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Natural Resources• Water Resources· Availablhty ond Quality aspects. Water borne diseases, Water Induced diseases, Fluoride problem in drinking water. Mineral Resources, Fore$1 Wealth, Material <.ycles-- Carbon, Ni't<ogen and Sulphur Cydes. Energy - Oifferent types of energy, Elec.tro•ma&netic radiation. Conventional and Non-Conventional sources - Hydro Electric, Fossil Fuet based, Nudear, Solar, Biomass and Bio.gas. H'ydrogen as an alternative future source of Energy.
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Asst Prof & Head, Department of Botany, AAGASC, Karaikal - 609 605
Syllabus for Unit - II : Natural Resources, Renewable and Non-renewable Resources
Definition and Importance
Forests are vast areas dominated by trees and other vegetation, playing a critical role in maintaining the ecological balance and supporting a diverse range of species. They cover approximately 31% of the Earth's land area and are integral to the health of our planet.
Forests provide numerous ecosystem services, including:
Roles of Forests
o Resource Provision : Forests supply timber, fuel wood, and non-timber products like fruits, nuts, and medicinal plants.
o Livelihood Support : Many rural and indigenous communities rely on forests for their economic activities, such as farming, hunting, and gathering.
o Cultural Significance : Forests hold cultural and spiritual value for many communities, often featuring in traditional practices and beliefs.
o Recreational Spaces : Forests offer spaces for recreation and tourism, contributing to mental well-being and providing economic opportunities through ecotourism.
Conservation of Forests
Despite their importance, forests are under significant threat from deforestation, degradation, and fragmentation. The main causes of deforestation include agricultural expansion, commercial logging, mining, and urbanization.
o Causes : Driven by agricultural expansion, commercial logging, infrastructure development, and mining activities.
o Effects : Leads to loss of biodiversity, increased greenhouse gas emissions, disruption of water cycles, and displacement of communities.
o Sustainable Forest Management : Managing forests for ecological, social, and economic benefits, ensuring their long-term health.
o Community-Based Management : Involving local communities in forest management decisions to respect their needs and rights.
o Agroforestry : Integrating trees into agricultural landscapes to restore degraded lands and improve soil fertility.
Conserving forests is vital for maintaining the planet's health and ensuring the sustainability of human societies. By implementing effective conservation strategies, we can protect these crucial ecosystems for future generations.
Use of Forest Resources
Forests provide a variety of essential resources and services:
Deforestation refers to the permanent removal of forests and woodlands for various purposes, including agricultural expansion, commercial development, and urbanization. It is a major environmental issue with significant negative impacts on biodiversity, climate change, and human well-being.
Causes of Deforestation
o Agricultural Expansion : Clearing forests for large-scale commercial agriculture to produce crops and livestock.
Effects of Deforestation
o Forests play a critical role in regulating the water cycle. Their destruction can lead to reduced water availability and increased soil erosion.
o Deforestation impacts the livelihoods and cultural practices of forest-dependent communities.
o The loss of traditional knowledge and access to resources like medicinal plants affects the well-being of indigenous and local populations.
Potential Solutions to Deforestation
o Ensuring the long-term health of forest ecosystems while allowing for resource use.
o Establishing protected areas to conserve forests and their biodiversity. o Enforcing regulations against illegal logging and forest conversion.
By addressing deforestation through these approaches, it is possible to promote the sustainable use of forest resources and protect the environment for future generations.
Timber extraction refers to the process of harvesting trees for wood. It is a crucial economic activity providing raw materials for construction, paper production, furniture making, and various other industries. While timber extraction is essential for meeting human needs, it has significant environmental and ecological implications.
Methods of Timber Extraction
Environmental Impact of Timber Extraction
Introduction to Water Resources
Water resources encompass all sources of water that are useful or potentially useful to humans. This includes surface water (rivers, lakes, and reservoirs), groundwater, and even atmospheric water. These resources are crucial for sustaining life, supporting ecosystems, and facilitating human activities such as agriculture, industry, and domestic use. Despite their abundance, water resources are unevenly distributed across the globe, leading to significant disparities in availability.
Surface Water
Surface water is the water found on the surface of the Earth in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and wetlands. It is directly accessible and used for drinking, irrigation, industrial processes, and recreation. The management and preservation of surface water are critical due to its vulnerability to pollution and over-extraction.
Groundwater
Groundwater is stored beneath the Earth's surface in aquifers, which are layers of rock and soil that hold water. It serves as a critical source of drinking water and irrigation, especially in arid and semi- arid regions where surface water is scarce. Groundwater extraction must be carefully managed to prevent depletion and land subsidence.
