1.Natural-Resources-and-Their-Use.ppt pdf /8th class social science Exploring Society: India and Beyond/By:K Sandeep Swamy(M.Sc,B.Ed)
- 1. 1.Natural Re ource a d T eir U e 8t cla ocial cie ce Explori g Society: I dia a d Beyo d By:K Sa deep Swa y(M.Sc,B.Ed) For Online Classes (IITJEE & NEET foundation and academics) contact : 9491878325 Subscribe Samyans Eduhub youtube channel We must move toward a regenerative economy that operates in harmony with nature, repurposing used resources, minimizing waste, and replenishing depleted resources. We must return to the innate wisdom of nature herself, the ultimate regenerator and recycler of all resources. 5Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac in 'The Future We Choose'
- 2. Key Que tio About Natural Re ource How do we categorize natural resources, understanding their diverse characteristics and uses? What is the connection between resource distribution and human life, affecting trade and international relations? What are the implications of unsustainable use, and why is responsible stewardship crucial?
- 3. W e Doe Nature Beco e a Re ource? Nature encompasses all living and non-living elements of our environment not created by humans. These elements transform into 'resources' when humans utilize them for sustenance or to create new products for consumption. For an entity to be considered a resource, it must meet specific criteria: Tec ologically Acce ible We must possess the necessary tools and methods to access and process the natural element effectively. Eco o ically Fea ible The cost of extracting and utilizing the resource should be justifiable and provide economic benefit. Culturally Acceptable Its use must align with societal values, traditions, and ethical considerations.
- 4. Nature a Sacred In many indigenous traditions of the world, Nature is considered sacred. Nature is viewed as a nurturer and nourisher rather than just a collection of resources to be exploited. These traditions often include practices that reflect deep respect for natural elements: Sacred Grove Many traditions maintain sacred groves where trees and other natural elements are protected and cannot be cut, fostering a deep connection to the land. Ho ori g Ritual Rituals are performed to honor natural elements like water, sun, and earth, recognizing their life-giving essence and spiritual significance. Su tai able Harve ti g Sustainable harvesting practices, guided by generations of traditional knowledge, ensure that resources are utilized respectfully and replenished for future generations. The Tulas+ puja, a practice reflecting a sacred relationship with nature for wellbeing, exemplifies this reverence.
- 5. Categorie of Natural Re ource We categorize natural resources to better understand and manage them. These categories help us communicate more effectively about groups of resources with shared characteristics. 1 Re ource E e tial for Life Air, water, and soil that directly sustain human existence 2 Re ource for Material Elements from nature that we transform into physical objects 3 Re ource for E ergy Sources that provide power for modern living and production Another important categorization divides resources into renewable and non-renewable based on their ability to regenerate.
- 6. Re ource E e tial for Life Life could not exist on Earth without the fundamental resources that sustain us: The air we breathe from the atmosphere The water we drink from rivers, lakes, and aquifers The food we eat, grown in soil or harvested from other living things These essential resources cannot be manufactured by humans. We depend entirely on natural systems to provide and maintain them. Our most basic needs - air, water, and food - all come directly from nature's systems
- 7. Re ource for Material Human beings create physical objects out of Nature's gifts. We transform natural materials for both utility and beauty: Wood becomes furniture or artistic carvings Stone becomes buildings or sculptures Metals become tools, machines, or jewelry India's geographical diversity provides a wide variety of natural resources, from wood to marble, and coal to gold. An offshore oil rig extracts petroleum from below the seabed - a resource used for creating numerous materials
- 8. Re ource for E ergy Energy is a cornerstone of modern living, powering our buildings, transportation, and production processes. Energy resources include: Fossil fuels (coal, petroleum, natural gas) Flowing water (hydroelectric power) Renewable sources (sunlight, wind) Nuclear materials A microhydel plant in Himachal Pradesh4the power of flowing water converted into electricity
- 9. Nature' Pri ciple: Re toratio a d Rege eratio Nature functions in a restorative and regenerative way, healing itself and creating new life in continuous cycles where there is no waste. Growt New life emerges from seeds, creating plants and trees Maturity Living organisms develop and thrive in their ecosystems Decli e Natural elements eventually age and fall Deco po itio Bacteria, fungi and insects break down materials E ric e t Decomposed matter becomes part of the soil, enriching it
