Why Is Conservation of Natural Resources Important for Students?
Natural resources are the resources that occur naturally on Earth. It is an indispensable part of our lives. Natural resources consist of air, water, sunlight, coal, petroleum, natural gas, fossil fuels, oil, etc. However, humans have exploited these resources for their economic gains. Over usage of natural resources has caused depletion resulting in a huge impending threat to the existence of the human race. Conservation of nature means taking care and protecting these resources like forests, water bodies, natural gases, minerals, and fuels so that they continue to be available in abundance.
Long Essay On Conservation of Natural Resource
Conservation of nature means taking care and protecting these resources like forests, water bodies, natural gases, minerals, and fuels so that they continue to be available in abundance. Conservation refers to saving the resources for the use of the upcoming generation. There are enough natural resources which nature has provided to us. It is our duty to save them for our successors. For saving these natural resources we have to gain enough knowledge about that and should work in that direction.
Natural resources are categorized into renewable and non-renewable. Renewable resources can be replenished naturally. These include air, water, and sunlight. Non-renewable resources consist of coal, natural gas, and oil. These resources cannot be replenished by natural resources easily to keep up with consumption. It takes hundreds of years to recycle these resources. The usage of natural resources has been pivotal for the evolution of mankind. But his progress and development have led to the exploitation of these natural resources. This demands a responsible behavior of conserving the resources to ensure sustainability .If we do not use these resources judiciously then it can create an imbalance in the environment. Global warming, floods, climate change, famine, and drought are some of the consequences we will have to face in the future. So, conservation of natural resources has become the need of the hour.
Water is the most important and valuable natural resource on Earth. It sustains all life. We use water for drinking, generating electricity, in agriculture for irrigation of crops, in many industries for manufacturing processes. Scarcity of water would cause loss of vegetation and to all plant life, erosion of soil. Forests determine natural vegetation for mankind. It is the major natural resource that helps in economic development. Their use in fuel, timber, and industrial raw material cannot be undermined. Moreover, forests help in the control of soil erosion and control floods
Fossil fuel is the most important natural commodity for everyday activities. Coal, oil, and natural gas produce a lot of energy. Governments and agencies of various countries are employing different measures to conserve nature. Children should be educated about the implications of the exploitation of the environment. Recycling and reusing of water will help reduce the rate of depletion of freshwater from the planet. Farmers must use modern techniques in agriculture like sprinkler irrigation, drip irrigation, dry farming, and rotational grazing, to save water. They should start the practice of rainwater harvesting. Conservation of natural resources is the need of the present and it is our duty to conserve them.
Alternative resources or renewable resources like solar energy or water energy should be used. Saving electricity can be a step to conserve natural resources such as water, coal, natural gases, and biomass. Basic practices like switching off fans, lights, geysers, and air conditioners must become a habit. The use of solar-powered lights and cars, using public transport, and regular car-pooling will reduce the depletion of coal, oil, and gas. Increase the use of biogas and biofuels. Paper is made from wood, which is a renewable natural source. Trees are being cut at a very high speed but take time to grow. To reduce the usage of paper, modern technology must be used. This will help in reducing the carbon footprint in the atmosphere. We must plant more and more trees to prevent deforestation.
Dumping of industrial wastes into water bodies must be prevented to protect marine life. The practice of crop rotation techniques can be implemented to increase soil fertility. Burning fossil fuel emits a large amount of carbon dioxide that is responsible for the greenhouse effect. This must be controlled. It is important to realize that natural resources are limited and it is our social responsibility to protect and take care of nature. We need to rationally use these natural resources to maintain the environment and secure our future. Farmers must use modern techniques in agriculture like sprinkler irrigation, drip irrigation, dry farming, and rotational grazing, to save water. They should start the practice of rainwater harvesting.
What is Biodiversity Conservation?
Biodiversity refers generally to the richness of organisms. It can be defined as the variability of the species in a particular area. The conservation of biodiversity is essential for the balance of nature. We can divide conservation into two types based on their site of conservation.
These types are :
In situ Conservation
Ex-situ conservation
There are different types of conservation in environmental science. These are classified under two categories which are mentioned here. In- situ is generally a Latin word. In means inside and ex means outside. In situ is a type of conservation in which we conserve any of the species in its home itself. While ex situ refers to the type of conservation in which we conserve any of the species out of its residence.
In-Situ Conservation
In in-situ conservation, we conserve any of the particular species in their natural habitat. It can also be called on-site conservation of genetic resources. It has various advantages over ex-situ conservation. It does not require any advanced technology for conservation. As we are storing any of the species into its natural habitat, it is also cost-effective. Moreover, scientific research is also possible in an in-situ environment. It is also easily adaptable. Wildlife sanctuaries and national parks are some examples of in-situ conservation.
