Complete Solutions and Summary of Natural Resources and Their Use – NCERT Class 8, Social Science, Chapter 1 – Summary, Questions, Answers, Extra Questions
Detailed summary and explanation of Chapter 1 'Natural Resources and Their Use' with all question answers, case studies, and solutions from NCERT Class VIII, Social Science (India and the World: Land and the People).
Updated: 2 days ago
Categories: NCERT, Class VIII, Social Science, Summary, Extra Questions, Natural Resources, Chapter 1, Geography, Environmental Studies
Tags: Natural Resources, Summary, Class 8, NCERT, Social Science, Chapter 1, Answers, Extra Questions, Renewable Resources, Non-renewable Resources, Punjab Groundwater Crisis, Sikkim Organic Farming, International Solar Alliance, Sustainability, Stewardship, Resource Management, Environmental Conservation
Natural Resources and Their Use - Complete Study Guide
Natural Resources and Their Use
Chapter 1: India and the World - Land and the People
Complete Study Guide with Interactive Learning
Chapter Overview
3Main Categories
80%Punjab Over-exploited
2016Sikkim 100% Organic
275LOxygen per Tree/Day
What You'll Learn
Resource Definition
Understanding what makes elements of nature become resources and the three essential criteria for resource classification.
Categories & Types
Learning about renewable vs non-renewable resources and their uses in life, materials, and energy.
Distribution Effects
How uneven resource distribution affects settlements, trade, conflicts, and international relations.
Sustainability
Responsible stewardship, case studies, and solutions for sustainable resource management.
Authors & Inspiration
This chapter draws inspiration from Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac, authors of 'The Future We Choose', who advocate for a regenerative economy that operates in harmony with nature, repurposing resources, minimizing waste, and replenishing what we use.
Comprehensive Chapter Summary
1. Nature to Resource Transformation
Natural resources are materials from nature that become valuable when humans use them. For something to qualify as a resource, it must meet three criteria:
Technologically Accessible: We must have the means to extract it
Economically Feasible: Extraction must be cost-effective
Culturally Acceptable: Society must accept its use (e.g., not cutting sacred groves)
2. Resource Categories
By Usage:
Essential for Life
Air we breathe, water we drink, food we eat - fundamental for survival
Materials
Wood, marble, metals - for creating objects and infrastructure
Energy Sources
Coal, petroleum, solar, wind - powering modern civilization
By Renewability:
Renewable Resources
Nature's Principle: Works through restoration (healing damaged systems) and regeneration (creating new life). Examples include solar energy, wind, forests, and water - but only if we use them sustainably without disturbing natural cycles.
Non-renewable Resources
Created over long periods, cannot be replenished at our rate of use. Examples: fossil fuels, minerals, metals. India's coal reserves may last another 50 years at current consumption rates.
3. Distribution and Global Impact
Resources are unevenly distributed globally, creating:
Settlement Patterns: Industries near resources create employment and townships
Trade Relationships: Countries depend on each other for different resources
Conflicts: Kaveri River disputes, Brahmaputra water sharing issues
Resource Curse: Abundant resources don't guarantee prosperity without proper management
4. Critical Case Studies
Punjab Groundwater Crisis
Problem: 80% area over-exploited, water table dropped 30 meters deep
Causes: High-yielding crops needing more water + Free electricity leading to over-pumping + Chemical fertilizers and pesticides
Consequences: Health hazards from chemical contamination, unsustainable farming
Sikkim Organic Success
Achievement: 100% organic state by 2016
Benefits: 20% increase in farmer incomes, biodiversity flourished, tourism increased
Method: Government policy support, transition from chemical to natural farming
Cement Industry Challenge
Problem: One of most polluting industries - fine dust damages lungs, decreases plant yields, causes soil and water pollution
Solutions: Traditional materials (stone, mud), plant-based materials, recycled waste plastic, Central Pollution Control Board guidelines
5. Traditional Knowledge Systems
Vṛikṣhāyurveda: Ancient Indian botanical science from 10th century CE providing sustainable agriculture methods including crop rotation, mixed cropping, natural pest management, and soil moisture retention techniques.
6. Modern Sustainable Solutions
International Solar Alliance (2015)
India and France launched coalition of sunshine-rich countries. India channeled billions into solar projects globally, sharing expertise and creating affordable financing. Bhadla Solar Park symbolizes India's renewable energy leadership.
7. Philosophy of Stewardship
The chapter concludes with the concept of lokasangraha from Bhagavad Gita - transcending personal desires to act for collective wellbeing. We must become responsible stewards ensuring fair distribution, sustainable use, and restoration of natural systems for future generations.
Key Concepts and Definitions
Exploitation
In resource context: extraction, utilization, and consumption of natural resources (not negative meaning)
Restoration
Process of returning something to its original healthy state if degraded or damaged
Regeneration
Nature's ability to create new life and conditions for thriving - goes beyond restoration
Stewardship
Responsible management and care of resources for current and future generations
Lokasangraha
Sanskrit concept meaning acting for the wellbeing of all, transcending personal desires
Resource Curse
Paradox where resource-rich regions may experience slower economic growth without proper management
Ecosystem Services
Benefits humans receive from natural processes (oxygen production, water filtration, pollination)
Biodiversity Loss
Decline in variety of life on Earth, often caused by chemical farming and habitat destruction
Vṛikṣhāyurveda
Ancient Indian botanical science focusing on plant care and sustainable agriculture
Important Facts and Figures
275LOxygen produced by mature tree daily
350LOxygen needed by human daily
80%Punjab area over-exploited for groundwater
30mDepth of water table in Punjab
20%Income increase for Sikkim farmers
50Years India's coal may last
Questions and Answers from Chapter
Q1. What can make what is today a renewable resource non-renewable tomorrow? Describe some actions that can prevent this from happening.
Answer: A renewable resource becomes non-renewable when we use it faster than it can regenerate naturally.
Examples:
Cutting trees faster than forest regeneration
Extracting groundwater faster than replenishment (Punjab case)
Overfishing during breeding seasons
Prevention Actions:
Sustainable harvesting within natural regeneration limits
Water conservation and rainwater harvesting
Reforestation programs
Following traditional seasonal restrictions
Q2. Name five ecosystem functions that serve humans.
Five ecosystem services:
Oxygen Production: Trees produce 275L oxygen daily
Water Filtration: Forests naturally clean water
Soil Erosion Prevention: Plant roots hold soil in place
Pollination: Bees and insects enable crop production
Climate Regulation: Forests maintain local temperature and weather
Q3. What are renewable resources? How are they different from non-renewable ones?
Renewable Resources: Can be replenished naturally through restoration and regeneration processes. Examples: solar, wind, water, forests.
Non-renewable Resources: Created over long periods, cannot be replenished at our consumption rate. Examples: coal, petroleum, minerals.
Key Differences:
Renewable resources can restore naturally if managed sustainably
Non-renewable resources will eventually be exhausted
