NCERT Class 8 SST Chapter 1 Natural Resources and Their Use Notes PDF Download
Natural Resources and Their Use Class 8 Notes PDF
Class 8 SST Chapter 1 Natural resources and Their Use Notes
Q - When Does Nature Become a Resource?
Ans : - Nature includes all living and non-living things that exist in
our environment without being created by humans. These natural elements become
resources when people use them to meet their needs or transform them into
useful products. For example, trees are a part of nature, but when their wood
is used to make furniture or paper, they become valuable resources.
However, not every natural element can be considered a resource
immediately. It must be technologically accessible, economically affordable,
and culturally acceptable to use. For instance, petroleum deep beneath the
ocean may not be a resource if current technology cannot extract it or if the
cost of extraction is too high. Similarly, trees in sacred groves may remain
untouched because of cultural beliefs.
The Earth is rich in natural resources that have formed over millions of
years. These include essential resources such as air, water, and soil, as well
as valuable minerals and fuels like coal, petroleum, metal ores, precious
stones, and timber. Humans use these resources for survival, development, and
improving their quality of life.
Categories of Natural Resources : -
➤ Natural resources can be grouped into different categories based on
their characteristics and uses. Categorising resources helps us understand them
better, communicate more easily, and study their importance in an organised
way. Just as we classify living and non-living things, natural resources can
also be classified using common criteria.
One common way to classify natural resources is according to their use.
On this basis, they are divided into resources essential for life, resources
used as raw materials, and resources used as sources of energy. This
classification helps us understand how different resources support human life
and development.
➤ Some natural resources are necessary for the survival of all living
organisms. Air, water, and soil are the most important life-supporting
resources. We breathe air, drink water, and depend on fertile soil to grow
crops. Since these resources are essential for life, they must be used wisely
and protected for future generations.
ii. Resources for materials : -
➤ Human beings create physical objects out of Nature's gifts. We make them
for our utility or to create things of beauty that enrich our lives and those
of others. A piece of wood can be transformed into a chair and also carved into
a statuette. India's geographical diversity provides us with a wide variety of
natural resources, from wood to marble, and coal to gold.
iii. Resources for energy : -
➤ Energy is a cornerstone of modern living—electricity for our buildings,
transportation, and all types of production processes. This energy can come
from diverse natural sources: coal, water, petroleum, natural gas, sunlight,
wind, etc.
iv. Renewable and non-renewable resources : -
➤ A second way of categorising natural resources could be based on whether
they are renewable or not. A general principle of Nature is that it functions
in a restorative and regenerative way. Restoration is the process of returning
something to its original healthy state if it has been degraded or damaged.
Nature heals, renews and maintains herself over time.
What are Renewable Resources?
➤ Renewable resources are natural resources that can be replaced or
regenerated by nature over time. India receives abundant sunlight, rivers are
continuously supplied by rainfall and melting glaciers, forests grow back
naturally, and soil regains its fertility through natural processes. Examples
of renewable resources include solar energy, wind energy, flowing water, and
timber from forests.
Sustainable Use of Renewable Resources : -
Renewable resources remain available only if they are used in a
sustainable manner. Nature follows a natural cycle of restoration and
regeneration. If people use resources faster than nature can replace them,
these resources may become depleted. For example, cutting down trees faster
than forests can regrow will eventually destroy the forest.
Human Activities and Climate Change : -
Scientists have found that human activities have disturbed nature's
balance. Burning fossil fuels in industries and cutting down forests have
increased global temperatures. As a result, Himalayan glaciers are melting
faster than snowfall can replace them. This threatens water security for
millions of people living in the plains who depend on rivers originating from
these glaciers.
Traditional Conservation Practices : -
In the past, many communities protected natural resources through
traditional practices. For example, they avoided fishing during the spawning
season so that fish populations could reproduce. However, commercial fishing
has caused overfishing. Tuna fish populations have declined rapidly, disturbing
the balance of marine ecosystems because tuna help control the population of
smaller fish and other sea creatures.
Industrial Pollution : -
Industries manufacture the goods we use every day, but they also produce
waste. Many industries release untreated waste into rivers and lakes. These
harmful substances do not decompose naturally and pollute water bodies. As a
result, rivers lose their ability to support aquatic life and nature's cycle of
restoration is disrupted.