- 10. Re ewable Re ource Renewable resources can be replenished naturally over relatively short periods: Solar energy - abundant sunshine Wind energy - continuous air movement Water - replenished through rain and melting glaciers Forests - trees that regrow when harvested sustainably Soil fertility - replenished through natural processes Critical condition: The natural rhythm of restoration and regeneration must not be disturbed for resources to remain renewable. River water is a renewable resource as long as glaciers and forests exist to maintain the water cycle
- 11. W e Re ewable Re ource Beco e No -Re ewable Over arve ti g When we harvest timber faster than forests can regrow, we deplete the resource Pollutio Industrial waste discharged into rivers disrupts natural cycles and poisons water systems Cli ate C a ge Rising temperatures cause glaciers to melt faster than precipitation can replace them Overexploitatio Commercial fishing beyond sustainable limits threatens fish populations Human actions can disrupt Nature's cycles of restoration and regeneration, turning what should be renewable resources into effectively non- renewable ones.
- 12. Eco y te Fu ctio a d Service Eco y te Fu ctio Nature's inherent ways of working: Trees producing oxygen Forests filtering water Wetlands absorbing flood waters Soil organisms decomposing organic matter Eco y te Service Benefits humans receive from these functions: Clean air to breathe Purified water to drink Protected farmland Pollinated crops Did you know? A mature tree produces about 275 liters of oxygen per day, while a human needs about 350 liters daily.
- 13. No -Re ewable Re ource Non-renewable resources form over extremely long geological periods and cannot be replenished at the rate we use them: Fossil fuels (coal, petroleum, natural gas) Minerals and metals (iron, copper, gold) Rare earth elements India has significant coal reserves, but they may last only another 50 years at current consumption rates. Until sustainable alternatives become widely available, we must use non-renewables judiciously. Once extracted and used, non-renewable resources like coal cannot be replaced within human timescales
- 14. Di tributio of Natural Re ource Natural resources are not evenly distributed across our planet or within countries. This uneven distribution has profound implications: Shapes human settlements and population centers Determines trade patterns and economic relationships Influences international relations and diplomacy Can trigger conflicts and resource wars The uneven global distribution of important minerals shapes economic and political relationships
- 15. Eco o ic I plicatio of Re ource Di tributio I du trial Develop e t Industries often locate near natural resources, creating employment opportunities and economic growth in those regions Trade Relatio ip Resource distribution drives national and international trade, as regions exchange what they have abundance of for what they lack U ique Product Local resources combined with human knowledge create unique products, like the historical Wootz steel in India Social Co t Resource extraction can displace local populations, threaten sacred places, and create environmental damage The benefits of resource development must be balanced against potential social and environmental costs.
- 16. Cro -Border Re ource C alle ge Nature does not respect political boundaries, creating challenges for resource management: Rivers flow through multiple states or countries Forests and wildlife habitats cross borders Air pollution travels across regions Ocean resources are shared by many nations These shared resources require careful negotiation and management to maintain peace and ensure fair distribution. The Brahmaputra river flows through multiple countries, requiring international cooperation for management
- 17. T e "Natural Re ource Cur e" The "natural resource curse" or "paradox of plenty" describes how regions rich in natural resources can experience slower economic growth and development. Having abundant resources does not guarantee prosperity because: Economies may fail to develop value-adding industries Resource wealth can lead to corruption and poor governance Over-reliance on one resource creates economic vulnerability Resource extraction may benefit only a small elite India has generally avoided this curse by investing in industries that convert resources into higher-value products
- 18. Re po ible Re ource U e: Steward ip Su tai i g life o Eart require t at we re pect Nature Re toratio Helping damaged ecosystems return to their original healthy state Rege eratio Supporting Nature's ability to create new life and conditions for thriving Re po ible U e Using non-renewable resources judiciously while developing alternatives Scientists warn that irresponsible treatment of natural resources has led to pollution, biodiversity loss, and accelerating climate change.
