MEV 014: Unit 01 – Overview of Natural Resources

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 UNIT 1: OVERVIEW OF NATURAL RESOURCES

1.0 Introduction

Natural resources are the foundation of human survival and development. They include everything we derive from the Earth—air, water, land, soil, minerals, plants, and animals. These resources are not just vital for meeting basic needs such as food, water, and shelter, but are also essential for economic activities like agriculture, industry, and energy production.

However, with growing population and consumption patterns, these resources are under severe pressure. The overexploitation and degradation of natural resources pose serious threats to sustainability and biodiversity. Therefore, understanding the types, values, and distribution of natural resources is crucial for their conservation and sustainable use.

1.1 Objectives

After studying this unit, learners will be able to:

·         Define and explain the concept of natural resources.

·         Understand the classification of natural resources.

·         Identify various types of resources and their uses.

·         Analyze the value and importance of land, water, forest, food, and energy resources.

·         Examine the availability and distribution of natural resources.

·         Explore the interrelationship among different natural resources.

1.2 Definition and Concept of Natural Resources

Natural resources refer to materials and components found in the environment that are used by humans for various purposes. These include renewable and non-renewable elements of nature that support life and economic development.

Definition:

“Natural resources are those components of the environment which are of value to humans in one form or another.” – United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

Natural resources can be biotic (living, e.g., forests, animals) or abiotic (non-living, e.g., minerals, water, air).

1.3 Classification of Natural Resources

Natural resources are broadly classified on the basis of availability, origin, and renewability.

1.3.1 Inexhaustible Resources (Renewable)

These are resources that are abundant and inexhaustible in nature. They can be naturally replenished over time and are not depleted when used sustainably.

Examples:

·         Solar energy

·         Wind energy

·         Water

·         Air

·         Tides

Though renewable, their quality and availability can be impacted by pollution or overuse.

1.3.2 Exhaustible Resources (Non-Renewable)

These resources are limited in quantity and cannot be replenished on a human time scale once depleted. Their excessive use leads to permanent loss.

Examples:

·         Coal

·         Petroleum

·         Natural gas

·         Minerals

·         Metals

The conservation of exhaustible resources is essential for sustainable development.

1.4 Value and Uses of Natural Resources

Natural resources are indispensable for survival and development. Each type of resource plays a vital role in human well-being and economic growth.

1.4.1 Land Resources

Land provides the base for agriculture, housing, industry, and transport.

Importance:

·         Supports life through vegetation and food production.

·         Source of minerals and construction materials.

·         Enables human settlements and infrastructure development.

Problems:

·         Soil erosion, deforestation, urbanization, and land degradation threaten its productivity.

1.4.2 Water Resources

Water is essential for drinking, irrigation, sanitation, power generation, and industry.

Types:

·         Surface water (rivers, lakes, ponds)

·         Groundwater (wells, aquifers)

Challenges:

·         Water scarcity, pollution, over-extraction, and uneven distribution.

Solution:

·         Efficient water management, rainwater harvesting, and pollution control.

1.4.3 Forest Resources

Forests provide timber, fuelwood, medicines, oxygen, and support biodiversity.

Uses:

·         Regulate climate and rainfall.

·         Prevent soil erosion.

·         Support livelihoods of tribal and forest-dependent communities.

Threats:

·         Deforestation, illegal logging, and forest fires.

Conservation:

·         Afforestation, community forest management, and wildlife protection.

1.4.4 Food Resources

Food resources come from agriculture, fisheries, and livestock.

Importance:

·         Essential for nutrition and food security.

·         Agriculture supports employment and rural development.

Issues:

·         Overfarming, soil degradation, and climate change impact food production.

Way Forward:

·         Organic farming, sustainable agricultural practices, and crop diversification.

1.4.5 Energy Resources

Energy drives development. It is required for transportation, industries, lighting, and communication.

Types:

·         Conventional: Coal, petroleum, natural gas.

·         Non-conventional: Solar, wind, hydropower, biomass.

Concerns:

·         Fossil fuel depletion and greenhouse gas emissions.

Solutions:

·         Promote renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies.

1.5 Availability and Distribution of Natural Resources

Natural resources are unevenly distributed across the globe and even within countries. Some regions are rich in minerals, while others have fertile lands or abundant water.

Examples:

·         Middle East: Rich in petroleum.

·         India: Rich in coal, iron, and biodiversity.

·         Africa: Vast mineral wealth but underutilized due to economic and political challenges.

This uneven distribution affects economic development, resource access, and geopolitical relations.

1.6 Interrelationship Among Different Natural Resources

Natural resources are interconnected in a complex web of ecological balance.

Examples of Interdependence:

·         Forests help regulate rainfall which supports water resources.

·         Land and water are essential for agriculture (food production).

·         Energy extraction impacts land and water quality.

·         Degradation of one resource affects others (e.g., deforestation leads to soil erosion and reduced water retention).

Sustainable resource management requires a holistic view that respects these interrelationships.

1.7 Let Us Sum Up

Natural resources form the base of life and development. They are classified into inexhaustible and exhaustible types, each having unique importance and challenges. Land, water, forests, food, and energy resources are integral to human survival.

The uneven distribution and increasing pressure on resources demand urgent attention for conservation, equitable access, and sustainable use. Understanding the interrelationships among resources can help us formulate better strategies for environmental protection and long-term growth.

 

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