Lecture on Natural Resources and Sustainable Development

Introduction

• Focus on natural resources and sustainable development.
• Essential for life on Earth.

Definition of Natural Resources

• Resources in nature that exist without human intervention.
• Basic natural resources: air, water, and land.
• Other resources include: sunlight, atmosphere, flora, fauna, microbial populations, and physical properties (gravitational, magnetic, electrical).

Classification of Natural Resources

Based on Renewability

1. Renewable Natural Resources

   • Can regenerate after use.
   • Examples: sunlight, wind, wood.

2. Non-Renewable Natural Resources

   • Exhausted after frequent use, long regeneration time.
   • Examples: natural gas, coal, fossil fuels.

Based on Type

1. Biotic Resources

   • All living organisms and organic materials.
   • Examples: forests, animals, birds, fish, marine organisms, microbes, fungi.

2. Water Resources

   • Crucial for life (70% of cells).
   • Human body water content: over 60%.
   • Global issue: drinking water scarcity.

3. Soil Resources

   • Significant for the environment.
   • Provides nutrition for plants, supports small animals and microbes.
   • Helps in biogeochemical cycling and mineral storage.

4. Energy Resources

   • Divided into conventional and non-conventional.
   • Conventional: non-renewable (coal, oil, natural gas).
   • Non-Conventional: renewable (solar, tidal, wind energy).

Importance of Understanding Resources

• Growing population vs. depleting resources.
• Need for sustainable practices and wise use of resources.

Conclusion

• Quote by Mahatma Gandhi: "The Earth has enough resources for our needs, but not for our greed."
• Encourage sustainable usage of resources.

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Thank You!