Resource – Anything which has some utility for us is called a resource.
Some resources have economic value, while some do not.
For example; milk has economic value, but a beautiful landscape has no economic value.
But both are important because both satisfy some human needs.
Time and technology are two important factors which can change a substance into resources.
For example; petroleum was not a resource before people learnt to use it.
Technology – The application of latest knowledge and skill in doing or making things is called technology.
Patent – The exclusive right over any idea or invention is called patent.
Types of Resources: Resources are usually classified into three types:
Natural
Human made
Human resources
Natural Resource: Resources which are obtained from nature are called natural resources.
Some of the natural resources can be used directly.
While for using some others we need the help of some technologies.
Types of Natural Resources:
Classification of natural resources on the basis of development and use:
Actual Resource: Resources that have been surveyed, their quantity and quality determined, and are being used in present times are called actual resources. Ex – coal and petroleum.
Potential Resource: The resources that are available in a particular region and can be utilized in the future are known as potential resources. For example – uranium reserves in Ladakh.
Note: Potential resources can be used in future once technology for that is properly developed.
Classification of natural resources on the basis of origin:
Abiotic Resource: Resources which come from non-living sources are called abiotic resources. Ex – soil, rocks and minerals.
Biotic Resource: Resources which come from living beings are called biotic resource. Ex – milk, leather, timber, etc.
Classification of natural resources on the basis of their exhaustibility:
Renewable Resource: Resources which can be quickly replenished are called renewable resources. Ex – wind energy, hydro energy, solar energy, etc.
Non-renewable Resource: Resources which cannot be replenished in the near future are called non–renewable resources. Ex – coal and petroleum.
Note: It takes millions of years for the formation of coal and petroleum and hence they cannot be replenished in our lifetime.
Classification of natural resources on the basis of distribution:
Ubiquitous Resource: Resources which are available everywhere on the earth are called ubiquitous resources. Ex – air and water.
Localised Resource: Resources which are available at select locations on the earth are called localized resources. Ex – coal mines in Jharkhand.
Note: Topography, climate and altitude are the major factors which affect the distribution of natural resources.
Stock of Resource – The amount of resources available for use is called stock of resource.
Human Made Resources – Natural resource which are undergoes drastic change by human intervention is called human–made resource.
For example; iron ore is processed to make steel and hence steel is a man-made resource.
Buildings, bridges, railways, machines, etc. are examples of human-made resources.
Technology is also a human-made resource.
Human Resources – The people who make up the workforce of an organization, industry, business sector, or economy is called human resource.
People are the human resources.
Education and health improve the quality of human resources.
Human resource development – Improving the quality of people’s skills to enable them to create more resources is called human resource development.
Resources conservation – Saving resources for the future generations is called resources conservation.
Conserving Resources:
Most of the natural resources are limited in stock.
Even some of the renewable resources can become scarce if they are not used judiciously.
We are already facing shortage of water at many places because of excessive exploitation of water.
Scientists predict that coal and petroleum are going to be exhausted in the near future.
Hence, it is important to conserve the natural resources.
Conservation not only secures our life but also the life of future generations.
Sustainable development – Making a balance between our need and conservation of resources is called sustainable development.
Carefully utilising resources so that besides meeting the requirements of the present, also takes care of future generations
Some Principles of Sustainable Development
Respect and care for all forms of life
Improve the quality of human life
Conserve the earth’s vitality and diversity
Minimise the depletion of natural resources
Change personal attitude and practices towards the environment
Enable communities to care for their own environment.
We should follow the three Rs of conservation for sustainable development.
Reduce: We should reduce consumption.
Reuse: We should reuse as many items as possible.
Recycle: We should recycle discarded items wherever possible.
