Lecture-3:

Introduction and natural resources

(Scope and importance: Concept of
sustainability and sustainable
development)

1
 Learning outcomes
After completing this lecture
• Student will get knowledge about
concept of sustainability and
sustainable development.
• Student will learn about the natural
resources and their classification.

2
 Scope of Environmental Studies
Environmental Management

Research and Ecosystem

Development Structure and
Function

Environmental Pollution Control Natural resource

conservation
3
 Sustainable Development

The term sustainable development refers to the development that

meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability
of the future generations to meet their own needs.

4
 Key aspects of sustainable development
Proper distribution of renewable and non-renewable resources is the
key of the concept of sustainable development. And it can be
achieve by the use of following points.

Inter-generational equity:
The principle of intergenerational equity states that every generation
holds the Earth in common with members of the present generation
and with other generations, past and future.
The principle is the foundation of sustainable development
Intra-generational equity deals with the distribution of resources
between the members of the same generation.

5
 Measures for sustainable development

• Implementing effective planning for population control

6
 Using effective/appropriate Technology:

“Design with Nature” Concept

McHarg meant that the way we

occupy and modify the earth is best
when it is planned and designed
with careful regard to both the
ecology and the character of the
landscape.

7
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3R’s) Approach:

8
 Promoting
Environmental
Education
and
Awareness:

9
Resource Utilization as Per Carrying Capacity (maximum
population size of a biological species that can be sustained in
that specific environment.)
(a) Supporting capacity (b) Assimilative capacity
(The assimilative component of carrying capacity is an assessment
of the maximum amount of pollution load that can be discharged
without violating the best designated use of these
basic components of environment.)

10
• Assimilative capacity refers to the ability of the environment
or a portion of the environment (such as a stream, lake, air
mass, or soil layer) to carry waste material without adverse
effects on the environment or on users of its resources.
Pollution occurs only when the assimilative capacity is
exceeded.

11
Using effective planning for regeneration of natural
resources:

12
Improving quality of life including social, cultural and
economic dimensions

13
Fig. Multidimensional model for sustainable
development 14
Measures for Sustainable Development(Summary)

•Effective planning for population control

•Reducing per capita demand of natural resources
•Using efficient technological devices
•Following the 5Rs (Refuse. Reduce, Reuse, Repair and Recycling)
approach
•Promoting environmental awareness through education
•Effective planning for regeneration of natural resources

Per capita consumption is the yearly use of goods and services by

each person, derived by dividing the quantity of goods and services
used by the total population. This variable serves as a direct
measure of personal economic well-being

15
• Problems of Sustainable Development

• Disagreements between stakeholders

• Ex- Problem between different communities(Development,
economic growth )

• Uncertainty
• Ex- Global environmental issue.

• Consumption and life style

• Ex- Comparison between developed and undeveloped
countries.

• Arguments over cause and responsibility

• Ex-Pollution, Global warming etc.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEFwaQej_0E 16
Natural Resources

17
Natural Resources
Natural resources are the substances which are inherent to earth and
obtained from nature and utilized to create products and services
which are useful for human beings. Forests, water, air, soil , etc. are
natural resources.

18
 Classification of Natural Environment/Resources

Resources
 Renewable Resources
 Non Renewable Resources

19
Renewable and Non Renewable Natural Resources

The resources that can be harvested continuously with proper

planning and management are called renewable resources. Example:
plants, animals, solar energy , wind energy, etc.

Non Renewable resources are natural resources which are limited in

supply and cannot be replenished by natural means. Once
exhausted, they have very little chance of recovery or resynthesis.
Coal, minerals, petroleum, etc. are Non Renewable resources.

20
 Chief Natural Resources

Land Resources (Land is a naturally occurring finite resource. It

provides the base for survival of living beings)

Forests Resources (Forests provide clean water and air, timber for
wood products, wildlife habitats, stable soil, and recreational
opportunities, and they beautify the environment.)

Water Resources (Water resources are natural resources of water that

are potentially useful. Uses of water include agricultural, industrial,
household, recreational)

Energy Resources (An energy resource is something that can produce

heat, power life, move objects, or produce electricity)

21
 Important Web Links
http://www.newagepublishers.com/samplechapter/0
00964.pdf
http://www.newagepublishers.com/samplechapter/0
01426.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=wvP
7474y8Jw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=wvP
7474y8Jw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eEFwaQej_0E
http://www.oas.org/dsd/publications/Unit/oea79e/ch
05.htm
http://www.un-documents.net/ocf-07.htm
22
Acknowledgment
Some images, animation, and material have been
taken from the following sources:

Textbooks: PERSPECTIVE IN
ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES by ANUBHA
KAUSHIK, C P KAUSHIK, NEW AGE
INTERNATIONAL PUBLISHERS

References Book: TEXTBOOK OF

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES by D. DAVE
AND S. S. KATEWA, CENGAGE LEARNING
3 All slides can be used for reading purpose only
23