Ex-Situ Conservation
Ex-situ conservation is when we conserve any of the species out of the site of his residence. In other terms, it is the mode of conservation in which we conserve any particular species out of its habitat. It helps to rescue the threatened species. In an ex-situ conservation, we can send a particular species to that area where proper natural resources are available for its conservation. Zoo, aquarium, zoological gardens, and botanical gardens are some examples of ex-situ conservation.
The advantages of ex-situ conversions is that it is an efficient way to increase the reproduction of threatened species and requires low maintenance.
Conclusion
Conservation of natural resources is the need of the future generation. It is our duty to conserve them for the future. Conservation of biodiversity is the most essential for the upcoming generations. It is important to conserve natural resources to maintain the ecosystem and sustainability of these resources for our future generation. Sustainable development is a theory which states that we should use our resources in such a way that it can also be conserved for our successors.
FAQs on Conservation of Natural Resources Essay: Essential Techniques & Impact
1. What are the main types of natural resources, with examples?
Natural resources are primarily categorised into two types based on their ability to replenish:
- Renewable Resources: These are resources that can be replenished naturally over a short period. They are considered inexhaustible. Examples include sunlight, air, and water.
- Non-renewable Resources: These resources exist in finite quantities and cannot be easily replenished once consumed. It takes millions of years for them to form. Examples include coal, petroleum, natural gas, and other fossil fuels.
2. Why is it essential to conserve natural resources for the future?
It is essential to conserve natural resources to ensure sustainability for future generations and maintain ecological balance. Over-exploitation of these resources leads to severe environmental problems like global warming, climate change, and loss of biodiversity. Conservation ensures that these limited resources are used judiciously, allowing our planet to remain habitable and support life in the long term.
3. What are some modern agricultural techniques that help conserve water?
Farmers can adopt several modern techniques to conserve water, which is a precious natural resource. These methods are more efficient and reduce wastage:
- Drip Irrigation: Delivers water directly to the roots of plants, minimising evaporation.
- Sprinkler Irrigation: Mimics rainfall and covers a large area with less water compared to flood irrigation.
- Rainwater Harvesting: Collecting and storing rainwater for later use in irrigation.
- Dry Farming: A method used in arid regions that relies on soil moisture conservation.
4. What is the difference between in-situ and ex-situ conservation?
The primary difference between in-situ and ex-situ conservation lies in the location where species are protected.
- In-situ conservation refers to protecting species within their natural habitat. This method, also known as on-site conservation, helps preserve the entire ecosystem. Examples include National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, and Biosphere Reserves.
- Ex-situ conservation involves protecting species outside their natural habitat in a controlled environment. This is often done for endangered species. Examples include Zoos, Botanical Gardens, and Seed Banks.
5. How does the concept of 'sustainable development' relate to the conservation of natural resources?
Sustainable development is the core principle that guides the conservation of natural resources. It is defined as development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. This directly implies that we must use our natural resources, such as water, forests, and minerals, in a rational and planned manner to ensure they are available for our successors.
6. Besides using public transport, what are some less obvious ways to reduce fossil fuel consumption?
While using public transport is a key step, other daily actions also significantly reduce fossil fuel consumption. This is because a lot of energy is used to produce electricity and goods.
- Saving Electricity: Turn off lights, fans, and appliances when not in use, as most electricity is generated by burning coal or natural gas.
- Reducing Paper Usage: The paper industry consumes a large amount of energy. Using digital notes and printing double-sided helps conserve trees and energy.
- Using Biofuels: Opting for resources like biogas, which is a renewable energy source, reduces dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels.
7. What are the major consequences of failing to conserve natural resources?
Failing to conserve natural resources leads to severe and often irreversible environmental damage. The major consequences include:
- Climate Change: The burning of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, causing global warming.
- Loss of Biodiversity: Deforestation and pollution of water bodies destroy natural habitats, leading to the extinction of plant and animal species.
- Resource Scarcity: Depletion of essential resources like fresh water and fossil fuels can lead to economic instability and conflict.
- Environmental Degradation: Issues like soil erosion, desertification, and frequent floods become more common.
8. How is the conservation of biodiversity connected to the conservation of natural resources?
The conservation of biodiversity and natural resources are deeply interconnected. Biodiversity, the variety of life on Earth, is itself a vital natural resource. When we conserve natural resources like forests and oceans, we are inherently protecting the habitats of countless species, thus preserving biodiversity. Conversely, a decline in biodiversity, such as the loss of pollinators, can negatively impact agriculture, which is another natural resource.
