Natural Resources and Source of Energy - Class 5 Notes & Olympiad Questions

Natural Resources

Natural resources are materials or substances that occur in nature and are valuable to humans. They are things we find in the environment that have practical use and help us in various ways.
These resources can be things like soil, rocks, trees, water, and air. They provide us with many things we need, like the food we eat, the materials to build our homes and schools, and even the energy we use to power our devices.

Types of Natural Resources

1. Renewable Resources

a) Renewable resources are those that are available in an unlimited quantity and can be used over and over again.
b) If we manage them wisely, they can be replaced or regenerated.
c) Examples of renewable resources include soil, sunlight, forests, wind, and water.
d) These resources are sustainable because they are constantly replenished by natural processes.

2. Non-renewable Resources

a) Non-renewable resources are limited in nature and can run out in the future.
b) Examples of non-renewable resources are fossil fuels like coal and petroleum, as well as minerals like iron, copper, and gold.
c) The burning of fossil fuels, in particular, can have harmful effects on human lives and the environment, such as air pollution and climate change.

Differences between Renewable and Non-Renewable Resources

Uses of Natural Resources

Natural resources have a wide range of uses that benefit us in various ways. Here are some examples:

1. Forests and Grasslands

a) They provide us with wood and grass that can be used to make paper. Additionally, we obtain firewood and timber from trees, which are essential for building homes and furniture.
b) Medicinal plants found in forests contribute to the production of medicines.
c) Forests also offer a habitat for a diverse range of animal species. Fruits, vegetables, honey, and bamboo are other valuable resources derived from forests.

2. Farms

a) Agricultural lands provide space for grazing animals and cultivating crops.
b) They supply us with food, such as grains, vegetables, fruits, and meat, which are essential for our sustenance.

3. Water Resources

a) Natural bodies of water, such as rivers, lakes, and oceans, serve numerous purposes.
b) They provide drinking water for humans and animals, irrigation for agriculture, and a habitat for aquatic plants and animals.
c) Water is also harnessed to generate hydroelectric power, which is a clean and renewable source of energy.

4. Minerals and Metals

a) Natural resources like minerals and metals are used in various industries. For example, iron is used in the production of steel for construction purposes, copper is utilised in electrical wiring, and gold and silver are used in jewellery and electronics.
b) Some minerals are essential for the growth of organisms.

5. Energy Resources

a) Natural resources play a crucial role in energy production. Fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, are used for electricity generation, heating, and transportation.
b) Renewable energy sources like sunlight (solar power), wind (wind power), and water (hydropower) are harnessed to generate clean and sustainable energy.

6. Soil and Land Resources

a) Soil is a vital natural resource that supports the growth of crops and plants. It is essential for agriculture and provides a foundation for ecosystems.
b) Land resources are used for various purposes, including housing, infrastructure development, and recreational areas.

Sources of Energy

Sources of energy are the resources that provide us with the power and fuel we need to run our daily activities. These sources can be broadly categorised into renewable and non-renewable sources.

Renewable Energy Sources

a) Renewable energy sources are those that can be replenished naturally and used repeatedly without depleting them. They are abundantly available in nature.
b) One example is solar energy, which comes from the sun. Solar energy can be harnessed using solar panels to generate electricity.
c) Wind energy is another renewable source obtained from the movement of air. Windmills or wind turbines are used to capture wind energy and convert it into electricity.
d) Hydroelectric energy is derived from the kinetic energy of running water in streams and rivers. Dams are constructed to trap the water and generate electricity through turbines.
e) They provide a sustainable and clean alternative to traditional energy sources, reducing our dependence on fossil fuels and minimising environmental impact.

Non-renewable Energy Sources

a) Non-renewable energy sources are limited in quantity and cannot be replenished within our lifetime.
b) Examples include coal, petroleum (oil), and natural gas. These resources are formed over millions of years from the remains of ancient plants and animals.
c) Once these resources are depleted, they cannot be naturally replenished. Therefore, it is crucial to use non-renewable energy sources judiciously and avoid wastage.
d) Non-renewable energy sources, such as coal, petroleum, and natural gas, are used for various purposes like electricity generation, heating, and transportation.
e) However, the burning of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change and air pollution.
f) That's why it is important to explore and adopt more sustainable and environmentally friendly alternatives to meet our energy needs.

Conservation of Resources

Conservation of resources means using our resources wisely and carefully to make sure they last for a long time. It involves taking steps to protect and preserve natural resources like water, air, forests, and minerals. A few ways to conserve resources are:

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

a) Instead of throwing things away after using them once, we can try to reduce our consumption by using less and reusing items when possible.
b) Recycling items like paper, plastic, and glass helps to conserve resources by turning them into new products.

2. Save Water

a) Water is a precious resource, so it's important to use it wisely. We can turn off the tap while brushing our teeth, take shorter showers, and fix any leaks in faucets or pipes.

3. Conserve Energy

a) Electricity is generated from different sources, some of which are not renewable. We can conserve energy by turning off lights when we leave a room, unplugging electronics when they're not in use, and using energy-efficient appliances.

4. Plant Trees

a) Trees are essential for our environment. They provide us with clean air, shade, and habitat for animals.
b) By planting trees, we contribute to conserving natural resources and help combat climate change.

5. Practice Responsible Consumption

a) Before buying something, we can think about whether we really need it or if there are more sustainable alternatives. By making conscious choices, we can reduce waste and conserve resources.