Importance of Water Resources
Water resources are indispensable for life. They support a wide range of ecological processes, help regulate climate, and are vital for agriculture, energy production, and industrial processes. Ensuring the sustainable management and equitable distribution of water resources is essential for human health, economic development, and environmental protection.
Water scarcity and pollution pose significant challenges, making conservation efforts and sustainable practices crucial for maintaining these vital resources for future generations.
Use and Over-Utilization of Surface and Ground Water
Surface Water Use: Surface water, which includes water from lakes, rivers, and streams, is a crucial resource for human survival, agriculture, and industry. Its utilization supports drinking water supplies, irrigation for crops, and various industrial processes.
Over-Utilization and Causes:
o The agricultural sector requires significant amounts of water for irrigation. Similarly, industries need water for processing and cooling. During dry periods, this increased demand can deplete surface water resources.
Consequences of Over-Utilization:
o When water is withdrawn faster than it can be naturally replenished, surface water levels drop. This can lead to water scarcity, affecting both human usage and ecosystem health.
o Reduced water flows can result in the accumulation of pollutants like nutrients, chemicals, and sediments, impacting aquatic ecosystems and human health.
Sustainable Management Practices: To mitigate these issues, it is essential to adopt sustainable water management practices such as:
Reducing water demand.
Increasing water-use efficiency. Promoting water conservation.
Improving water governance.
Failure to address the over-exploitation of surface water can have dire consequences for current and future generations.
Use and Over-Utilization of Ground Water
Ground Water Use: Groundwater is stored beneath the earth's surface in aquifers. It is a critical resource for drinking water, irrigation, and industrial uses, particularly in areas where surface water is scarce.
Over-Utilization and Causes:
Consequences of Over-Utilization:
Flood Disaster Management
Effective flood disaster management involves several key steps to minimize the impact of floods and enhance community preparedness and response:
By adopting a comprehensive and coordinated approach to flood disaster management, communities can better prepare for, respond to, and recover from floods, thereby minimizing their adverse effects.
Drought is a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall, leading to a shortage of water. It is a natural disaster that can have severe impacts on the environment, agriculture, and human populations. Droughts can vary in duration and intensity, and they can occur in any climatic region.
Causes of Drought
Natural Causes:
Climate Variability: Natural variations in climate, such as changes in ocean currents and atmospheric circulation patterns, can lead to reduced precipitation and drought conditions.
Meteorological Factors: Lack of sufficient rainfall over an extended period is the primary cause of drought. Variations in atmospheric pressure and wind patterns can also contribute.
Human Activities:
Deforestation: Clearing of forests for agriculture or urban development reduces the natural water retention and recycling capabilities of the ecosystem.
Overgrazing: Excessive grazing by livestock can lead to soil degradation and reduced vegetation cover, which in turn affects the water cycle.
Unsustainable Water Use: Over-extraction of water for agriculture, industry, and domestic use can deplete water resources, exacerbating drought conditions.
Effects of Drought
Environmental Impact:
Soil Degradation: Lack of water reduces soil moisture, leading to soil compaction, erosion, and loss of fertility.
Loss of Biodiversity: Drought can lead to the death of plants and animals, reducing biodiversity and disrupting ecosystems.
Increased Wildfires: Dry conditions increase the risk of wildfires, which can further devastate vegetation and wildlife.
Agricultural Impact:
Crop Failure: Insufficient water supply can lead to poor crop yields or total crop failure, threatening food security.
Livestock Mortality: Reduced availability of water and forage can lead to the death of livestock, impacting livelihoods dependent on animal husbandry.
Economic Impact:
Reduced Agricultural Productivity : Lower crop and livestock production can lead to economic losses for farmers and higher food prices.
Water Shortages : Reduced water availability can affect industries and urban areas, leading to water rationing and economic disruption.
Social Impact:
Migration : Severe droughts can force people to migrate in search of water and better living conditions.
Health Issues : Lack of clean water can lead to dehydration, malnutrition, and increased incidence of water-borne diseases.
Dams are structures built across rivers or streams to hold back water for various purposes, such as irrigation, hydropower generation, flood control, and water supply. While dams offer numerous benefits, their construction and operation can also lead to significant environmental and social issues.
