SUSTAINABLE USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES.pptx

Natural resources are central to human well-being. We cannot live without the clean air that we are breathing, the plants we cook and eat or the water we drink for our survival. We need natural resources to put a roof over our heads and heat our homes. We need them to survive and thrive. The concept of natural resources refers to the naturally occurring living and non-living components of the Earth system, including plants, fish and fungi, but also water, soil and minerals. An important way to think about natural resources is to look at them in terms of their risk of degradation: are they being regenerated, and if so, at what rate? Some resources, such as trees, plants and vegetations are renewable because they regenerate relatively quickly. Others, such as copper and oil, take longer to form and are considered non-renewable. Together, natural resources form a dense web of interdependence, creating ecosystems that include humans. Thus, the distribution of resources shapes the face of our planet and the local uniqueness of our environment. People have developed a variety of cultural, spiritual and subsistence-based relationships with the natural environment, adopting value systems that transcend the economic framework. Natural resources are often seen as key assets for development and wealth creation. Over time and with progressive industrialization, the use of resources increased. we humans depend on natural resources for survival, but the universal truth is not all natural resources are renewable. The food and water we consume, the air we breathe and shelter are all derived from natural resources, so we must take action to protect what we have to promote the health and longevity of both the planet and humanity. We can conserve the natural resources by practicing the recycling techniques like 3R (Reduce, Reuse and Recycle), using energy efficient eco-friendly lights, choosing reusable goods, turning off the water when it not used, conserving energy at home, walking short distance by using cycles or carpools, avoiding non-recyclable packaged materials, using renewable energy, by thrift shopping, using less paper, eating less meat. Some of the extension methods that are used to conserve the natural resources are educating others, organizing community activities, promoting sustainable farming methodologies, initiating biodegradable and non-bio degradable waste segregating programmes.

1. SUSTAINABLE USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES PRESENTED BY GOWRI SHANKAR S I YEAR M.Sc ( Agrl Extension) FACULTY OF AGRICULTURE ANNAMALAI UNIVERSITY CHIDAMBARAM

2. INTRODUCTION Natural resources exist naturally without any human intervention. It can be renewed, replenished easily, and some non-renewable ones, which cannot be replenished. Resources determine the economy of an area. With judicious utilization of these resources, a country can sustain the resources for future generations. However, looking at the current situations, the indiscriminate use of our modern resources are such that the possibilities of succeeding generations and the developing countries to have access to their fair share is very rare. Furthermore, the consequences are dreadful and the result on the environment will induce severe damages which go beyond the carrying capacity of the environment. 2

3. Natural resources are often viewed as key assets driving development and wealth creation. Over time and with progressive industrialization, resource use increased. In some cases, exploitation levels came to exceed resources’ natural regeneration rates . Such overexploitation ultimately threatens the livelihoods and wellbeing of people who depend on these resources, and jeopardizes the health of ecosystems. This risk of resource depletion, notably manifesting in the form of fishery collapses, demonstrates the need to regulate natural resource use to better preserve resources and their ecosystems. The very first UN conference on environmental issues, the  1972 UN Conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm, Sweden, adopted fundamental principles in this regard. 3

4. 4

5. 5

6. TYPES OF NATURAL RESOURCES Renewable Resources:  The resources which can be obtained after usage are known as renewable resources. Renewable resources replenish by nature. These resources are available in bulk and there are less chances of extinction. Also, the recovery rate is more for renewable resources. For example, Sunlight, soil, water, air etc. Non-Renewable Resources : The resources which cannot be obtained after usage at the maximum limit are known as non-renewable resources. Non-Renewable resources do not replenish by nature. These resources are available in a very limited amount and there are more chances of extinction. Also, the recovery rate is very slow for non-renewable resources. For example, Fossil-Fuels, Gold, Minerals, Coal and Petroleum etc. 6

7. 7

8. 8

9. Need to Manage Natural Resources Humans depend on nature for their life. There are many things that we obtain from the environment for our survival like air, water, food, clothes, sunlight etc.  If natural resources like air, water, sunlight, food etc. are not present on earth then it could be impossible for living beings to survive on the earth. Thus it becomes an indispensable need to manage natural resources. Moreover, the population of the world is increasing day by day. When the population increases, the consumption of natural resources will also increase. So, if we do not use the natural resources carefully then it will get depleted soon. Our future generations would have no resources available if we don’t conserve natural resources. 9

10. Ways to Save Natural Resources 10

11. Water Conservation Water is a crucial   natural resource  which is required for all living beings. With the establishment of factories, water pollution is increasing day by day. Also, the potable water is present in very less quantities. There are some regions where water is not available. So, for equal distribution of water resources, various methods are followed. Some of them are as follows: Large Canals:  Large canals are built to supply water to the village areas. With the help of large canals, the irrigation system is also improved. For example, Kulhs in Himachal Pradesh. Dams:  Dams are used to store huge amounts of water. This water can be used for irrigation purposes and to generate electricity. This is helpful in meeting the demand of agriculture as well as household energy consumption. 11

12. 12

13. Ganga Action Plan In 1985, the Ganga Action Plan was implemented as a massive multi-crore project, which was undertaken to make the river Ganga pollution-free. It was also noticed that because of the continuous dumping of waste into river Ganga, the number of coliform bacteria rose up to an alarming level. This bacteria is, otherwise, found in the human intestine. This led to the pollution of the river. As people use water for bathing, washing clothes, it leads to the addition of various chemicals in the water which in turn, alters the ' ph ' of the water level and makes it contaminated. The main aim of the project was to improve the quality of water by reducing the concentration of contaminants in the river.  13

14. 14

15. Mineral Conservation Coal and Petroleum both are important sources of energy. Due to the industrial revolution, the demand for energy is rising. This demand for energy is met by the reserves of coal and petroleum.  Coal and Petroleum  is present in a limited amount. If consumption of these increases then it will get depleted in the upcoming years.  Alternative renewable and eco-friendly sources of energy should be harnessed at its fullest inorder to meet the increasing energy demands so that the pressure on these non-renewable resources is decreased and thus lasts for a long time.  Renewable energy like solar energy, wind energy, hydroelectric power, tidal energy, etc., should replace fossil fuels. 15

16. 16

17. 17

18. 18 Environment Conservation Forest provides many resources like wood, timber, food, medicines etc. They also serve as a natural habitat and a home to various wildlife animals. Due to the continuous deforestation and poaching, it is seen that forests and many species are exploited and becoming endangered. So, it is necessary to conserve forests and wildlife.  The government and other stakeholders are allocating certain areas as national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, ecologically sensitive areas and Ramsar sites so as to preserve the wildlife habitat. Things to Remember Natural resources are resources occurring on the earth without human intervention. Renewable resources are quickly replenished by nature Non- renewable resources are slowly replenished by the nature The combustion of coal and petroleum is increasing temperature which causes global warming Biodiversity contains the ecosystem of a variety of animals, plants and living organisms.

19. 19

20. THANK YOU 20