F.Y.B.

Com (Semester – I)
Subject - Environmental Studies – I
UNIT - III
NATURAL RESOURCES AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

Introduction:

In the vast domain of Environmental Studies, the study of natural resources stands as a testament to
Earth's bounteous gifts: from the waters that sustain life to the minerals that fuel our industries. Yet,
with great gifts come great responsibilities. As we witness the increasing strain on these resources due
to human activities, the concept of sustainable development emerges as a beacon of hope. Defined as
development that meets today's needs without endangering future generations, sustainable development
urges a harmonious coexistence of economic growth and environmental conservation. In this unit, we
will unravel the complexities of our planet's resources and explore the path to a sustainable future. Our
journey will be a blend of scientific insights, ethical debates, and practical strategies, all aimed at
ensuring a balanced relationship with our environment

IMPORTANCE OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Natural resources play a critical role in the sustenance and development of human civilization.

Sustenance of Life: Natural resources like air, water, and soil are essential for the survival of all life
forms. Clean air provides oxygen for respiration, water is vital for drinking, and soil supports plant
growth.

1. Economic Value: Many economies heavily depend on natural resources. For example, nations rich
in oil, minerals, or forests derive a significant portion of their revenue from these resources. Mining,
agriculture, and forestry are major economic activities.
2. Biodiversity: Natural resources, particularly habitats like forests, wetlands, and oceans, harbour a
wide variety of species. Biodiversity is crucial for ecosystem stability, resilience, and the provision
of ecosystem services.
3. Medicinal Uses: A large proportion of medicines are derived from natural resources, especially
plants. For instance, the bark of the willow tree gives us salicylic acid, a precursor to aspirin.
4. Cultural and Aesthetic Value: Natural landscapes, such as mountains, forests, and lakes, have
cultural significance for many communities. They are also sources of inspiration for art, literature,
and spirituality.

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5. Climate Regulation: Natural resources like forests act as carbon sinks. They absorb carbon dioxide
and help regulate the Earth's climate. Oceans and wetlands also play critical roles in maintaining the
global climate balance.
6. Energy: Resources like coal, oil, and natural gas have traditionally been primary sources of energy.
Even as we shift to renewable sources, the sun (for solar energy), wind, and water (for hydroelectric
power) are natural resources that will continue to serve our energy needs.
7. Agriculture: Soil and water are indispensable for agriculture. They provide the necessary nutrients
and medium for the growth of crops which feed the global population.
8. Recreation and Tourism: Many natural resources, such as national parks, beaches, and wildlife
sanctuaries, are major attractions for tourists. Eco-tourism, in particular, focuses on appreciating
nature, contributing significantly to many economies.
9. Raw Materials for Industry: Natural resources provide essential raw materials for various
industries. For example, timber is used in construction, iron ore in producing steel, and crude oil in
making plastics and fuels.

In environmental studies, understanding the importance of these resources is crucial because it helps in
framing policies, encouraging sustainable practices, and creating awareness about the need to conserve
and manage them responsibly.

CLASSIFICATION NATURAL RESOURCES

Natural resources are vital for the sustenance and progression of human societies. In environmental
studies, it's essential to classify these resources to understand their nature, origin, and the way we use
them.

1. Based on Origin:
 Biotic: These come from living and organic materials. Examples include forests (and their
components like timber and non-timber products), animals, birds, and marine organisms.
 Abiotic: These originate from non-living and inorganic materials. Examples are minerals
(like gold and iron) and soil.
2. Based on Exhaustibility:
 Renewable Resources: These can be replenished naturally within a reasonable amount of
time. Examples are:
I. Solar energy: The sun shines every day, providing constant energy.
II. Wind energy: Wind can be used to generate power and will continue to blow as
long as the sun shines.

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 III. Water: Rivers and streams flow continuously, and the water cycle ensures water's
return to the earth.
 Non-renewable Resources: Once used, these resources cannot be regenerated within a
human timescale. Examples include:
I. Fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas): They take millions of years to form.
II. Minerals: Once extracted, they are gone forever, like gold or diamond.
3. Based on Ownership:
 Individual Resources: These are owned privately by individuals. Example: A person's
private farm or a private pond.
 Community Owned Resources: These belong to a community and can be used by members
of that community. Example: Village ponds or communal forests.
 National Resources: These are owned by a nation or country. Example: National parks or
minerals in a particular region.
 International Resources: Some resources are universal and don’t belong to one nation.
Example: Oceanic resources beyond 200 nautical miles are considered international
resources.
4. Based on Status of Development:
1. Potential Resources: These exist in a region and can be used in the future. For instance, the
potential wind energy in a region that hasn't been harnessed yet.
2. Developed Resources: Resources that have been surveyed, their quantity and quality
determined, and are being used. For instance, a coal mine that's being actively mined.
3. Stock: These are resources that have potential utility but are not currently usable. For
instance, we might know how to use hydrogen as a fuel (making it a resource) but lack the
technology to economically harness it (making it a stock).
4. Reserves: These are portions of resources that are developed and can be used with the current
technological scenario. For example, a portion of a coal mine that’s ready for extraction.