Ecosystem Functions and Ecosystem Services : -
Nature performs many essential functions on its own. Trees produce
oxygen, forests filter water, prevent soil erosion, and provide shelter to
wildlife. These natural processes are called ecosystem functions. When humans
benefit from them, such as by getting clean air, clean water, fertile land, and
pollinated crops, they are known as ecosystem services. A mature tree produces
about 275 litres of oxygen per day, while an average human requires about 350
litres of oxygen daily.
Research on Renewable Resources : -
Students are encouraged to study the renewable resources available in
their local area. They should observe how these resources have changed over
time, identify the reasons for these changes, and suggest measures to conserve
and restore them for future generations.
Non-Renewable Resources : -
What are Non-Renewable Resources?
➤ Non-renewable resources are formed over millions of years and cannot be
replaced within a human lifetime. Once they are used, they cannot be
replenished quickly. Examples include fossil fuels such as coal and petroleum,
and minerals like iron, copper, and gold.
Need for Careful Use of Non-Renewable Resources : -
➤ India has large reserves of coal, which is widely used for generating
electricity. However, experts estimate that these reserves may last only about
50 more years if consumption continues at the current rate. As population and
development increase, the demand for electricity also rises. Therefore, coal
and other non-renewable resources must be used wisely until cleaner and more
sustainable energy sources become widely available.
⦿ Uneven Distribution of Natural Resources : -
Natural resources are not equally distributed across the world or even
within a country. Some regions have abundant minerals, forests, water, or
fertile land, while others have very few natural resources. This unequal
distribution influences where people live, how countries trade, and even causes
conflicts. Throughout history, many wars have been fought to gain control over
valuable natural resources.
◉ Industries and Employment : -
Industries are often established near places where natural resources are
available. These industries create employment opportunities for local people
and encourage the growth of towns and cities. As industries develop, people
also gain access to better roads, schools, hospitals, electricity, and other
modern facilities, improving their standard of living.
◉ Social and Environmental Costs : -
Although resource-based industries bring economic benefits, they also
have negative impacts. Many people living in resource-rich areas are forced to
leave their homes because of mining or industrial projects. Their religious and
cultural sites may also be damaged, leading to social conflicts. Thus,
development often comes with both short-term and long-term costs.
◉ Natural Resources and Trade : -
The geographical distribution of natural resources plays an important
role in national and international trade. When combined with human knowledge
and technology, natural resources can be transformed into valuable products.
For example, Wootz steel, a high-quality steel produced in ancient India,
became famous across the world. Trade in such products contributed to the
growth of powerful Indian empires.
◉ Responsible Use of Natural Resources : -
The extraction of natural resources should be done responsibly.
Excessive exploitation may benefit the present generation but can reduce the
availability of resources for future generations. Sustainable use and
conservation ensure that natural resources continue to support economic
development without harming the environment.
◉ Natural Resources Beyond Political Boundaries : -
Natural resources such as rivers, forests, and mountain ranges do not
follow political boundaries. Therefore, states and countries often need to
share these resources. Disputes may arise over their use. One example is the
sharing of Kaveri River water among Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and
Puducherry. Such conflicts require negotiation, cooperation, and fair
agreements to maintain peace.
⦿ The 'Paradox of Plenty'
Meaning of the 'Paradox of Plenty'
➤ Having abundant natural resources does not always make a country rich.
Economists call this situation the 'Paradox of Plenty' or 'Natural Resource
Curse'. Some countries with rich natural resources experience slow economic
growth because they fail to develop industries that can convert raw materials
into valuable finished products.
◉ India's Experience : -
India has largely avoided the natural resource curse by investing in
industries that process natural resources into useful products. The development
of manufacturing industries has helped meet the country's growing needs and
supported economic growth.
⦿ Sustainable Management of Resources : -
The real challenge is to balance the extraction of natural resources
with environmental sustainability. Natural resources alone cannot guarantee
prosperity. Human knowledge, scientific technology, good governance, proper
planning, and responsible management are essential to ensure that natural
resources become a long-term benefit instead of a short-lived advantage.
Stewardship of Natural Resources : -
◉ Stewardship means using natural resources wisely and responsibly so that
they remain available for future generations. Renewable resources should be
used in a way that allows their natural restoration and regeneration, while
non-renewable resources should be used carefully and judiciously. Scientists
warn that irresponsible use of resources has caused pollution, biodiversity
loss, and climate change.
