Unit 1: Introduction to Environmental Studies

Session 2: Natural Resources

Dr Cheela Venkata Ravi Sankar

Associate Professor

Department of Civil Engineering, MVGR College of Engineering (Autonomous)

Introduction to Natural
Resources
 Introduction to Natural
Resources
• Natural resources are materials and
components that can be found
within the environment. These are
resources that are considered
valuable in their natural form.

• Types of Natural Resources:

- Biotic: Derived from living organisms.
- Abiotic: Derived from non-living things.
 Distribution of Natural
Resources
• The availability and distribution
of natural resources vary across
the world due to geological
processes and human activities.

• Factors affecting distribution:

- Geological formations
- Climate and weather patterns
- Human activities
 Significance of Natural
Resources
• Natural resources play a crucial
role in human survival and
economic development. They
provide raw materials for
industries, energy production,
and are essential for food and
water supply.
 Impact of Human Activities on
Natural Resources

• Human activities such as

deforestation, mining, overfishing,
and pollution have a significant
impact on the availability and quality
of natural resources.

• Consequences include:
- Resource depletion
- Habitat destruction
- Environmental pollution
Assessment Question
• Explain the significance of natural resources in human development.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9GorqroigqM
Categorization of Natural
Resources
 Categorization of Natural
Resources
• Natural resources can be categorized
based on origin, stage of development,
renewability, and ownership.

Key categories include:

• - Renewable and Non-renewable
Resources
• - Biotic and Abiotic Resources
• - Actual and Potential Resources
• - Ubiquitous and Localized Resources
 Renewable vs Non-Renewable
Resources
• Renewable Resources:
• - Resources that can be replenished
naturally.
• - Examples: Solar energy, wind energy,
water, biomass.

• Non-Renewable Resources:
• - Resources that do not replenish at a
sustainable rate.
• - Examples: Fossil fuels, minerals.
 Biotic vs Abiotic Resources
• Biotic Resources:
• - Derived from living organisms.
• - Examples: Forests, animals, fossil
fuels.

• Abiotic Resources:
• - Derived from non-living things.
• - Examples: Water, minerals, air.
 Actual vs Potential Resources
• Actual Resources:
• - Resources that are being used currently.
• - Examples: Coal in Germany, oil in the Middle East.

• Potential Resources:
• - Resources that are known to exist and may be used in the future.
• - Examples: Wind energy in certain coastal regions.
 Ubiquitous vs Localized
Resources
• Ubiquitous Resources:
• - Resources found everywhere.
• - Examples: Air, sunlight.

• Localized Resources:
• - Resources found in specific locations.
• - Examples: Gold in South Africa, oil in the Middle East.
Assessment Question
• Categorize natural resources based on renewability and provide
examples for each category.

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/related/5732efe3-5cc3-35a2-b50c-
00f70f3a2fd1/natural-resources
Importance of Sustainable
Management
 Importance of Sustainable
Management
• Sustainable management ensures that natural resources are used
efficiently and responsibly, preserving them for future generations.

• Key aspects include:

• - Reducing environmental impact
• - Promoting economic growth
• - Enhancing social equity
Environmental Impact Reduction
• Sustainable practices help reduce pollution, conserve biodiversity, and
prevent resource depletion.

• Examples:
• - Reducing carbon emissions through renewable energy use
• - Protecting habitats through conservation efforts
 Economic Growth through
Sustainability
• Sustainable management contributes to long-term economic growth
by ensuring a stable supply of resources.

• Benefits:
• - Reducing costs through efficient resource use
• - Creating jobs in sustainable industries
 Social Equity and Sustainable
Management
• Sustainable management promotes social equity by ensuring that all
communities have access to natural resources.

• Approaches include:
• - Community-based resource management
• - Ensuring fair distribution of resources
 Global Initiatives for
Sustainable Management
• Several global initiatives aim to promote sustainable management
practices, including:
- United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- The Paris Agreement on climate change
- The Convention on Biological Diversity
Assessment Question
• Explain why sustainable management of natural resources is
important for future generations.
Sustainable Management
Practices
 Sustainable Management
Practices
• Sustainable management practices involve methods and techniques
that use resources efficiently and responsibly.

• Examples include:
- Renewable energy use
- Water conservation techniques
- Sustainable agriculture
- Waste management and Recycling
 Renewable Energy Use
• Focuses on harnessing energy from renewable sources such as solar,
wind, hydro, and geothermal.

• Benefits:
- Reduces dependence on fossil fuels
- Lowers greenhouse gas emissions
 Water Conservation Techniques
• Aims to manage and use water resources efficiently.

• Examples:
- Rainwater harvesting
- Drip irrigation
- Greywater recycling
 Sustainable Agriculture
Practices
• Focuses on farming methods that protect the environment, public
health, and animal welfare.

• Examples:
- Crop rotation
- Organic farming
- Agroforestry
 Waste Management and
Recycling
• Involves reducing, reusing, and recycling waste materials to minimize
environmental impact.

• Practices include:
- Comprehensive recycling programs
- Composting
- Use of biodegradable materials
Assessment Question
• Describe three sustainable management practices and explain their
benefits.
Challenges in Managing
Non-Renewable
Resources
Challenges in Managing Non-
Renewable Resources
• Managing non-renewable resources poses several challenges due to
their finite nature and environmental impact.

• Key challenges include:

- Resource depletion
- Environmental degradation
- Economic dependency
Resource Depletion
• Non-renewable resources like fossil fuels and minerals are finite and
can be exhausted.

• Consequences:
- Increased costs
- Energy insecurity
- Need for alternative resources
Environmental Degradation
• Extraction and use of non-renewable resources often lead to
environmental issues such as pollution, habitat destruction, and
climate change.

• Mitigation strategies:
- Sustainable extraction practices
- Transition to renewable energy
Economic Dependency
• Many economies rely heavily on non-renewable resources for
revenue.

• Risks:
- Economic instability due to resource volatility
- Reduced competitiveness in the global market
Technological and Political
Barriers
• Challenges in technology and political will hinder the shift to
sustainable management of non-renewable resources.

• Solutions:
- Investing in green technologies
- Formulating supportive policies
Assessment Question
• Critically assess the challenges faced in managing non-renewable
resources in developing countries.
 Critical Assessment of
Management Challenges
Critical Assessment of Management
Challenges
• Effective management of natural resources requires addressing
various challenges through innovative solutions and policies.

• Key areas for assessment:

- Policy frameworks
- Technological advancements
- Community engagement
-Future Directions
Policy Frameworks
• Policies play a crucial role in managing natural resources sustainably.

• Assessment Focus:
- Effectiveness of existing policies
- Need for new regulations and incentives
- International cooperation and agreements
Technological Advancements
• Innovations in technology can help overcome challenges in resource
management.

• Assessment Focus:
- Adoption of clean technologies
- Investment in research and development
Community Engagement
• Engaging communities in sustainable management practices is vital
for success.

• Assessment Focus:
- Awareness and education programs
- Stakeholder collaboration and participation
Future Directions
• Moving forward, it is essential to focus on sustainable practices,
innovative technologies, and global cooperation to address resource
management challenges.

• Key Actions:
- Strengthening policy and regulatory frameworks
- Encouraging sustainable consumption and production
- Enhancing international cooperation and knowledge sharing
Assessment Question
• What are the key strategies to address the challenges in natural
resource management?
End of Session 2