Page 130 - SST Class 08

1. Ecosystem Management : The basic developing world. It will compel the devel-
problem with all types of resources today is oping countries to bring down their growth
over-exploitation and high degree of inter- rate of population.
ference by man in natural ecosystem. To 5. The Problem of Wastes and Pollution :
ensure that resources are also made avail- The different uses of resources result enor-
able to our children or the generations to mous amounts of wastes. Pollution arises
come, there is an urgent need for proper from the accumulation of these wastes.
ecosystem management. Therefore, planning needs to take into

2. Evaluation of Resources : Our technol- consideration how to deal with these
ogy for evaluation of earth’s resources is wastes.
highly advanced today. Evaluation of Planning is thus necessary for avoiding waste use
resources should balance demand and of precious resources of the earth and making
supply through proper planning. resources available for future generations of
3. Alternatives to Existing Resources : mankind.
Fossil fuels cannot last long. Alternative SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF
sources of energy are already being used. RESOURCES
We have still to find alternatives to fossil
Balancing the need to use resources and also
fuels which can replace coal, petroleum and conserve them for the future is called sustainable
gas. There is also an urgent need to plan development.
mineral resources and find alternatives, but
Development of the resources should be done
not like plastics which are not biodegrad-
without damaging the environment and the
able.
needs of present generation should not be
4. Demand for Resources : Two main compromised with those of the future genera-
causes of high demand for resources are tions, this is known as sustainable development.
population growth and consumerism. The
Some Principles of Sustainable Development :
developed countries, because of their higher
1. Respect and care for all forms of life.
income levels are high standards of living
2. Improve the quality of human life.
and have high consumption levels and use
many times more resources per head than 3. Conserve the earth’s vitality and diversity.
people in developing world. The population 4. Minimise the depletion of natural resources.
growth, on the other hand, is very high in 5. Change personal attitude and practices
the developing world. Planning of resources toward the environment.
demands to strike a balance between the 6. Enable communities to care for their own
need for resources by the developed and environment.
Terminology

Utility : the state of being useful, profitable or beneficial
Modification : the action of modifying something
Renewable : capable of being renewed
Consumption : the action of using up a resource
Replenishable : Able to be renewed or replenished
Potential : having or showing the capacity to develop into something in the future

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