Benefits of Dams
Problems of Dams
Solutions to Mitigate Negative Impacts
In conclusion, while dams play a crucial role in water resource management and energy production, it is essential to address their environmental and social impacts. Promoting sustainable practices, investing in alternative energy sources, and involving local communities in planning and decision- making can help to balance the benefits and problems associated with dam construction.
Food resources encompass the variety of food products that are essential for human survival and well-being. These resources include all types of crops, livestock, fisheries, and other edible organisms that humans consume. The availability and accessibility of food resources are crucial for maintaining food security and nutrition for populations around the world. Food resources can be categorized into different types based on their origin:
Importance of Food Resources
Food resources are fundamental for human existence as they provide the necessary nutrients for growth, development, and health. The major roles of food resources include:
The issue of world food problems encompasses various challenges that affect global food security, availability, and access. These problems are complex and multifaceted, often intertwined with environmental, economic, and social factors. Here are some of the key aspects of world food problems:
o Definition : Food security means having consistent access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets dietary needs for an active and healthy life. Food insecurity occurs when this access is disrupted. o Factors Affecting Food Security : Economic instability, political conflicts, climate change, and natural disasters can all impact food security. In many developing countries, poverty and lack of resources exacerbate these issues.
o Types of Malnutrition : Malnutrition includes both undernutrition (lack of sufficient nutrients) and overnutrition (excess intake of nutrients leading to obesity). Both forms are prevalent in different parts of the world. o Impacts : Malnutrition can lead to stunted growth, weakened immune systems, and increased susceptibility to diseases. It also affects cognitive development in children, leading to long-term educational and economic disadvantages.
o Impact on Agriculture : Climate change affects agricultural productivity through changes in temperature, precipitation patterns, and increased frequency of extreme weather events like droughts and floods. These changes can reduce crop yields and disrupt food supply chains. o Adaptation Strategies : Developing drought-resistant crops, improving irrigation systems, and adopting sustainable farming practices are essential strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on food production.
o Food Waste : A significant amount of food is wasted due to inefficient supply chains, lack of storage facilities, and consumer behavior. Reducing food waste is crucial for improving food security.
o Poverty and Access : Poverty is a major barrier to accessing sufficient and nutritious food. Economic policies, trade regulations, and market access all play roles in determining food availability and affordability. o Agricultural Investment : Investment in agriculture, including infrastructure, technology, and education, is essential for improving productivity and ensuring sustainable food production systems.
o Role of Governments and Organizations : Effective policies and governance are critical for addressing food security issues. This includes international cooperation, development aid, and implementing policies that support sustainable agricultural practices.
o Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) : The United Nations' SDGs aim to end hunger, achieve food security, and promote sustainable agriculture by 2030. Efforts to meet these goals include improving agricultural productivity, enhancing rural infrastructure, and ensuring access to food for all.
Addressing world food problems requires a coordinated effort across multiple sectors, including agriculture, economics, health, and environmental management. By focusing on sustainable practices, improving food distribution systems, and addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality, it is possible to make significant strides towards global food security.
Agriculture and overgrazing have profound effects on the environment, leading to significant changes that impact both the ecosystem and human society. Below is a detailed explanation of the changes caused by these practices:
Agriculture
By adopting these measures, it is possible to reduce the negative impacts of agriculture and overgrazing, ensuring that land resources are used sustainably and remain productive for future generations.
Modern agriculture, characterized by the use of high-yield crop varieties, extensive use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, mechanization, and large-scale irrigation, has had profound effects on the environment, economy, and society.
Environmental Effects
o Loss of Fertility : Continuous cropping without adequate replenishment of soil nutrients leads to soil exhaustion. The overuse of chemical fertilizers can lead to soil acidification and a decrease in organic matter content.
o Water Pollution : Runoff from agricultural fields often carries fertilizers and pesticides into nearby water bodies, causing eutrophication and contamination of drinking water sources.
o Pesticides : The extensive use of pesticides can harm non-target organisms, including beneficial insects, birds, and aquatic life. It can also lead to the development of pesticide-resistant pests. o Fertilizers : Overuse of fertilizers can result in nutrient runoff, leading to water pollution and the disruption of aquatic ecosystems.
o Deforestation : Clearing forests for agriculture releases carbon dioxide stored in trees, contributing to global warming.
Economic Effects
Social Effects
o Exposure to pesticides and chemicals can have serious health impacts on farmers and rural communities. There is also concern about the long-term health effects of consuming food with pesticide residues.
Modern agriculture has played a crucial role in increasing food production and improving food security for millions of people. However, it’s environmental, economic, and social impacts need to