CHAPTER-1
(Natural Resources and Their Use)

1. What can make what is today a renewable resource non-renewable tomorrow? Describe some actions that can prevent this from happening.

A renewable resource can become non-renewable if it is used faster than nature can replenish it. For example, excessive cutting of forests, overuse of groundwater, and overfishing can deplete these resources beyond recovery.

To prevent this, we should use resources sustainably, promote afforestation, conserve water, regulate resource extraction, and encourage recycling and reuse. These measures help maintain the availability of resources for future generations.

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2. Name five ecosystem functions that serve humans.

Five important ecosystem functions that serve humans are:

1. Provision of food – Ecosystems provide crops, fruits, vegetables, and fish.

2. Supply of fresh water – Forests, rivers, and wetlands help provide clean water.

3. Climate regulation – Ecosystems absorb carbon dioxide and regulate temperature.

4. Soil formation and fertility – Natural processes maintain fertile soil for agriculture.

5. Pollination of crops – Insects and birds help in the pollination of many food crops.

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3. What are renewable resources? How are they different from non-renewable ones? What can people do to ensure that renewable resources continue to be available for our use and that of future generations? Give two examples.

Renewable resources are resources that can be replenished or regenerated naturally within a relatively short period of time. Examples include sunlight, wind, water, forests, and wildlife.

Non-renewable resources are resources that take millions of years to form and cannot be replaced quickly once exhausted. Examples include coal, petroleum, and natural gas.

To ensure the continued availability of renewable resources, people should use them wisely and avoid overexploitation. Conservation measures such as afforestation, rainwater harvesting, sustainable farming, and controlled use of natural resources should be adopted.

Examples:

1. Planting trees to replace those that are cut down.

2. Harvesting rainwater to recharge groundwater resources.

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4. Identify cultural practices in your home and neighbourhood that point to mindfulness in the use of natural resources.

Many cultural practices reflect careful and responsible use of natural resources. In homes, people often switch off lights and fans when not in use, reuse containers, and avoid wasting water. Traditional practices such as storing rainwater and using cloth bags instead of plastic also promote conservation.

In neighbourhoods, community tree plantation drives, protection of sacred groves, use of public water sources responsibly, and celebrations that avoid environmental pollution demonstrate mindfulness in resource use. These practices help conserve natural resources and maintain ecological balance.

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5. What are some considerations to keep in mind in the production of goods for our current use?

While producing goods for present use, it is important to ensure that natural resources are not exhausted or damaged. Production should be carried out in a sustainable manner that balances economic development with environmental protection.

Some important considerations include:

• Efficient use of resources to avoid wastage.

• Use of renewable resources wherever possible.

• Reduction of pollution during production processes.

• Recycling and reuse of materials to reduce pressure on natural resources.

• Conservation of resources for future generations by following sustainable development practices.

These measures help achieve development without compromising the needs of future generations.