The Earth has enough resources to meet the needs of all but not enough to satisfy the greed of even one person”. This statement was given by Mahatma Gandhi. This statement is true because Resources and development are linked with each other. The maintenance of resources is important for sustainable development. As the statement says, the Earth has enough resources (i.e. renewable and non-renewable) to satisfy everyone’s needs; however, these needs should be fulfilled, by keeping in mind the sustainable use of these resources. Due to the scarcity of resources, one should use the resources judiciously because if resources are over-utilized, it will cause environmental degradation and ultimately future generations will have to pay the price for it. Humans should think of their future generations and should not exhaust and exploit natural resources. Humans should focus on practising green economic development to protect natural resources.
The above quote by Mahatma Gandhi explains that doesn’t matter how many resources humans have, they can’t fulfil the greed of the human population. The way, humans are using resources right now, it is inevitable soon, all the non-renewable resources will be exhausted due to this reckless exploitation. The reason for this reckless consumption is the constant need for development. In the name of development, people have indulged in activities like deforestation, overgrazing, overuse of groundwater, use of plastics, etc. which results in the exploitation of natural resources. This will not only affect future generations but also affect the future development process of the country. If fossil fuels are being used recklessly, it will increase global warming and environmental pollution which is bad for the sustainable development of the country.
Resources
Life exists on Earth because of the availability of natural resources. Imagine a life without water, air, soil, etc. There are eight Planets in our solar system, but life only exists on Earth because of the favourable conditions present on this planet. But humans are depleting these resources at a rapid rate which causes global warming. Many species of animals got extinct because of this rapid increase in the temperature.
What are Natural Resources?
Natural resources are those resources that are given by nature. They took millions of years to form. They are the source of life on this planet. Natural resources such as clean water, and fossil fuels are available in limited amounts. Sustainable consumption of these resources is important for future generations. Many countries are facing drought because of rapidly decreasing levels of groundwater.
Classification of Resources
Resources can be classified as follows on the following basis:
| Origin |
Exhaustibility |
Ownership |
Status of development |
| Biotic |
Renewable |
Individual |
Potential |
| Abiotic |
Non-renewable |
Community |
Developed |
| |
|
National |
Stocks |
| |
|
International |
Reserves |
1. On the Basis of Origin- Biotic and Abiotic
- Biotic Resources: Biotic Resources are resources that are derived from living things. They are found in Earth’s biosphere. Organisms from animals to humans all comprise biotic Resources. E.g., fish, birds, humans, aquatic animals, etc.
- Abiotic Resources: All Abiotic resources are the non-living resources present in our environment. E.g., rocks, metals, water, sun, etc.
2. On the Basis of Exhaustibility- Renewable and Non-Renewable
- Renewable Resources: The resources which can replenish themselves at the same rate they are used. E.g., energy from the sun, forests, wind energy, etc.
- Non-Renewable Resources: The resources which are available in a limited quantity in our environment. E.g., Minerals, and fossil fuels.
3. On the Basis of Ownership-Individual, Community, National, and International
- Individual Resources: Resources that are belonged to a private entity or an individual are called individual Resources. E.g., House, car, Plantation, pasture lands, ponds, water in wells, etc.
- Community-Owned Resources: Resources that are owned and shared by all members of the community are called community resources. E.g., Grazing grounds, burial grounds, public parks, picnic spots, playgrounds, etc.
- National Resources: All the resources that are owned ad controlled by the government of a country. E.g., Roads, canals, railways, etc.
- International Resources: These are the international institutions that control all the areas which do not control by any individual country. E.g., open oceans and islands.
4. On the Basis of the Status of Development- Potential, Developed, Stock, and Reserves
- Potential Resources: These resources are available in a country but have not been utilized yet. E.g., wind and solar energy.
- Developed Resources: These are the resources that are surveyed and estimation is made based on quality and quantity for its utilization. These are dependent on technology.
- Stocks: These are the resources available in the environment that can potentially fulfil human needs but are not used because of technological limitations. E.g., Hydrogen can be used as a rich source of energy. But we do not know how to convert it into energy.
- Reserves: These are the resources that are reserved to use soon because existing quality can’t fully utilize them. E.g., Water stored in dams, jungles, etc.
Importance of Natural Resources
1. Human Survival: If the human population wants to grow and survive they need natural resources.
2. Development: Natural resources help in the development of an economy.
3. Ease of life: They help to raise the living standard of humans.
4. Source of energy: Renewable resources are clean sources of energy for example Solar energy and wind energy.
5. Technological Advancement: Nowadays, technology is growing day by day, this growth of technology could not be possible without the use of natural resources provided by nature.
