Learning objectives
▄ To develop a concept of natural resource.
▄ To be able to classify the different types of natural resource.
▄ To know about the immense importance of renewable and non-renewable energy, their applications, advantages and disadvantages.
▄ To know about such resource in the Indian perspective.
▄ To explore the future possibilities of sustainable energy production.
Introduction
Materials that occur in the nature under different environmental conditions are termed as natural resources. They are valuable in their natural (unmodified) form and their value is determined by the amount of material that can be extracted from them and the demand for the same. A commodityis usually considered a natural resource when the key activities associated with it are extraction and purification in contrast to manufacture. Thus, quarrying, extraction, fishing and forestry are referred to as natural-resource industries, whereas agronomy is not.
Classification of Natural Resources
Natural resources can be classified on the basis of the following parameters.
A. On the basis of origin
i. Biotic natural resources
Biotic natural resources are obtained from the biosphere either in the raw form or through cultivation. For example, fossil fuels, agricultural products, fruits, wax etc. Petroleum having an organic origin is a biotic resource.
ii. Abiotic natural resources
These resources are procured from land, water and minerals and are non-living. Air, water, land, gold, diamond, silver, bauxite, nickel, copper, iron ore, zinc, lead, sulphur, chromites, talc, marble, limestone, platinum, vanadium, salt, sand, gravel etc are all abiotic resources.
B. Based on the degree to which they are developing/processing
i. Currently used resources
Those resources which are presently used for human use. For example, coal and petroleum.
ii. Potential resources
These include untouched and untapped resources for future use. Hydrogen is one such resource.
C. On the basis of regeneration ability or continual supply
i. Renewable resources
They are resources, which can be recycled, or resources that can be replenished quickly through natural cycle. For example, solar radiation, wind energy, water energy, biomass energy (solar energy stored in wood), agricultural products, forests, wildlife, etc. If they are consumed at a rate exceeding their natural rate of replacement, the stock will eventually run out. Non-living renewable natural resources are soil and water.