Class 10 Science • Chapter 16 • Complete Notes
Natural resources are materials and systems provided by nature that are useful to living organisms and human society. Examples include forests, water, soil, minerals, wildlife, coal and petroleum.
Human dependence on natural resources makes their responsible management essential.
Sustainable development means meeting present needs while maintaining the ability of future generations to meet their needs.
A stakeholder is a person, community, organisation or group that depends on a resource, uses it, manages it or is affected by decisions related to it.
Forests are ecosystems that provide habitat for wildlife and resources for human communities.
Forest conservation involves protecting forest ecosystems, using resources responsibly and restoring degraded areas.
Simply excluding local communities from forests may not always be the most effective approach because many communities have traditional knowledge and livelihoods linked to forests.
The Chipko movement is remembered as an important example of community participation in forest conservation in India.
People resisted tree felling by embracing trees, bringing attention to the ecological and social importance of forests.
Wildlife conservation aims to protect animals, plants and their habitats and maintain biodiversity.
Water is essential for drinking, sanitation, agriculture, industry and ecosystems.
Freshwater availability is limited and unevenly distributed. Therefore conservation, efficient use and protection from pollution are essential.
Dams are structures constructed across rivers or watercourses to store or regulate water.
Rainwater harvesting is the collection and storage or recharge of rainwater for later use.
Rain falling on rooftops can be collected through pipes and directed to storage tanks or recharge structures.
Different regions have developed traditional systems for collecting, storing and distributing rainwater and surface water.
These systems are often adapted to local climate, geography and community needs.
Coal is a fossil fuel formed over geological periods. It has historically been widely used for electricity generation and industrial purposes.
Burning coal can release carbon dioxide, particulate matter and other pollutants.
Petroleum is a fossil fuel from which many fuels and petrochemical products are obtained.
It is important for transport and industry but is a non-renewable resource.
Combustion of petroleum products contributes to air pollution and greenhouse-gas emissions.
Coal and petroleum formed over extremely long geological periods. They therefore cannot be replaced on a human timescale once consumed.
Reduce unnecessary consumption and waste generation.
Use products repeatedly rather than discarding them after a single use when practical.
Process waste materials so that useful materials can be recovered and used again.
Intergenerational equity means considering the needs and rights of future generations while using resources today.
A sustainable approach usually includes several connected actions rather than relying on a single measure.
| Approach | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Unsustainable Use | Resource is consumed faster than it can recover or be responsibly managed. |
| Conservation | Protection and careful use of natural resources. |
| Sustainable Management | Long-term use of resources while maintaining ecological and social balance. |