Exercise Questions (Page 19)
Question 1: What can make what is today a renewable resource non-renewable tomorrow? Describe some actions that can prevent this from happening.
Answer: A renewable resource can turn non-renewable if exploited faster than it regenerates, disrupting nature’s cycles—for example, over-harvesting timber or excessive groundwater use in Punjab.
Actions to Prevent This:
- Sustainable Harvesting: Use resources at regeneration rates, e.g., regulated logging or seasonal fishing bans.
- Restoration: Adopt reforestation, water harvesting, and organic farming (like Sikkim’s model).
- Reduce Waste: Encourage recycling and efficient use of water and energy.
- Policy & Awareness: Enforce rules and educate communities on sustainable practices to protect ecological balance.
Question 2: Name five ecosystem functions that serve humans.
Answer: Five Ecosystem Services Benefiting Humans
- Oxygen Production: Trees release oxygen vital for survival (a mature tree gives ~275 liters/day).
- Water Filtration: Forests and wetlands naturally purify water for drinking and irrigation.
- Soil Protection: Vegetation prevents erosion, safeguards farmland, and reduces landslides.
- Pollination: Bees and insects pollinate crops, ensuring food supply.
- Carbon Sequestration: Forests absorb CO₂, slowing climate change and improving air quality.
Question 3: What are renewable resources? How are they different from non-renewable ones? What can people do to ensure that renewable resources continue to be available for our use and that of future generations? Give two examples.
Answer:
- Renewable Resources: Naturally replenished if managed well (e.g., solar, wind, water, timber).
Non-Renewable Resources: Form over millions of years and cannot regenerate quickly (e.g., coal, petroleum, iron, gold). - Key Difference: Renewables can regenerate if not overused; non-renewables are finite and deplete with use.
- Ensuring Availability:
- Sustainable Use: Harvest at regeneration rate (regulated fishing, timber use).
- Restoration: Reforestation, water harvesting, organic farming.
- Innovation: Promote solar and wind energy.
- Awareness: Educate communities on sustainability.
- Examples:
- Sikkim: Organic farming restored soil health.
- Rajasthan: Traditional water harvesting sustained groundwater.
Question 4: Identify cultural practices in your home and neighborhood that point to mindfulness in the use of natural resources.
Answer: Cultural Practices for Mindful Resource Use-
- Tulasi Puja: Encourages cultivation, supports air quality & biodiversity.
- Arghyam to Surya: Builds gratitude for sunlight & water.
- Water Conservation: Ritual water reused for plants/household.
- Natural Materials: Clay diyas, leaf plates reduce plastic use.
- Tree Planting: Festivals & drives promote greenery, soil health.
Question 5: What are some considerations to keep in mind in the production of goods for our current use?
Answer: Sustainable Production Considerations
- Minimize Pollution: Cleaner methods (e.g., cement industry dust control per CPCB).
- Sustainable Materials: Use mud, stone, or recycled waste (Auroville’s mud buildings).
- Support Local: Source locally to cut emissions and create jobs.
- Ensure Regeneration: Harvest renewables (e.g., timber) at sustainable rates.
- Reduce Waste: Design for minimal waste, recycling, and reuse.