Our Resources

• All the elements of the environment that humans need and value can be called resources.

  The term ‘resource’ does not refer to a thing or a substance but to its function or ability to satisfy human wants.

• They satisfy our wants and provide us comfort.

• Human beings are also considered a resource because it is through human knowledge and skills that other resources can be developed.

• Any material from nature is not a resource on its own. It becomes a resource as/when humans attach some (resource)value to it by finding it useful.

  • Economic value - Natural elements used to produce something of value. Eg: Waterfalls used to generate electricity

  • Aesthetic value - Natural elements used for their beauty. Eg: Mountains and Seas (Scenic).

• The use of resources depends upon:

  • The needs of the ppl in a region

  • Their knowledge

  • The level of technology they possess

• Eg: The mineral deposits in Africa were not valuable to the natives as they were ignorant about their use. When the European traders explored and developed the mineral deposits, they became important resources.

• The degree to which a country develops or exploits its resources determines the level of development the country has attained.

• In developed countries like the US, UK, and Japan, resources have been utilized efficiently.

• In countries like Ethiopia, Somalia, or Yemen, resources are yet to be fully developed as they lack access to the required technology and knowledge.

• The importance of a particular resource changes with time. Eg: The forests of India earlier were used for timber and firewood. After being converted into national parks, it has been preserving flora and fauna, promoting tourism, and generating income.

Types of resources

• Natural Resources:-

  • Resources obtained from nature.

  • Classified as Biotic and Abiotic based on origin

  • Biotic resources:

    • Obtained from Living Organisms - forest products, grasses, crops, animals, birds, fish, etc. Plays an important role.

    • Have the capacity to reproduce and regenerate within time.

    • Therefore, are renewable resources.

  • Abiotic resources:

    • Obtained from Non-living/physical environment - Land, Soil, Water, Air, Rocks, minerals, etc.

    • Used directly or Indirectly.

    • Some are Renewable, others aren’t.

  • Classified as Renewable and Nonrenewable based on renewability.

  • Renewable resources:

    • Resources that do not get exhausted even after continuous use.

    • Sunlight, Wind, Water, Sand, etc.

    • Some are limited and can be diminished after use but have the capacity to reproduce/regenerate after some time.

  • Nonrenewable resources:

    • Are completely exhausted after use and cannot be replaced.

    • Include minerals like Iron, Copper, and Fossil fuels — Coal, Petroleum, and Natural Gas.

    • Minerals like Iron, Copper, and Gold can be recycled. Not for fossil fuels tho.

  • Classified as Potential and Actual based on stage of development.

  • Potential resources:

    • When the resources exist in a region but are not used due to lack of technology/knowledge_{(to use)} or development_{(of country)} to full potential.

    • Africa has numerous waterfalls which can be harnessed for electricity but are not.

    • Therefore being a resource with valuable potential.

  • Actual resources:

    • Resources that can be used and developed with available technology.

    • But are not.

    • They are called Reserve(s).

    • Eg: Coal, and Iron-ore deposits in India.

• Human Resources:-

  • Quality(physical and mental abilities) and Quantity(population) of people.

  • Most Important resource.

  • Resources are created by human effort and increased by the application of human knowledge and intelligence.

  • Economic Development depends upon HR.

  • Eg: Northeastern USA, and western Europe are densely populated and are highly skilled and efficient. Therefore, are very prosperous.

  • Eg: the Amazon basin or some African countries — like Ethiopia and Somalia — are thinly populated or the people lack knowledge or access to modern technology. Therefore are developing.

• Human-made resources:-

  • Created by Humans with materials available in the environment.

  • Can be used for the production of other resources.

  • Tools, Machines, Buildings, etc.

  • The rate at which it is produced is called Productivity. It depends on the level of tech used, the law situation, political & social institutions, and the infrastructure available.

Sustainable Development

• Development that does not damage the environment in any way and meets the needs of the present without affecting the future.

• Resources need to be preserved for future generations.

• If the rate of consumption of the ever-growing population is faster than that of regeneration, some of the necessary natural resources are bound to get depleted.

• This has happened to us before — Widespread deforestation depleted green cover and led to the endangerment of species of flora and fauna.

• Misuse or Overuse of many valuable resources has led to degradation/deterioration in quality.

• Eg: Soil, Land, Air, and Water have decreased qualities due to Pollution.

• If this situation continues, we will have a world devoid of natural resources.

• It is up to us to adapt or use resources consciously.

• Cardinal rules for conscious use:

  • use renewable resources in a sustainable manner

  • minimize the depletion of natural resources

  • conserve the different species of living things

  • do not cause any harm to the environment and encourage others not to

Resources (AI made mindmap)

Central Idea

• All elements of the environment satisfying human wants are resources.

Types of Resources

• Natural Resources

  • Biotic Resources

    • Forest products, animals, etc.

    • Renewable resources.

  • Abiotic Resources

    • Land, water, minerals, etc.

    • Renewable and nonrenewable.

• Human Resources

  • Quality and quantity of people.

  • Economic development depends on HR.

• Human-made Resources

  • Tools, machines, buildings, etc.

  • Productivity depends on technology, laws, etc.

Values of Resources

• Economic Value

  • Waterfalls for electricity.

• Aesthetic Value

  • Mountains, and seas for scenic beauty.

Use of Resources

• Depends on needs, knowledge, and technology.

• Determines a country's level of development.

Sustainable Development

• Development without harming the environment.

• Preserve resources for future generations.

Cardinal Rules

• Use renewable resources sustainably.

• Minimize depletion of natural resources.

• Conserve living species.

• Avoid harming the environment.