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Class 8 Natural Resources and Their Use | NCERT CBSE

NCERT Class 8 Exploring Society: India & Beyond Part-1 Chapter 1: Natural Resources and Their Use This PPT covers all the topics in the chapter "Natural Resources and Their Use" The presentation is structured into several key sections: Saturn Studies (https://saturnstudies.odoo.com)

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Natural Resources and Their Use Exploring Society: India and Beyond https://saturnstudies.odoo.com
What Makes Nature a Resource? Natural elements become resources when humans utilize them for sustenance or to create new products. For an entity to be considered a resource, it must meet specific criteria: Technologically Accessible We must possess the necessary tools and methods to access and process the natural element effectively. Economically Feasible The cost of extracting and utilizing the resource should be justifiable and provide economic benefit. Culturally Acceptable Its use must align with societal values, traditions, and ethical considerations.
Nature a Sacred In many indigenous traditions of the world, Nature is considered sacred. Nature is viewed as a nurturer and nourisher rather than just a collection of resources to be exploited. These traditions often include practices that reflect deep respect for natural elements: Sacred Groves Honoring Ritual Sustainable Harvesting Many traditions maintain sacred groves where trees and other natural elements are protected and cannot be cut, fostering a deep connection to the land. Rituals are performed to honor natural elements like water, sun, and earth, recognizing their life- giving essence and spiritual significance. Sustainable harvesting practices, guided by generations of traditional knowledge, ensure that resources are utilized respectfully and replenished for future generations. The Tulasi puja, a practice reflecting a sacred relationship with nature for wellbeing, exemplifies this reverence.
Categories of Natural Resources We categorize natural resources to better understand and manage them. These categories help us communicate more effectively about groups of resources with shared characteristics. Resources Essential for Life Air, water, and soil that directly sustain human existence. These cannot be manufactured by humans—we depend entirely on natural systems. Resources for Materials Elements from nature transformed into physical objects. Wood becomes furniture, stone becomes buildings, metals become tools and jewelry. Resources for Energy Sources that provide power for modern living and production, including fossil fuels, flowing water, sunlight, wind, and nuclear materials. Another important categorization divides resources into renewable and non-renewable based on their ability to regenerate.
Resource Essential for Life Life could not exist on Earth without the fundamental resources that sustain us: The air we breathe from the atmosphere The water we drink from rivers, lakes, and aquifers The food we eat, grown in soil or harvested from other living things These essential resources cannot be manufactured by humans. We depend entirely on natural systems to provide and maintain them.
Resources for Materials Human beings create physical objects out of Nature's gifts. We transform natural materials for both utility and beauty: • Wood becomes furniture or artistic carvings • Stone becomes buildings or sculptures • Metals become tools, machines, or jewelry India's geographical diversity provides a wide variety of natural resources, from wood to marble, and coal to gold.
Resources for Energy Energy is a cornerstone of modern living, powering our buildings, transportation, and production processes. Energy resources include: • Fossil fuels (coal, petroleum, natural gas) • Flowing water (hydroelectric power) • Renewable sources (sunlight, wind) • Nuclear materials
Nature's Principle: Restoration and Regeneration Growth New life emerges from seeds, creating plants and trees Maturity Living organisms develop and thrive in their ecosystems Decline Natural elements eventually age and fall Decomposition Bacteria, fungi and insects break down materials Enrichment Decomposed matter becomes part of the soil, enriching it Nature functions in a restorative and regenerative way, healing itself and creating new life in continuous cycles where there is no waste.
Renewable Resources Renewable resources can be replenished naturally over relatively short periods. However, this requires that the natural rhythm of restoration and regeneration must not be disturbed. • Solar energy - abundant sunshine • Wind energy - continuous air movement • Water - replenished through rain and melting glaciers • Forests - trees that regrow when harvested sustainably • Soil fertility - replenished through natural processes
When Renewables Become Non- Renewable Overharvesting Harvesting timber faster than forests can regrow Pollution Industrial waste disrupting natural cycles Climate Change Glaciers melting faster than precipitation can replace them Overexploitation Fishing beyond sustainable limits Human actions can disrupt Nature's cycles of restoration and regeneration, turning what should be renewable resources into effectively nonrenewable ones.
Ecosystem Function and Services Ecosystem Functions Ecosystem Services Nature's inherent ways of working: • Trees producing oxygen • Forests filtering water • Wetlands absorbing flood waters • Soil organisms decomposing organic matter Benefits humans receive from these functions: • Clean air to breathe • Purified water to drink • Protected farmland • Pollinated crops Did you know? A mature tree produces about 275 liters of oxygen per day, while a human needs about 350 liters daily.
Non-Renewable Resources Non-renewable resources form over extremely long geological periods and cannot be replenished at the rate we use them: Fossil Fuels Coal, petroleum, and natural gas formed over millions of years Minerals & Metals Iron, copper, gold, and rare earth elements Finite Supply Once extracted and used, they cannot be replaced within human timescales India has significant coal reserves, but they may last only another 50 years at current consumption rates. Until sustainable alternatives become widely available, we must use non-renewables judiciously.