Understanding this classification helps environmentalists, policymakers, and individuals appreciate the
diversity and breadth of natural resources. It also aids in formulating strategies for their sustainable use
and conservation.

OVERUSE OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Natural resources, which include things like water, minerals, land, and biological organisms, are the
foundation of our society and economy. However, with rising populations and increased consumption

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patterns, many of these resources are being used at unsustainable rates. This overuse can lead to
depletion or even complete exhaustion, making them unavailable for future generations.

Causes of Overuse:
1. Population Growth: As the world's population increases, the demand for resources also grows.
2. Consumerism: The modern lifestyle, especially in developed countries, demands high consumption
of resources.
3. Inefficient Technologies: Using outdated or inefficient technology can lead to the unnecessary
wastage of resources.
4. Lack of Awareness: Many people are unaware of the finite nature of some resources and the
consequences of overusing them.

Examples of Overuse of Natural Resources:

1. Water Overdraw: In places like the Central Valley of California and parts of India, vast amounts
of groundwater are extracted for agriculture, leading to decreasing water tables and land subsidence.
2. Deforestation: The Amazon rainforest, often termed the "lungs of the Earth", is being cleared at
alarming rates for cattle ranching, agriculture, and logging, diminishing its ability to act as a carbon
sink.
3. Overfishing: Certain species, such as the Atlantic Cod and Bluefin Tuna, have been fished nearly
to extinction because of the high demand and advanced fishing technologies that capture more than
the oceans can replenish.
4. Land Degradation: In the pursuit of expanding agriculture, we're converting forests, wetlands, and
other vital habitats into farmland, leading to biodiversity loss and soil erosion.
5. Excessive Mining: The over-extraction of minerals, like coal in Appalachia or rare earth elements
in China, damages landscapes and can lead to resource scarcity.
6. Overgrazing: Livestock consuming vegetation faster than it can regrow leads to desertification,
particularly evident in regions of Africa.
7. Wastage of Food: Globally, nearly one-third of all food produced is wasted. This not only represents
a waste of the food itself but also the water, land, and energy used to produce it.
8. Excessive Energy Consumption: The overwhelming dependence on non-renewable energy sources
like coal, oil, and natural gas has led to rapid depletion and environmental degradation, including
greenhouse gas emissions.
9. Depletion of Topsoil: Unsustainable agricultural practices, like not rotating crops or overusing
chemical fertilizers, can strip the land of its fertile topsoil.

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10. Loss of Biodiversity: Overuse of land for urbanization and agriculture, coupled with activities like
hunting and fishing, has led to the extinction of numerous species.

The overuse of natural resources poses severe challenges, not only to the environment but also to the
sustainability of our global society. The scarcity or loss of these resources can lead to conflicts, food
and water shortages, and economic challenges. Adopting sustainable practices, conserving resources,
and innovating in technologies are essential steps to ensure that we use our natural resources judiciously
for present and future generations.

DEGRADATION OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Natural resources refer to the materials and resources that we take from the Earth for our survival and
well-being. They can be categorized as renewable (like sunlight and wind) and non-renewable (like
minerals and fossil fuels). However, due to various human activities, these resources are getting
degraded, which means they are being diminished in quality or quantity. The degradation of natural
resources has serious implications for our environment and our ability to sustain human civilization in
the long term.

Causes of Degradation:

1. Over-extraction and Overuse: When resources are extracted or used faster than they can regenerate
or replenish, it leads to depletion.
2. Pollution: Contaminants introduced into the environment can cause deterioration of air, soil, and
water quality.
3. Deforestation: Clearing vast areas of forest for urbanization, agriculture, or logging disturbs
ecosystems and reduces biodiversity.
4. Land Degradation: Unplanned urbanization, industrialization, and certain agricultural practices
can lead to soil erosion, desertification, and loss of arable land.
5. Unsustainable Fishing: Overfishing or using destructive fishing methods can lead to a decline in
fish populations.

