Natural Resources

In this lesson, you will learn about following aspects:

• Consequences of exploitation of natural resources.
• Sustainable development and its significance.
• Management of forest and wildlife.
• Management of water.
• Management of fossil fuels.

Natural resources can be broadly categorized into two types, viz. exhaustible and non-exhaustible. Management of natural resources is all about their judicious use in a way that the exhaustible resources can last for many generations to come and non-exhaustible resources can be maintained in as pristine form as possible.

Consequences of Exploitation of Natural Resources

There are many consequences of exploitation of natural resources. Some examples are given below:

• Burning of fossil fuels creates air pollution. Excess amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere leads to global warming. Some polluting gases; like oxides of nitrogen and sulphur lead to acid rain, which is harmful for living beings. Acid rain is also harmful for monuments and buildings.
• Excess exploitation of groundwater leads to a drastic fall in water table. This is the reason many places are experiencing acute shortage of drinking water.
• Overuse of fertilisers and insecticides leads to soil pollution and soil erosion.
• Many pollutants are directly flown into water bodies. This has resulted in water pollution in many rivers, lakes and even in oceans.

Sustainable Development:

Development is necessary for making all around economic development. But development often comes with a price in the form of environmental damage. Some resources are in unlimited supply, while others are in limited supply. The speed at which we are using resources means that many resources are not going to last in the near future. Even unlimited resources are getting highly polluted because of the way we are exploiting them. So, it is necessary to think about sustainable development.

Sustainable development means judicious use of resources so that we are able to meet our present needs as well as the needs of future generations. Moreover, sustainable development also means protecting the environment from further damage. This is necessary for maintaining the earth in a good shape so that future generations can also enjoy the bounty of nature.

Three Rs (Reduce, Recycle and Reuse):

Reduce: We should reduce the consumption of various resources wherever possible. For example, we can reduce the consumption of electricity by switching off lights and other appliances when they are not required. While leaving the home, one should always check for fans and lights and switch them off. This can not only help in saving electricity but also in saving the fuels which are utilised in electricity production. We should immediately repair a leaking tap so that precious water can be saved.

Recycle: There are many items which can be recycled again and again. Recycling is another way of reducing the demand for natural resources. For example; by recycling paper, we reduce the demand for wood and thus help in saving the forest.

Reuse: Many items can be reused many times. For example; old newspaper can be used for packing many items. Old envelopes can be used for doing rough work while doing your homework. Old plastic bottles can be used for many other purposes.