Natural Resources and Their use | Class 8th | New NCERT

Everything around us in nature is not automatically a resource. It becomes a resource when humans are able to use it to satisfy their needs. In this chapter, we will understand how nature supports life, how different resources are used in different ways, and why careful use of resources is important for the future.

What is nature?

Nature means everything around us that is living or non-living. For example, plants, animals, air, water, soil and rocks.

• It is a part of our environment.
• It is not made by humans.

Note: All living beings depend on nature because it provides both living and non-living things needed for life.

When Does Nature Become a Resource?

• Nature becomes a resource when humans use it for their needs.
• It also becomes a resource when humans make useful things from it.
• So, use and usefulness turn nature into a resource.

Conditions for a Resource :

A thing can be called a resource only when it is:

• Technologically accessible: humans can reach or obtain it with available technology.
• Economically feasible: its use or extraction is affordable and practical.
• culturally acceptable: its use is socially or culturally accepted.

Note: Any material becomes a resource only when people can reach it, use it at a reasonable cost, and accept its use in society. Then it can be called a resource.

Categories of Natural Resources

• We categorise things to group them by common features.
• This makes study and communication easier.
• In the same way, natural resources are also classified.

On the basis of use:

1. Resources essential for life
   • Air, water and food are necessary for life.
   • We get them from the atmosphere, water bodies, soil and living things.
   • Humans cannot create these basic resources.
2. Resources for materials
   • Nature provides us with raw materials to make different useful things.
   • Examples: wood, marble, coal and gold.
   • India has many such resources because of its geographical diversity.
3. Resources for energy
   • Energy is needed for electricity, transport and production.
   • Main natural sources are coal, water, petroleum, natural gas, sunlight and wind.

On the basis of renewability:

• Natural resources can be classified as renewable and non-renewable.
• This classification depends on whether nature can replace the resource over time or not.
• Nature works through restoration and regeneration to maintain balance.

Distribution of Natural Resources and its Implications

• Nature does not distribute natural resources equally everywhere.
• Some regions are rich in certain natural resources, while others have fewer or no such resources.
• For Example:

Implications:

This uneven distribution affects human settlements, trade, international relations and conflicts.

• Positive implications:
  • Uneven distribution of resources attracts industries to resource-rich areas.
  • These industries create jobs for local people.
  • They also develop towns and improve facilities.
• Negative implications:
  • Development in resource-rich areas may displace people from their homes.
  • It may threaten sacred places and local culture.
  • It can also cause tensions and conflicts over sharing resources.
    • For example: The sharing of Kaveri River water among Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry has created conflicts over the use of water.

The ‘Natural Resource Curse’

• The natural resource curse means that a place may have plenty of natural resources, yet it may not achieve real economic growth and development.
• This is also called the paradox of plenty.

Why it happens?

• A country does not become rich only because it has many natural resources.
• If a country only extracts raw materials and does not convert them into valuable goods, it gains less benefit.
• Additionally, Lack of industries, skills, proper planning and good governance can also slow development.

Note: Along with natural resources, a country needs industries, skilled people, technology, good governance, proper planning and sustainable use of resources to become prosperous. For example, Japan became prosperous mainly because of these factors, even though it has limited natural resources.

Responsible and Wise Use of Natural Resources: Stewardship

• Stewardship means using natural resources wisely and responsibly.
• We should let renewable resources renew naturally and use non-renewable resources carefully.
• Irresponsible use of resources has increased pollution, biodiversity loss and climate change.

Restoration and Regeneration of Renewable Resources

• Renewable resources can also degrade if humans overuse them.
• Excess use of groundwater can lower the water table and cause shortage.
• Wrong use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides can degrade the soil.
• So, we must restore and regenerate renewable resources through careful use and better practices.

Examples (of problems) from case studies:-

• Overexploitation of Groundwater: In Punjab, farmers overused groundwater, so water levels fell sharply.
• Pollution caused by cement production: Cement is an important building material used in houses, roads, bridges and airports. But cement production is a highly polluting process. It releases fine dust, which harms humans, animals, plants, soil and water.

Note: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) is a government body that controls and monitors pollution in India. It has made rules to control and reduce pollution from cement factories.

Example (of solution) from case study:-

• Organic farming as a sustainable solution : Sikkim promoted organic farming to reduce dependence on chemical inputs. Farmers started using compost, natural pest repellents and multi-cropping. This step improved biodiversity, tourism and sustainability.

Note: Sikkim became a 100% organic state in 2016.

Vrikshayurveda: Traditional Knowledge of Plant Care
– Vrikshayurveda is an ancient Indian system that teaches the care and study of plants and trees.
– It gives guidance about suitable plants for different soils, seed treatment and irrigation.
– It also suggests natural pest control and plants that should grow together.
– This system supports sustainable agriculture through crop rotation, mixed cropping and soil care.
– It also explains proper ploughing to retain soil moisture and protect useful soil organisms.