NCERT Class 10 Geography Guide: Resources and Development – Overview, Key Years, Conservation Strategies, and FAQs
An In-depth Exploration of “Resources and Development” – NCERT Class 10 Geography
Introduction to the Concept of Resources
“Resources and Development,” a cornerstone chapter of the NCERT Class 10 Geography curriculum, Contemporary India – II, embarks on a comprehensive journey into the realm of geographical resources. This chapter not only introduces students to the variety and classification of resources but also emphasizes the intricate balance between resource utilization and conservation. It is designed to foster an understanding of how human activities and the natural environment are interdependent, highlighting the critical need for sustainable development.
The Essence of Resources
Resources are defined as substances or entities in the environment that are useful to humans and can be transformed to meet our needs. These encompass a broad spectrum, from the air we breathe and the water we drink to the minerals buried deep beneath the earth’s surface. The chapter elucidates the distinction between natural resources, which exist without human intervention, and human-made resources, which are derived from natural resources through human ingenuity and technological advancement.
Classification of Resources
A pivotal aspect of this chapter is the classification of resources, which is fundamental to understanding their management and conservation. Resources are categorized based on various criteria:
- Origin: Biotic resources originate from living organisms, whereas abiotic resources come from non-living and inorganic materials.
- Renewability: Renewable resources, such as solar and wind energy, can be replenished naturally. Non-renewable resources, like fossil fuels and minerals, have a finite availability and take eons to form.
- Ownership: This classification includes individual, community, national, and international resources, each governed by different levels of access and control.
Milestones in Resource Management
- 1972: The United Nations Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm was a groundbreaking event that placed environmental conservation at the forefront of global discussions.
- 1987: The Brundtland Commission’s report, “Our Common Future,” introduced sustainable development as a goal for global resource management.
- 1992: The Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro further emphasized the importance of sustainable development and led to the adoption of Agenda 21, a blueprint for sustainable practices worldwide.
Key Concepts for Students
- Sustainable Development: Understanding this concept is crucial for grasping how current needs must be met without compromising future generations’ ability to meet theirs.
- Conservation Techniques: The chapter discusses various strategies for sustainable resource usage, including recycling, energy efficiency, and water conservation.
- Resource Planning: Particularly relevant to India’s diverse resource base, effective resource planning involves comprehensive surveying, mapping, and the development of strategies for conservation and sustainable use.
Strategies for Conservation
Delving into conservation methods, the chapter offers insights into sustainable practices across different resource types. It covers soil conservation methods like contour ploughing and afforestation, water conservation through rainwater harvesting, and the promotion of renewable energy sources as alternatives to fossil fuels.
Detailed Chapter Insights
- Global Resource Distribution: Students learn about the factors influencing the global distribution of resources, understanding why some regions are resource-rich while others are not.
- Land and Soil Resources: The chapter details land use types and the significance of soil as a critical resource, including methods to combat soil erosion.
- Water as a Resource: Highlighting water’s essential role, the text addresses the challenges of water scarcity and outlines effective conservation measures.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
“Resources and Development” serves as more than just a chapter in a textbook; it is a call to action for students to become informed and responsible stewards of the planet. It underscores the urgency of adopting sustainable practices to ensure a harmonious balance between human needs and environmental preservation. Through this comprehensive exploration, students are equipped to contribute positively to the global conversation on resource management and conservation, ensuring a healthier planet for future generations.
25 Questions and Answers on “Resources and Development” – NCERT Class 10 Geography
1. What are resources?
Answer: Resources are substances or objects in the environment that are useful to humans and can be utilized to satisfy our needs.
2. How are resources classified based on origin?
Answer: Resources based on origin are classified as biotic (from living beings) and abiotic (from non-living things).
3. What is the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources?
Answer: Renewable resources can be replenished naturally over time, while non-renewable resources have a limited supply and take millions of years to form.
4. Name two renewable resources.
Answer: Solar energy and wind energy.
5. What are national resources?
Answer: National resources are resources owned and regulated by the nation.
6. What is sustainable development?
Answer: Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
7. What year was the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held?
Answer: 1972.
8. What is the significance of the Brundtland Commission report?
Answer: The Brundtland Commission report introduced the concept of sustainable development in 1987.
9. What does Agenda 21 relate to?
Answer: Agenda 21 relates to sustainable development and was adopted at the Earth Summit in 1992.
10. What is soil erosion?
Answer: Soil erosion is the removal of the topsoil layer by wind, water, or human activity, leading to reduced soil fertility.
11. Name a method to prevent soil erosion.
Answer: Contour ploughing is a method to prevent soil erosion.
12. What is water conservation?
Answer: Water conservation involves strategies and activities to manage fresh water as a sustainable resource and protect the water environment.
13. Name a traditional method of water conservation in India.
Answer: Rainwater harvesting.
14. What is the role of individuals in resource conservation?
Answer: Individuals can play a significant role in resource conservation through recycling, using energy-efficient products, and supporting sustainable practices.
15. Why is resource planning important?
Answer: Resource planning is important to ensure the judicious use of resources, avoid wastage, and maintain ecological balance.
16. What are human-made resources?
Answer: Human-made resources are resources created by humans by modifying natural resources, such as buildings, roads, and machinery.
17. Give an example of a community-owned resource.
Answer: Common grazing grounds are an example of a community-owned resource.
18. What is afforestation?
Answer: Afforestation is the process of planting trees in an area where there was no previous tree cover to prevent soil erosion and improve the environment.
19. Why is land considered an important resource?
Answer: Land is considered an important resource because it supports natural vegetation, wildlife, human life, economic activities, and transport systems.
20. What is terrace farming?
Answer: Terrace farming is a method of farming on the sides of hills or mountains by planting on graduated terraces built into the slope, helping to prevent rain wash away soil.
21. What are mineral resources?
Answer: Mineral resources are concentrations of minerals in the Earth’s crust that are extractable and can be used for economic and industrial purposes.
22. How does recycling help in resource conservation?
Answer: Recycling helps in resource conservation by reducing the need for raw materials, saving energy, and minimizing pollution.
23. What is the significance of the Earth Summit?
Answer: The Earth Summit in 1992 was significant for its focus on sustainable development, environmental protection, and the adoption of Agenda 21.
24. Why is it necessary to conserve water?
Answer: It is necessary to conserve water to ensure a sustainable supply for future generations, support ecosystems, and reduce the impact of droughts and water scarcity.
25. What are the effects of overutilization of resources?
Answer: Overutilization of resources can lead to resource depletion, environmental degradation, loss of biodiversity, and ecological imbalance.