Examples of Degradation of Natural Resources:

1. Deforestation in the Amazon: Large portions of the Amazon rainforest have been cleared for cattle
ranching, farming, and logging. This not only destroys biodiversity but also affects the Earth's
carbon cycle.

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2. Great Pacific Garbage Patch: This is a massive accumulation of plastic waste in the Pacific Ocean,
severely impacting marine life and the health of our oceans.
3. Groundwater Depletion: Over-extraction of groundwater for agriculture and domestic use,
especially in areas like California and parts of India, leads to reduced water availability and sinking
ground levels.
4. Air Pollution in Major Cities: In places like Delhi, Beijing, and Mexico City, high levels of air
pollution are causing severe health problems for residents and deteriorating the quality of breathable
air.
5. Soil Erosion in Agricultural Lands: Unsustainable farming practices lead to the loss of topsoil,
reducing the land's productivity and leading to desertification in extreme cases.
6. Overfishing of Atlantic Bluefin Tuna: Due to high demand, especially in sushi markets, this
species has been overfished to the point of endangerment.
7. Mountain-top Removal Mining: In places like the Appalachian region of the USA, entire
mountaintops are removed to extract coal, causing serious environmental damage.
8. Melting of Polar Ice: Due to global warming, polar ice caps are melting at unprecedented rates,
leading to rising sea levels and loss of habitats for polar species.
9. Destruction of Coral Reefs: Coral reefs, like the Great Barrier Reef, are dying due to a combination
of factors including ocean acidification, global warming, and direct human interference such as
tourism and fishing.
10. Peatland Drainage: In areas like Indonesia, peatlands are drained to make way for palm oil
plantations. This releases a significant amount of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, contributes to
global warming, and destroys unique ecosystems.

The degradation of natural resources is a pressing global concern. It's essential for individuals,
communities, and governments worldwide to recognize the value of these resources and adopt
sustainable practices. Conservation efforts, changes in consumption patterns, and the adoption of green
technologies are crucial steps toward preserving our natural resources for future generations.

PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH FOREST RESOURCES

Forests play a pivotal role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting biodiversity, and providing
resources for human sustenance. However, they are under constant threat due to various anthropogenic
activities. Here's a look into the challenges associated with forest resources, illustrated with specific
examples:

1. Deforestation:

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The removal or clearing of forests for non-forest uses, such as agriculture, logging, or urbanization,
leads to habitat destruction and biodiversity loss. Example: The Amazon rainforest, often referred to as
the "lungs of the Earth," has been rapidly deforested for cattle ranching and soybean farming. This not
only endangers countless species but also impacts local and global climate patterns.

2. Forest Fragmentation:

Even if some forest patches remain, breaking them into smaller fragments can hinder the movement of
species and lead to "edge effects," making these fragments more vulnerable to external threats.
Example: In North America, suburban development has often led to forests being fragmented into
smaller patches. This can threaten species like the woodland caribou, which need large territories.

3. Overexploitation:

Overharvesting of forest resources, such as timber, medicinal plants, or wildlife, can lead to resource
depletion. Example: The sandalwood trees in India face threats due to excessive logging for their
valuable heartwood and oil, leading to sharp declines in their numbers.

4. Forest Fires:

Natural or human-induced fires can cause vast destruction, affecting biodiversity, soil quality, and
human settlements. Example: The 2019-2020 Australian bushfire season, often termed "Black
Summer," burned vast areas, led to significant biodiversity loss, including an estimated billion animals,
and caused human casualties and property damage.

5. Invasive Species:

Non-native species introduced to forest ecosystems can outcompete, prey on, or bring diseases affecting
native species, disrupting ecological balance. Example: In many U.S. forests, the Asian long-horned
beetle, an introduced species, has been decimating hardwood trees, leading to changes in forest
composition and structure.

6. Climate Change:

Rising temperatures, altered precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme events can
adversely affect forest health and distribution. Example: In the Rocky Mountains of North America,
warmer temperatures have allowed pine beetles to thrive and proliferate, leading to widespread
destruction of pine forests.

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7. Pollution:

Air and water pollutants can harm forests. For instance, acid rain, resulting from industrial emissions,
can weaken trees by damaging their leaves and limiting nutrients. Example: European forests in the
1970s and 1980s faced significant damage from acid rain, primarily due to sulphur dioxide emissions
from industries.