- 19. Ca e Study: Grou dwater Cri i i Pu jab Punjab's agricultural success has led to a severe groundwater crisis: The Green Revolution introduced high-yielding crop varieties requiring more water Free electricity led to over-pumping of groundwater Chemical pesticides and fertilizers contaminated remaining water Groundwater is now inaccessible to depths of about 30 meters in large areas Almost 80% of Punjab is classified as "overexploited" - water is being drawn faster than it can be replenished. Depth to water level map of Punjab and Chandigarh (2022) shows the severity of groundwater depletion
- 20. Traditio al K owledge: V_ik yurveda Vr#iks#hyurveda is an ancient Indian botanical science focused on the study and care of plants and trees: Dates back several millennia, formalized around the 10th century CE Provides specific recommendations for plants based on soil types Details methods for seed collection, preservation, and pre- planting treatments Describes irrigation techniques varying by plant species and seasons Offers natural pest management strategies and companion planting This traditional knowledge promotes sustainable agriculture through practices like crop rotation and mixed cropping to maintain soil health
- 21. Succe Story: Orga ic Far i g i Sikki I itial C alle ge Pema's family farm faced declining yields and mounting debts from expensive chemical inputs Tra itio Period After the state government promoted organic farming, yields initially dropped as soil recovered from years of chemical use New Practice The family switched to compost, natural pest repellents, and multi-cropping Succe After five years, the farm thrived with premium prices for organic cardamom, ginger, and vegetables State Ac ieve e t In 2016, Sikkim became India's first 100% organic state with all farmland certified organic Visuals related to agricultural practices:
- 22. Re ewable E ergy Leader ip I ter atio al Solar Allia ce India and France launched the International Alliance for Solar Energy (IASE) in 2015 - a coalition of sunshine-rich countries committed to harnessing solar power. Focuses on countries with abundant year-round sunlight Channels billions into solar projects across developing nations Shares technical expertise and creates affordable financing Represents both environmental responsibility and economic opportunity Satellite image of one of the largest solar parks in Rajasthan, generating enough electricity to power about 15% of the state's needs
- 23. Su tai able Buildi g Material The cement industry is one of the most polluting, releasing fine dust that damages lungs, plants, soil, and water. Alternatives include: Traditional materials like stone and mud New plant-based materials Recycled materials from waste plastic Traditional materials and methods are being combined with modern technology to create sustainable building solutions that are less polluting, provide local employment, and are climate-appropriate. A modern community building in Auroville constructed using mud with special techniques by the Auroville Earth Institute
- 24. Equity i Re ource Acce Water I equality Many urban areas do not receive adequate and regular supply of drinking water, with informal settlements often most affected Air Pollutio Expo ure Pollution from industries and fossil fuels disproportionately affects those unable to protect themselves or relocate Re ource Be efit The economic benefits of resource extraction often do not reach local communities who bear the environmental costs As we address resource sustainability, we must also consider fair distribution and access. The Bhagavad G+t concept of lokasangraha suggests we must transcend personal desires and act for the wellbeing of all.
- 25. Key Takeaway Natural Re ource Materials and substances that occur in Nature and are valuable to humans Re ource Categorie Renewable resources can regenerate if not overexploited; non-renewable resources form over geological timescales Di tributio C alle ge Uneven resource distribution shapes economies, trade, and international relations Steward ip We must become vigilant about sustainable use of renewables and judicious use of non-renewables The path forward requires balancing human needs with nature's capacity to regenerate, combining traditional wisdom with modern innovation, and ensuring equitable access to resources for all.