The treasures of nature

Every year, World Earth Day is celebrated on April 22, to focus on the importance of natural resources and the threats confronting them due to human activities. Planet Earth is blessed with diverse resources for the benefit of mankind and other creatures. A variety of natural resources are around us in abundance and they form an integral part of our environment. The treasure of natural resources range from air, plants, animals, rivers, to soil, mountains, minerals and precious stones. These represent atmospheric resources, edaphic resources, hydrological resources, plant/vegetation resources, animal/wildlife, microbial and geological resources. These resources are classified into renewable resources and non-renewable resources. Resources that do not perish, such as sunlight air, clay, sand, tidal energy and precipitation, are renewable and can be replenished naturally and are not likely to be exhausted due to human consumption. They are continuously available and, when properly conserved, water, animals, plants and forests are renewable resources too. Other resources, called non-renewable, are perishable as the name indicates, such as natural gas, coal, petrol and oil. These are formed naturally through a slow process and are extracted from the earth. If they are consumed or exhausted, they cannot be replaced and human beings will suffer a lot and would need to explore other means and resources. It would be difficult to provide the detail of every resource, but the following could be enough for orientation and developing basic understanding about the importance of the resources.

Soil

Soil is a natural body covering the surface of the earth with loose structure. This geological resource is an important part and basic element of the earth, which is essential for supporting our agricultural yield and fulfils other needs. When mixed with organic components, it becomes very fertile for plant growth. Many animals and insects use soil for their daily activities, including shelter. Not only this, but soil is also used for building homes, particularly in rural areas.

Water

Water, a renewable resource, is also the basic element needed for the survival of living beings. This hydro-geological resource includes all underground water or aquifers, and surface water in the form of ocean, rivers, lakes, ponds and ice. Fresh water (which is not salty) is mainly used for drinking, irrigation, energy generation, transportation, recreation and industrial purposes. Water serves as a habitat for many animals and plants. Fresh water is also used by humans for agriculture. In addition to this, water in the ocean and seas is used for production of energy and salt. In nature, water moves continuously in the form of the hydrological cycle. In our part of the world, the Himalayan Mountain Range is an important source of fresh water.

Minerals

Minerals are naturally occurring geological resources such as coal, petroleum, natural gas, iron, copper, gold, etc. Minerals are also important for plants and are absorbed through their roots. Minerals are a source of energy in the form of coal, fossil fuels, natural gas, iron and others. Petroleum, formed from dead organisms through a long process, is found underground beneath the surface of earth and is obtained through drilling. It has a wide variety of uses in the form of petrol, kerosene, pharmaceuticals, etc. Similarly, coal is a useful resource obtained through mining from the ground. Coal is largely used for electricity and heat generation. Metals are also extracted from the ground through mining and also form compounds for various uses.

Vegetation

Vegetation refers the living organisms of the kingdom Plantae, or what we commonly call plants. In the web of life, they occupy a fundamental place in the form of producers which trap energy from sun and prepare food which is transferred to consumers. Important food stuff such as grains, fruits, vegetables and medicines are obtained from plants. Furniture in our homes and offices is mostly made from plants. Timber is used for construction purposes and wood is used as fuel for heating and cooking purposes. Similarly, paper is also made from plant matter. Cotton is obtained from a plant which is used for clothing.

Animals/Wildlife

Animals and wildlife are renewable resources, provided they are not over-exploited by the human beings. Animals in the form of livestock and wildlife are important biological entities and an important source of food. Their waste is utilised as fertilisers. They are beneficial in so many ways not only to human beings but also the ecosystem. Insects and other living organisms are important for maintaining a natural balance. Fur and hide is also obtained from animals. Animals serve as a source of transportation. The existence and availability of natural resources on planet earth is important for sustaining life which requires their sustainable and efficient use. Over-exploitation and unwise use of natural resources will deplete them over time. There is no other planet that provides us with so much diverse and unique treasure of natural resources, and which is why no form of life has been found on them. Natural resources are a part of our environment and their over-consumption will affect the balance in natural. Therefore, sensible use of both renewable and non-renewable resources is highly important.