8. Land Rights and Indigenous Communities:

Forest areas are often inhabited by indigenous communities whose rights can be overlooked or violated
when forests are exploited for resources or conservation. Example: In parts of central India, tribal
communities have faced displacement due to both mining activities and the creation of national parks,
leading to socio-economic and cultural disruptions.

Forests are intricate ecosystems that support a vast array of life and provide numerous services to
humanity. The problems they face underscore the need for a balanced and sustainable approach to forest
management, taking into consideration ecological, economic, and social dimensions.

SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF FOREST RESOURCES

Sustainable forest management (SFM) refers to the responsible use and conservation of forests, ensuring
they meet the social, economic, ecological, cultural, and spiritual needs of present and future
generations. This approach balances the different, sometimes conflicting, needs and values attached to
forests.

Principles of Sustainable Forest Management:

1. Conservation of Biodiversity: Ensuring all forest activities protect and enhance the variety of life
within forests, from genes to species, and the ecosystems they form.
2. Maintenance of Forest Health and Vitality: Monitoring and managing forests to keep them
healthy and free from diseases, pests, and fires.
3. Maintenance of Productive Functions: Ensuring that the forest continues to produce a wide range
of wood and non-wood products.
4. Socio-economic Benefits: Balancing the need for economic returns with the rights and needs of
local communities and society at large.
5. Legal, Policy, and Institutional Framework: Ensuring effective policies, laws, and governance
structures are in place for forest management.

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Examples of Sustainable Forest Management:
1. Joint Forest Management (JFM) in India: This is a collaborative effort between the state forest
departments and local communities. The locals actively participate in forest conservation and, in
return, get benefits from the non-timber forest products. For example, in the state of West Bengal,
JFM has significantly improved forest cover and also augmented the incomes of the local
communities.
2. Reduced Impact Logging (RIL) Worldwide: RIL involves carefully planning and controlling
timber extraction to minimize environmental impact. In the Amazon rainforest, implementing RIL
has shown to reduce damage to residual trees and soil, compared to conventional logging methods.
3. Community Forest Management in Nepal: Here, local communities have the authority and
responsibility to manage and use their forests. They formulate their own management plans and
harvesting guidelines, ensuring sustainability. This has led to an increase in forest cover and
biodiversity in many community-managed forests.
4. Certification through Forest Stewardship Council (FSC): FSC is a global organization that
certifies forests managed sustainably. This certification assures consumers that the wood products
they buy come from sustainably managed forests. For example, the Swedish forest industry largely
follows FSC guidelines, ensuring the sustainable production of timber, paper, and other products.
5. Afforestation and Reforestation in China: China has been implementing the world's largest
reforestation program, aiming to increase its forest cover. Trees are planted on barren lands,
improving both ecology and livelihoods.
6. Agroforestry in India and Africa: Agroforestry, the practice of integrating trees, crops, and
livestock on the same plot of land, is gaining traction. For instance, in parts of Kenya, farmers plant
nitrogen-fixing trees amidst their crops, which improves soil fertility, provides firewood, and even
offers additional food and fodder.
7. Green Corridors in India: To reduce habitat fragmentation, India has been working on establishing
green corridors that connect isolated patches of forests. This allows animals, like elephants and
tigers, to move freely, find food, and reproduce, reducing human-animal conflicts.

Sustainable forest management is the need of the hour to protect our forests from depletion and ensure
they continue to provide their invaluable services. With the right balance of policies, community
involvement, and innovative practices, we can achieve both conservation and sustainable use of our
forest resources.

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PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH ENERGY RESOURCES
The extraction, use, and management of energy resources pose a wide array of environmental
challenges. Here's an in-depth yet breakdown of these problems associated with different energy
resources:

1. Fossil Fuels (Coal, Oil, and Natural Gas):

 Air Pollution: Burning fossil fuels releases harmful pollutants, such as sulphur dioxide, nitrogen
oxides, and particulates. These can lead to smog, acid rain, respiratory problems, and other health
issues.
 Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) are released when fossil
fuels are burned, contributing significantly to global warming and climate change.
 Oil Spills: Accidents during the transport or extraction of oil can lead to major environmental
disasters. These spills can harm marine ecosystems, impacting both flora and fauna.
 Land Degradation: Mining, especially strip and open-pit mining, destroys landscapes, leads to
habitat loss, and can cause soil erosion.
 Water Pollution: Mining and drilling can contaminate water sources, while wastewater from power
plants can harm aquatic life.

