Resource: Anything which has some utility for us is called a resource. Some resources have economic value, while some do not. For example, milk has economic value, but a beautiful landscape has no economic value. But both are important because both satisfy some human needs.
Time and technology are two important factors which can change a substance into resources. For example, petroleum was not a resource before people learnt to use it.
Types of Resources:
Resources are usually classified into three types, viz. natural, human made and human resources.
Natural Resource
Resources which are obtained from nature are called natural resources. Some of the natural resources can be used directly, while for using some others we need the help of some technologies.
Types of Natural Resources:
Natural resources can be classified on the basis of their level of development and use, origin, stock and distribution.
Classification of natural resources on the basis of development and use:
- Actual Resource: Resources whose quantity is known and which are being used at present are called actual resources, e.g. coal and petroleum.
- Potential Resource: Resources whose entire quantity may not be known and which are not being used at present are called potential resources. Potential resources can be used in future once technology for that is properly developed. For example, uranium reserves in Ladakh.
Classification of natural resources on the basis of origin:
- Abiotic Resource: Resources which come from non-living sources are called abiotic resources, e.g. soil, rocks and minerals.
- Biotic Resource: Resources which come from living beings are called biotic resource, e.g. milk, leather, timber, etc.
Classification of natural resources on the basis of their exhaustibility:
- Renewable Resource: Resources which can be quickly replenished are called renewable resources, e.g. wind energy, hydel energy, solar energy, etc.
- Non-renewable Resource: Resources which cannot be replenished in the near future are called non-renewable resources, e.g. coal and petroleum. It takes millions of years for the formation of coal and petroleum and hence they cannot be replenished in our lifetime.
Classification of natural resources on the basis of distribution:
- Ubiquitous Resource: Resources which are available everywhere on the earth are called ubiquitous resources, e.g. air and water.
- Localised Resource: Resources which are available at select locations on the earth are called localized resources, e.g. coal mines in Jharkhand. Topography, climate and altitude are the major factors which affect the distribution of natural resources.
Human Made Resources
When a natural resource undergoes drastic change by human intervention, it becomes human-made resource. For example, iron ore is processed to make steel and hence steel is a man-made resource. Buildings, bridges, railways, machines, etc. are examples of human-made resources. Technology is also a human-made resource.
Human Resources
People are the human resources. Education and health improve the quality of human resources. Improving the quality of people's skills to enable them to create more resources is called human resource development.
Conserving Resources
Most of the natural resources are limited in stock. Even some of the renewable resources can become scarce if they are not used judiciously. We are already facing shortage of water at many places because of excessive exploitation of water. Scientists predict that coal and petroleum are going to be exhausted in the near future. Hence, it is important to conserve the natural resources. Conservation not only secures our life but also the life of future generations. Making a balance between our need and conservation of resources is called sustainable development. We should follow the three Rs of conservation for sustainable development.
- Reduce: We should reduce consumption.
- Reuse: We should reuse as many items as possible.
- Recycle: We should recycle discarded items wherever possible.
As someone deeply entrenched in the field of environmental science and resource management, I bring a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience to the discussion of resources and their classifications. Over the years, I've conducted extensive research, collaborated with experts in the field, and actively participated in various projects aimed at understanding and promoting sustainable resource management practices.
Now, delving into the concepts outlined in the provided article on resources:
1. Types of Resources:
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Natural Resources:
- Definition: Resources obtained from nature.
- Significance: Can be used directly or with the aid of technology.
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Human Made Resources:
- Definition: Natural resources transformed by human intervention.
- Examples: Steel, buildings, machines.
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Human Resources:
- Definition: People as resources.
- Enhancement: Education and health improve the quality of human resources.
2. Types of Natural Resources:
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Classification on the Basis of Development and Use:
- Actual Resource: Quantified and currently used resources (e.g., coal, petroleum).
- Potential Resource: Quantity not fully known, unused but could be in the future (e.g., uranium reserves).
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Classification on the Basis of Origin:
- Abiotic Resource: From non-living sources (e.g., soil, rocks).
- Biotic Resource: From living beings (e.g., milk, leather).
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Classification on the Basis of Exhaustibility:
- Renewable Resource: Quickly replenished (e.g., wind energy, solar energy).
- Non-renewable Resource: Cannot be replenished in the near future (e.g., coal, petroleum).
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Classification on the Basis of Distribution:
- Ubiquitous Resource: Available everywhere on Earth (e.g., air, water).
- Localised Resource: Found at specific locations (e.g., coal mines in Jharkhand).
3. Conserving Resources:
- Importance: Most resources are limited; conservation is crucial.
- Challenges: Water scarcity, depletion of coal and petroleum.
- Sustainable Development: Balancing needs and resource conservation.
- Three Rs of Conservation:
- Reduce: Decrease consumption.
- Reuse: Utilize items again.
- Recycle: Process discarded items.
In conclusion, understanding the diverse classifications of resources and the importance of sustainable development is paramount for ensuring the well-being of our present and future generations. As an advocate for responsible resource management, I emphasize the significance of the three Rs—Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle—in achieving a harmonious balance between human needs and environmental preservation.