6. Production of goods: Natural resources are used to produce goods. They also provide the raw material for production.
7. Food production: Natural resources are used to make food that helps to feed the growing population of humans.
8. Biotechnology: Natural resources help to create new medicines which help humans to live disease-free life.
9. Biodiversity: Natural resources provide a home to numerous plants and animals which maintain the balance of the ecosystem.
10. Clean Environment: Renewable resources like solar and wind power plants generates energy that doesn’t pollute the environment.
Sustainable development
When the present generation of people use resources responsibly so that future generation get benefit from them is called sustainable development. It is refer to the development which is sustainable for a longer period. It suggests that all natural resources should not be used by one generation of people.
In other words, sustainable development is a human moral duty to use resources judiciously so that the exploitation of resources can be avoided. In 1992, all the countries come together and decided some rules for sustainable future development. These rules became sustainable development goals. There are 17 sustainable development goals that are written as follows:
1. No Poverty
2. Zero Hunger
3. Good Health and Well-being
4. Quality Education
5. Gender Equality
6. Clean Water and Sanitation
7. Affordable and Clean Energy
8. Decent Work and Economic Growth
9. Industry, innovation, and infrastructure
10. Reduced Inequality
11. Sustainable Cities and Communities
12. Responsible Consumption and Production
13. Climate Action
14. Life below water
15. Life on Land
16. Peace, justice, and strong institutions
17. Partnerships
Even after creating all these goals, most countries are far from achieving these goals. So countries need to take action now and help each other to achieve sustainable development.
How to manage resources for a sustainable future?
Resource Planning can help to manage the use of resources so that they can be available for future generations. In India, some regions have abundant resources and some have a scarcity of resources, that’s why there is a need for a balanced use of resources.
Resource Planning in India
Resource planning is a process of identification of resources, planning structure, and the resources plan with overall plans.
First, a country needs to identify all its resources across the country and then need to make a plan for using these resources sustainably. After making these plans, they need to match up these plans with the nation’s overall plans.
India took a step towards achieving sustainable development goals by enforcing the five-year plans. To maintain the balance of utilization of resources in the best way, one needs to stop the over-usage of natural resources.
Development of Resources
The reckless use of resources gives rise to many problems such as global warming, environmental pollution, soil erosion, groundwater depletion, ozone layer depletion, etc. The resources are continuously being used by the countries to satisfy their greed which leads to the division of society into rich and poor. Resource planning must be required to best utilize the resources efficiently. Resource development is the process in which resources should get time for replenishment, and thus it can help future generations. Thus, resource planning and development are essential for sustainable development.
Conclusion
“The Earth has enough resources to meet the needs of all but not enough to satisfy the greed of even one person”. In this statement, Gandhi ji points out that humans are inherently greedy species. While someone’s can be met there is no way to fulfill someone’s greed. In the modern world, countries are using these resources recklessly in the name of development. But in this race of development, they are unable to see the bigger picture and the price of this ignorance will be paid by the next generation. So right now Earth has enough resources for sustainable development if countries use them wisely.
FAQs
Q 1. How does the distribution of natural resources impact global inequality?
Ans. Unequal distribution of natural resources has a huge impact on global Inequality because it leads to widening the gap between rich and poor. Developed countries are using resources recklessly whereas developing countries are facing some problems due to scarcity of some resources.
Q 2. How to encourage multinational companies prioritize sustainability over profits?
Ans. 1. Understanding the need for sustainability.
2. Making proper research.
3. Building social trust among people.
4. Innovations and technologies can also help.
Q 3. What role do International agreements and corporations play in addressing the issue of resource depletion?
Ans. International organizations help in maintaining the balance between fulfilling the needs and proper utilization of resources. These organizations make rules for the countries to maintain sustainability to avoid the problem of resource depletion.
Q 4. How does conflict over natural resources impact global security and stability?
Ans. The conflicts over natural resources give rise to the problem of maintaining proper law and order in the countries. Some countries have a scarcity of resources and that’s why they face some problems which impact their stability.
Q 5. What are some of the latest innovations and technology that can be used to promote sustainable resource management?
Ans. Some latest innovations are:
1. Solar Panels
2. Green Hydrogen
3. Hydrogen Fuel Cells
4. Tidal Energy
5. Artificial Photosynthesis
6. Wastewater Electricity Generator
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