmonious development of economy and resources .Studies based on the exogenous growth model and the endogenous growth model are mainly concerned with three aspects :the finiteness of non-renewable resources ,theimpact of the progress of energy technology on economic development and the role placed by renewable resources in energy substitution and sustainable development .