TITLE: THE IMPORTANCE OF AIR AS A NATURAL

RESOURCE
NATURAL RESOURCES
Natural Resources are the resources that are created naturally from
materials found in the environment. Air, water, sunlight, soil, rock,
plants, animals, and fossil fuels are examples of natural resources.
Natural resources are materials that come from the earth, including
food, textiles, metals, water, fertilisers, and geothermal energy.
Natural resources are things that happen naturally and are beneficial
to people or might be useful in the future under possible social,
economic, or technological conditions. The natural sciences have
historically had a monopoly on the study of natural resources.
Natural resources are things that occur naturally and are essential for
human survival and development. The natural sciences have long
dealt with natural resources. These are naturally discovered or
created environmental resources. Natural resources include, among
other things, air, sunlight, water, soil, rock, plants, animals, and fossil
fuels.

INTRODUCTION:
Air, a vital natural resource, is an essential component for the
sustenance of life on Earth. It encompasses the Earth's atmosphere,
consisting primarily of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and trace
amounts of other gases. This resource is crucial for various ecological
processes, climate regulation, and human well-being. This article
explores the significance of air as a natural resource, its composition,
and the various ways it impacts our planet.

COMPOSITION OF AIR:
Air is predominantly composed of nitrogen (approximately 78%) and
oxygen (approximately 21%). Other gases, such as carbon dioxide,
argon, neon, helium, and trace amounts of pollutants, also form a
part of the Earth's atmosphere. This composition is crucial for
maintaining the delicate balance necessary for life to thrive.

IMPORTANCE OF AIR IN ECOLOGICAL PROCESSES:

 Photosynthesis: Plants utilize carbon dioxide from the air and
convert it into oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. This
oxygen is then released back into the atmosphere, providing a
breathable environment for humans and animals.
 Respiration: Animals, including humans, depend on oxygen
present in the air for respiration, a process that fuels cellular
activity and provides energy.
 Pollination: Air serves as a medium for the transfer of pollen,
facilitating the pollination process and supporting the
reproduction of plants.
 Atmospheric Circulation: Air plays a critical role in atmospheric
circulation, which regulates weather patterns and distributes heat
around the globe. It contributes to the formation of winds, ocean
currents, and weather systems.

IMPACTS OF AIR ON CLIMATE AND HUMAN HEALTH:

 Climate Regulation: Air is closely linked to climate regulation, as
the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere affects
the Earth's temperature. The release of excessive carbon dioxide
and other pollutants can contribute to global warming and climate
change.
 Air Quality: The quality of air we breathe has a direct impact on
human health. Pollutants such as particulate matter, ozone, sulfur
 dioxide, and nitrogen dioxide can lead to respiratory problems,
cardiovascular diseases, and other health issues.
 Acid Rain: Air pollution can result in the formation of acid rain,
which negatively affects ecosystems, damages crops, and erodes
buildings and infrastructure.

CONCLUSION:
Air is a valuable natural resource that supports life on Earth. Its
composition and the balance of gases in the atmosphere are crucial
for ecological processes, climate regulation, and human well-being. It
is imperative that we protect and preserve the quality of our air by
reducing pollution and promoting sustainable practices to ensure a
healthy and sustainable future for generations to come.

CASE STUDY: AIR POLLUTION IN DELHI, INDIA

Delhi, the capital city of India, has been grappling with severe air
pollution issues for several years. The causes of air pollution in Delhi
are multifaceted and include vehicular emissions, industrial activities,
agricultural practices, and construction activities. The rapid growth in
the number of vehicles, particularly diesel-powered ones, has
contributed significantly to the problem. Additionally, the presence
of numerous industries, factories, and power plants in and around
Delhi releases harmful pollutants into the air. Agricultural practices,
such as the burning of crop residues in neighbouring states, worsen
the situation by transporting smoke and pollutants into the city.
Unregulated construction activities generate dust and particulate
matter, further deteriorating the air quality. The impacts of air
pollution in Delhi are profound and far-reaching. The poor air quality
poses significant health risks to the residents, leading to respiratory
problems, allergies, asthma, and other respiratory diseases.
Prolonged exposure to polluted air increases the risk of
cardiovascular diseases and premature deaths. Furthermore, air
pollution contributes to environmental degradation, damaging
vegetation, reducing crop yields, and negatively impacting
ecosystems and biodiversity. The economic consequences are also
substantial, including increased healthcare costs, decreased labor
productivity, and a decline in tourism and foreign investments.
Efforts to mitigate air pollution in Delhi have been implemented on
various fronts. The government has introduced stricter emission
standards for vehicles, such as the adoption of Bharat Stage VI (BS-
VI) norms, aimed at reducing vehicular emissions and promoting the
use of cleaner fuels. Industrial regulations have been tightened to
enforce the use of cleaner technologies and encourage sustainable
practices. Public transportation systems, including the expansion of
metro networks and the introduction of electric buses, have been
promoted to reduce reliance on private vehicles and decrease
pollution levels. Awareness campaigns have been conducted to
educate the public about the harmful effects of air pollution, and
policies banning the burning of crop residues and implementing
construction site dust control measures have been implemented. In
conclusion, the case study of air pollution in Delhi highlights the
significant environmental, health, and economic impacts caused by
poor air quality. The measures taken to mitigate air pollution, such as
stricter emission standards, industrial regulations, promotion of
public transportation and electric mobility, and awareness
campaigns, demonstrate the urgent need and commitment required
to address this critical issue. Continued collaboration between the
government, citizens, and stakeholders is crucial to achieving long-
term improvements in air quality and ensuring a healthier and
sustainable future for Delhi's residents.
BIBLIOGRAPHY:
https://www.epa.gov/

https://www.nationalgeographic.org/

https://www.who.int