Science AssignmentJorel Derrick L
Grade X
Natural Resources
1) What Are Natural Resources:
Natural resources are materials found in nature that are used by
living things, especially by humans. These include water, air, soil,
minerals, forests, animals, and fossil fuels. Without natural
resources, life on Earth would not be possible. Everything we use
in our daily lives like the food we eat, the clothes we wear, the
energy that powers our homescomes from natural resources. As
the human population grows and industries expand, our
dependence on these resources increases.
2) Types of Natural Resources:
1. Renewable Resources
These can naturally replenish over time and are considered
sustainable if managed properly.
o Solar energy
o Wind energy
o Water (Hydropower)
o Biomass (plants, wood)
o Air
2. Non-Renewable Resources
These exist in finite amounts and cannot be replenished on a
human time scale once depleted.
Examples:
o Fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas)
o Minerals (iron, copper, gold)
o Nuclear fuels (uranium)
3. Biotic Resources
These are obtained from the biosphere (living organisms).
Examples:
o Forests (wood, timber)
o Animals (meat, leather)
o Crops (fruits, vegetables)
4. Abiotic Resources
These come from non-living, non-organic parts of the Earth.
Examples:
o Water
o Air
o Minerals
o Metals
3) Sustainable Resources:
Sustainable resources are natural resources that are used in
a way that meets the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations to meet their
own needs. These resources can regenerate or be maintained
if managed properly.
Key Features:
Renewable or recyclable
Environmentally friendly
Used at a rate that allows natural replenishment
Help reduce pollution and conserve biodiversity
Examples:
🌞 1. Solar Energy
Energy from the sun.
Inexhaustible and clean.
Used in solar panels for electricity and heating
💨 2. Wind Energy
Generated by wind turbines.
Non-polluting and renewable.
Best suited for windy areas.
💧 3. Water (Hydropower)
Moving water used to produce electricity.
Can be renewable if water sources are not overused or
polluted.
4) Importance of Natural Resources:
Natural resources are vital for the survival and
development of all living beings, especially humans. They
form the foundation of life, economic activities, and
technological progress.
They provide food, water, and shelter.
They help in economic growth by supporting
agriculture, industries, and transport.
They provide raw materials for construction, clothing,
and tools.
Forests maintain climate and purify air.
Fossil fuels generate electricity and power vehicles.
If these resources are not managed properly, our future
will be at risk.
5) Overuse Of Natural Resources:
Overuse of natural resources happens when they are
consumed faster than they can naturally replenish. This
leads to serious environmental, economic, and social
problems.
Causes of Overuse:
1. Population Growth
More people mean more demand for food, water, land,
and energy.
2. Industrialization
Factories use large amounts of water, minerals, and
fossil fuels.
3. Deforestation
Trees are cut down faster than they can regrow, for
timber, farming, or urban expansion.
4. Overfishing
Marine life is harvested faster than fish populations can
recover.
5. Excessive Mining
Constant extraction of minerals and fuels harms the
Earth’s crust and landscape.
6. Wasteful Lifestyles
Overconsumption, wastage of electricity and water, and
over-reliance on cars contribute to faster depletion.
6) Consequences of Overuse:
🌍 1. Resource Depletion
Non-renewable resources like coal, oil, and minerals
may run out.
Even renewable resources like water and forests can
disappear if overused.
☠
️ 2. Environmental Damage
Air, water, and soil pollution from factories and vehicles.
Habitat loss leads to extinction of plants and animals.
🔥 3. Climate Change
Burning fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases,
causing global warming and extreme weather.
🏜️ 4. Soil Degradation and Desertification
Over-farming and deforestation reduce soil fertility,
making land unusable.
💸 5. Economic and Social Problems
Resource shortages lead to higher prices, conflicts, and
poverty in resource-poor area.
7) Preventing Overuse :
Promote sustainable development.
Encourage renewable Energy source.
Practice Recycling and Conversion
Support Eco Friendly Habits like using less
plastic and Saving water
Enforce Laws that protect Forests, Wildlife,
Clean air and water.
8) Conservation:
Conservation means protecting resources and using them
wisely. Ways to conserve include:
Using renewable energy like solar and wind.
Recycling paper, plastic, and metals.
Reusing materials instead of throwing them away.
Planting trees and stopping deforestation.
Saving water and electricity by turning off taps and
lights.
Every small action can help save the environment.
9) Role of Government and Organizations:
Governments and international organizations play an
important role in resource conservation.
The Indian government runs programs like “Van
Mahotsav” to promote tree planting.
Laws like the Environment Protection Act and Wildlife
Protection Act aim to protect forests and animals.
International groups like the United Nations and World
Wildlife Fund (WWF) raise awareness and fund
conservation projects.
Education and awareness are also key to encouraging
people to act responsibly.
10) Sustainable Development:
Sustainable development means using natural resources in a
way that meets present needs without compromising the
ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It aims
to balance economic growth, environmental protection, and
social well-being.
11) Conclusion:
Natural resources are gifts of nature that support life on
Earth. But they are not unlimited. We must learn to value
them, use them wisely, and protect them. Whether it is
turning off unused lights or planting a tree, every small step
counts. Let’s be responsible citizens and help preserve our
planet for ourselves and for future generations.