Distribution of Natural Resources Natural resources are not evenly distributed across our planet or within countries. This uneven distribution has profound implications: 01 Shapes human settlements and population centers 02 Determines trade patterns and economic relationships 03 Influences international relations and diplomacy 04 Can trigger conflicts and resource wars
Economic Implications of Resource Distribution Industrial Development Unique Products Trade Relationships Social Costs Industries often locate near natural resources, creating employment opportunities and economic growth in those regions Local resources combined with human knowledge create unique products, like the historical Wootz steel in India Resource distribution drives national and international trade, as regions exchange what they have abundance of for what they lack Resource extraction can displace local populations, threaten sacred places, and create environmental damage The benefits of resource development must be balanced against potential social and environmental costs.
Cross-Border Resource Challenges Nature does not respect political boundaries, creating challenges for resource management: • Rivers flow through multiple states or countries • Forests and wildlife habitats cross borders • Air pollution travels across regions • Ocean resources are shared by many nations These shared resources require careful negotiation and management to maintain peace and ensure fair distribution.
The "Natural Resource Curse" The Paradox Regions rich in natural resources can experience slower economic growth and development. Having abundant resources does not guarantee prosperity. Why? • Economies fail to develop value- adding industries • Resource wealth leads to corruption and poor governance • Over-reliance on one resource creates vulnerability • Benefits reach only a small elite
Responsible Resource Use: Stewardship Sustaining Life on Earth requires that we respect Nature Sustaining life on Earth requires that we respect Nature through restoration, regeneration, and responsible use: Restoration Helping damaged ecosystems return to their original healthy state Regeneration Supporting Nature's ability to create new life and conditions for thriving Responsible Use Using non-renewable resources judiciously while developing alternatives "We must move toward a regenerative economy that operates in harmony with nature, repurposing used resources, minimizing waste, and replenishing depleted resources." Scientists warn that irresponsible treatment of natural resources has led to pollution, biodiversity loss, and accelerating climate change
Case Study: Punjab Groundwater Crisis 1 Green Revolution High-yielding crops introduced, requiring more water 2 Free Electricity Encouraged over-pumping of groundwater 3 Chemical Contamination Pesticides and fertilizers polluted water 4 Crisis 80% of Punjab now overexploited Groundwater is now inaccessible to depths of about 30 meters in large areas—water being drawn faster than it can be replenished.
Traditional Knowledge: Vrikshayurveda Vrikshayurveda is an ancient Indian botanical science focused on the study and care of plants and trees: • Dates back several millennia, formalized around the 10th century CE • Provides specific recommendations for plants based on soil types • Details methods for seed collection, preservation, and pre-planting treatments • Describes irrigation techniques varying by plant species and seasons • Offers natural pest management strategies and companion planting
Success Story: Organic Farming in Sikkim Initial Challenges Transition Period New Practices Success State Achievement Pema's family farm faced declining yields and mounting debts from expensive chemical inputs After the state government promoted organic farming, yields initially dropped as soil recovered from years of chemical use The family switched to compost, natural pest repellents, and multi- cropping After five years, the farm thrived with premium prices for organic cardamom, ginger, and vegetables In 2016, Sikkim became India's first 100% organic state with all farmland certified organic Visuals related to agricultural practices:
Renewable Energy Leadership International Solar Alliance India and France launched the International Alliance for Solar Energy (IASE) in 2015 - a coalition of sunshine- rich countries committed to harnessing solar power. • Focuses on countries with abundant year-round sunlight • Channels billions into solar projects across developing nations • Shares technical expertise and creates affordable financing • Represents both environmental responsibility and economic opportunity
Sustainable Building Materials The cement industry is one of the most polluting, releasing fine dust that damages lungs, plants, soil, and water. Alternatives include: • Traditional materials like stone and mud • New plant-based materials • Recycled materials from waste plastic Traditional materials and methods are being combined with modern technology to create sustainable building solutions that are less polluting, provide local employment, and are climate-appropriate.
Equity in Resource Access Water Inequality Many urban areas do not receive adequate and regular supply of drinking water, with informal settlements often most affected Air Pollution Exposure Pollution from industries and fossil fuels disproportionately affects those unable to protect themselves or relocate Resource Benefits The economic benefits of resource extraction often do not reach local communities who bear the environmental costs As we address resource sustainability, we must also consider fair distribution and access. The Bhagavad G+t concept of lokasangraha suggests we must transcend personal desires and act for the wellbeing of all.
Key Takeaways 1 Natural Resources Materials and substances that occur in Nature and are valuable to humans 2 Resource Categories Renewable resources can regenerate if not overexploited; non-renewable resources form over geological timescales 3 Distribution Challenges Uneven resource distribution shapes economies, trade, and international relations 4 Stewardship We must become vigilant about sustainable use of renewables and judicious use of non-renewables The path forward requires balancing human needs with nature's capacity to regenerate, combining traditional wisdom with modern innovation, and ensuring equitable access to resources for all.