2. Nuclear Energy:

 Radioactive Waste: Used nuclear fuel remains radioactive for thousands of years. Finding safe and
long-term storage solutions is challenging.
 Accidents: While rare, accidents like those at Chernobyl or Fukushima can have long-lasting and
widespread environmental and health impacts.
 Water Usage: Nuclear plants use significant amounts of water for cooling, which can impact local
aquatic ecosystems.

3. Hydropower:

 Habitat Disruption: Large reservoirs created by dams can submerge vast areas, displacing people
and disrupting local ecosystems.
 Fish Migration: Dams can hinder the migration of fish, impacting their reproductive cycles and
reducing their populations.
 Sedimentation: Dams can prevent sediments from flowing downstream, which can affect aquatic
habitats and lead to the erosion of downstream riverbeds.

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4. Biomass:

 Land Use: Growing crops for biofuels can compete with food crops, leading to potential food
shortages or increased food prices.
 Deforestation: In some places, forests are cleared to grow biomass crops, leading to loss of habitat
and increased CO2 emissions.
 Water Use: Biomass crops often require a significant amount of water, which can strain local
resources.

5. Solar and Wind Energy:

 Land Footprint: Both solar farms and wind farms require significant land or sea areas, which can
disrupt local habitats.
 Resource Extraction: The production of solar panels and wind turbines requires the mining of
certain materials, which can have environmental impacts.
 Bird and Bat Mortality: Wind turbines can lead to bird and bat deaths due to collisions.

6. Energy Storage (like Lithium-ion Batteries):

 Resource Extraction: Mining for lithium, cobalt, and other materials for batteries can result in
habitat destruction and water pollution.
 Waste: As batteries degrade over time, managing and recycling the vast amounts of battery waste
is a growing concern.

7. Energy Transmission:

 Habitat Fragmentation: Building power lines and infrastructure can fragment habitats and impact
wildlife.
 Electromagnetic Fields: There are concerns, though still under research, about the potential effects
of prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields from power lines on human health.

SUSTAINABLE MANAGEMENT OF ENERGY RESOURCES

Definition: Sustainable management of energy resources refers to the careful and responsible utilization
of energy sources to ensure they are not depleted or permanently damaged, ensuring they're available
for future generations.

Why It's Important:

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1. Combat Climate Change: Using sustainable energy sources helps reduce the greenhouse gases that
contribute to global warming.
2. Reduce Pollution: Non-renewable energy sources, especially coal and oil, can cause air and water
pollution.
3. Economic Security: Sustainable energy resources, such as wind or solar, are often domestic,
reducing dependence on foreign energy and ensuring stable prices.
4. Resource Depletion: Sustainable management ensures that resources are not used up faster than
they can be replaced.

Key Elements of Sustainable Energy Management:

1. Renewable Energy Sources:

 Solar Energy: Harnessing the sun's rays to generate electricity. For instance, solar farms are
increasingly common in deserts where sunlight is abundant.
 Wind Energy: Using wind turbines to produce electricity. Countries like Denmark are significantly
powered by wind energy.
 Hydroelectric Power: Generating electricity using water flow from dams.
 Geothermal Energy: Utilizing the Earth's natural heat found beneath the surface to produce
electricity or heat buildings. Iceland, for example, is a leader in geothermal energy usage.
 Biomass: Organic materials (like wood or crop waste) are burned or biologically processed to
produce energy.

2. Energy Efficiency:

Using less energy to perform the same task. This can be achieved through energy-efficient appliances,
insulating homes to reduce heating needs, or designing buildings to take advantage of natural light.

3. Energy Conservation:

 Actively reducing energy use through behavioural changes, such as turning off lights when leaving
a room or using public transport instead of individual cars.

4. Advanced Technologies:

 Research and development into newer technologies can lead to more efficient energy use. This
includes advances in battery storage, nuclear energy designs, and grid improvements.
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5. Government Policies and Incentives:

 Governments play a crucial role by setting regulations that promote sustainable energy use and
offering incentives for renewable energy projects.

Challenges in Sustainable Energy Management:

1. Infrastructure Costs: Transitioning to renewable energy can require significant initial investment.
2. Intermittency: Sun and wind are not always available, so there's a need for effective energy storage
solutions.
3. Public Perception: Not everyone is convinced of the immediate need for sustainable energy, so
public awareness campaigns are vital.

To truly embrace sustainable energy management, collaboration between governments, industries, and
the public is essential. Investment in research, public education, and infrastructure will be crucial.

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