Restoration and Regeneration of Renewable Resources : -
➣ Groundwater Depletion
Groundwater is widely used for irrigation in India. In many states,
groundwater is extracted faster than it can be naturally replenished. This
causes the water table to fall, making groundwater difficult and expensive to
obtain. If this continues, many cities may soon face severe water shortages.
➣ Conserving Water Resources
Several methods can help restore groundwater. These include rainwater
harvesting, rejuvenating ponds and tanks, reducing unnecessary water use,
treating wastewater, and reusing water. Such practices help maintain
groundwater levels and ensure sustainable water use.
➣ Soil Degradation
The excessive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has damaged
soil quality. Traditional Indian farming methods treated soil as Mother Earth
and relied on natural fertilizers like cow dung, mulching, and mixed cropping.
These eco-friendly methods improved soil fertility and maintained soil health.
Overexploitation of Groundwater in Punjab : -
➣ Green Revolution and Water Crisis
Punjab played a major role in the Green Revolution, helping India become
self-sufficient in food production. However, high-yielding wheat and paddy
varieties required large amounts of water. Farmers began extracting excessive
groundwater, creating a serious water crisis.
➣ Causes of Groundwater Depletion
The availability of free electricity encouraged farmers to pump
groundwater continuously. Modern farming also depended heavily on chemical
fertilizers and pesticides. As a result, groundwater levels declined sharply,
and harmful chemicals contaminated the groundwater.
➣ Effects of Overexploitation
Nearly 80% of Punjab has been declared overexploited because groundwater
is being used much faster than it can be replenished. Although food production
increased in the short term, the long-term effects include water scarcity,
pollution, and health hazards.
The Case of Cement : -
➣ Environmental Impact of Cement
Cement is essential for constructing buildings, roads, bridges, schools,
and hospitals. However, cement manufacturing is one of the most polluting
industries. It releases dust that harms human health, damages plants, and
pollutes soil and water.
➣ Sustainable Alternatives
To reduce pollution, the Central Pollution Control Board has issued
guidelines for cement factories. Alternative building materials such as stone,
mud, recycled plastic, and plant-based materials are being promoted. These
materials are environmentally friendly and create local employment.
Traditional Knowledge: Vṛikṣhāyurveda : -
➣ Ancient Indian Botanical Science
Vṛikṣhāyurveda is an ancient Indian science that focuses on the care and
cultivation of plants and trees. It provides detailed knowledge about selecting
seeds, irrigation, natural pest control, crop rotation, mixed cropping, and
soil conservation. These traditional practices support sustainable agriculture.
Organic Farming in Sikkim : -
➣ Transition to Organic Farming
Pema's family in Sikkim shifted from chemical farming to organic farming
after the state government promoted organic agriculture. Initially, crop yields
decreased because the soil was recovering from years of chemical use.
➣ Success of Organic Farming
The family began using compost, natural pest repellents, and multiple
cropping. After about five years, farm productivity improved significantly. In
2016, Sikkim became India's first 100% organic state. Organic farming increased
biodiversity, boosted tourism, and raised farmers' incomes by about 20%.
Responsible Use of Non-Renewable Resources : -
➣ Judicious Use of Non-Renewable Resources
Non-renewable resources should be used carefully because they cannot be
replaced quickly. Society should gradually replace fossil fuels with renewable
energy sources like solar and wind power to ensure long-term sustainability.
International Solar Alliance (ISA) : -
➣ India's Leadership in Solar Energy
India and France launched the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in 2015
to promote solar energy among sunshine-rich countries. The alliance supports
solar projects, shares technology, and provides financial assistance. India's
Bhadla Solar Park in Rajasthan is one of the world's largest solar parks and
demonstrates India's commitment to renewable energy.
Fair Access to Natural Resources : -
Access to natural resources is often unequal. Many urban areas face
shortages of clean drinking water, while air pollution affects poor communities
the most. Ensuring equal access to clean water and air is an important part of
sustainable development.
Stewardship and Lokasangraha : -
Humans should act as responsible stewards of nature by protecting and
conserving natural resources. The Bhagavad Gita teaches the principle of
Lokasangraha, which means working for the welfare of all rather than pursuing
personal interests. This principle encourages environmental responsibility and
sustainable living.