NCERT Notes: Grade 8 Social Science - Geography - Chapter 1: Resources

Introduction

Resources, as studied in social sciences, encompass everything available in our environment that can be used to satisfy our needs. These can be both natural or man-made. This article delves into the types of resources, their development, and significance in our daily lives as discussed in the NCERT Grade 8 Social Science textbook.

Classification of Resources

Resources can be categorized based on various factors:

1. On the basis of Origin:
   • Natural Resources: Resources given by nature like air, water, and minerals.
   • Human-made Resources: Items like buildings, bridges, roads that are created by humans.
2. On the basis of Exhaustibility:
   • Renewable Resources: Resources that can be renewed or reproduced by physical, chemical, or mechanical processes, e.g., solar and wind energy.
   • Non-renewable Resources: Resources that have a finite stock. Once the stock is exhausted, they cannot be regenerated. For instance, metals and minerals.
3. On the basis of Ownership:
   • Individual Resources: Owned privately by individuals.
   • Community Owned Resources: Accessible to all members of a community, like village ponds.
   • National Resources: Owned by the state or nation. Example: rivers, canals.
   • International Resources: International laws govern their use, like the oceanic resources beyond 200 km of Exclusive Economic Zone.
4. On the basis of Status of Development:
   • Potential Resources: Resources that exist in a region and can be utilized in the future.
   • Developed Resources: Those resources which have been surveyed and their quality and quantity are determined.
   • Stock: Materials in the environment which have the potential to satisfy human needs but are currently unused.
   • Reserves: Proportion of the stock which can be put into use with the available technological and economic means.

Development of Resources

Resource development is imperative to cater to the needs of a growing population. It requires:

• Planning: Careful strategizing and consideration of the implications of extracting and using resources.
• Technology and Institution: Updated technology helps in resource extraction, and institutions lay down rules and regulations for it.
• Time: It takes time for resources to develop, and the process must be sustainable to ensure they last for future generations.

Sustainable Development

To ensure a better and more certain future for the next generations, it’s pivotal to use resources judiciously. Sustainable development emphasizes meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

• Balanced Resource Use: It’s essential to balance the use of resources with their regeneration.
• Equitable Distribution: Resources should be distributed in a manner that ensures access for all and reduces socio-economic disparities.
• Avoid Overexploitation: Overuse can lead to the exhaustion of resources, making them unavailable for future use.
• Maintain Environmental Quality: Alongside using resources, it’s crucial to maintain ecological balance and environmental quality.

Conservation of Resources

Conservation is the judicious use of resources to ensure that they last longer and are also available for the future. It requires a balanced and careful approach to the utilization of resources.

• Reducing Waste: This can be done by reusing and recycling materials.
• Promoting Sustainable Practices: Encourage eco-friendly agricultural and industrial practices.
• Creating Public Awareness: Educate the public on the importance of conservation.
• Establishing Regulatory Mechanisms: Policies and laws that regulate resource extraction and use.

Conclusion

The NCERT Grade 8 Social Science textbook’s Chapter 1 on Resources underscores the importance of understanding and valuing the resources around us. Whether they are natural or human-made, resources play a pivotal role in our lives. Proper management, judicious use, and conservation of these resources is not just a choice, but a responsibility. For a brighter, more sustainable future, it is imperative to strike a balance between our needs and the health of our environment.

Reference: NCERT Grade 8 Social Science - Geography - Chapter 1: Resources