Natural Resources and Their Use | Class 8 Social Science Notes

Renewable and non-renewable resources

Nature functions through cycles of restoration and regeneration, where waste is minimized and resources are replenished. Renewable resources are those that can be restored naturally over time, such as sunlight, wind, flowing water, forests, and soil. For these resources to remain renewable, the natural rhythm of restoration must not be disturbed. Overharvesting timber faster than forests can regenerate, or melting glaciers faster than precipitation can replenish them, disrupts these cycles and threatens resource sustainability. Human activities like fossil fuel-driven industrialization and deforestation have disturbed nature’s cycles, causing climate change and biodiversity loss. Non-renewable resources, such as coal, petroleum, minerals, and metals, are formed over millions of years and cannot be replenished at the rate of consumption. India’s coal reserves, for example, may last about 50 more years at current consumption rates. Sustainable management of both renewable and non-renewable resources is essential to ensure availability for future generations. Traditional practices, like regulated fishing during spawning seasons, have helped maintain ecosystem balance but are challenged by commercialization and overexploitation.

📊 Diagram: Figure 1.9 shows a traditional offering (arghyam) to Surya, the sun-god, symbolizing gratitude for renewable solar energy. Figure 1.10 depicts industrial waste disposal, highlighting pollution that disrupts natural restoration cycles.

🧪 Activity: Identify human actions in your surroundings that disrupt nature’s ability to restore and regenerate, and suggest interventions to restore natural cycles.

🔗 Connection: This section leads to discussions on the distribution of natural resources and the implications of their uneven availability.