Table of Contents
Resources
What do we mean by resources? Everything that humans need for their lives- starting from basic living to living a better life is considered as resources. That’s why, education, knowledge, skills, and experiences of human beings are also regarded as resources. That’s why, we call skilled people as human resources. However, in this chapter, we will discuss only natural resources. We obtain metals like iron, copper, aluminum, as well as water, air, sunlight, soil from nature. So, they are all natural resources. We use various natural resources such as wood, gas, coal as sources of energy. Also, a variety of resources are used in the production of different materials. For example, the metal used in the construction of various types of vehicle structures and parts are obtained by extracting from ores collected from mines. The rubber used in car tires comes from processing the gum which is collected from rubber trees. The wood of the pencil with which you write or draw comes from a cedar or poplar tree. Graphite (a type of carbon), one of the components for making pencil leads, is obtained from mining. The water in which we clean clothes and let them dry in sunlight and air are also resources. In fact, these are all natural resources because their source is nature, and there is a demand for them in human life. An important characteristic of resource is its renewability — that is, whether a resource can be naturally replenished after its use.
On the basis of this, resources can be divided into two categories: renewable resources and non-renewable resources.
Renewable Resources
Renewable resources are those resources that can be naturally replenished or reproduced within the lifespan of human beings. That’s why, renewable resources are always considered as sustainable and environment-friendly alternatives to non-renewable resources.
Characteristics of Renewable Resources
The three main characteristics of renewable resources are abundance, reproducibility and no adverse impact on the environment.
Abundance: Renewable resources are abundant, and there is no possibility of running out of use. For example, as long as the sun continues to illuminate the Earth, we will have access to solar energy, and there is no possibility of running out even within trillions of years.
Ability to Regenerate: Renewable resources often have the ability to regenerate. For example, if we collect firewood by cutting branches from a tree, new branches will grow on the tree. Forests also have the ability to regenerate. If we harvest a limited amount of resources from the forest, it is replenished over time. In 2007, the devastating cyclone Sidr caused significant damage to the Sundarbans. Following the advice of experts, the people were advised to refrain from collecting fallen and damaged trees from forests. As a result, within just five to six years, the damaged regions of the
Sundarbans returned to their previous state.
Minimal Adverse Impact on the Environment: The most important characteristic of renewable resources is that they have very minimal adverse impact on the environment— they often do not have any significant impact at all. For example, using solar energy, heat, or wind energy does not have any adverse effect on the environment.
Examples of Renewable Resources
There are various types of renewable resources. Some of them fulfill our energy needs, while some others meet our material needs. Some of the notable renewable resources are mentioned below:
Solar Power: Through the process of nuclear reactions called fusion within the Sun, an enormous amount of energy is generated. This solar energy emitted from the Sun reaches the Earth in the form of heat and light. Solar energy has a huge potential as a source of heat and for electricity generation. All of you have seen the direct conversion of sunlight into electricity with photovoltaic panels or solar panels. Large solar concentrators are used to generate steam for various purposes. In the cold countries, solar energy can be used to heat water and keep houses warm in winter.
Wind Power: Humans have been using wind power since ancient times. Even a few days ago, in our country, there was a familiar sight of sailboats on the rivers that could transport a large amount of goods without the use of any fuel or human labour. The power of wind can be utilized to generate electricity through wind turbines. Countries like Denmark, Uruguay, China, Lithuania, and Germany have progressed a lot in the field of electricity generation by utilizing wind power. In Bangladesh, the generation of electricity from wind power has begun in Cox’s Bazar and Kutubdia. Wind power does not release any pollutant into the environment. That’s why it is a clean source of energy. Besides, there is no risk of wind power to run out, and it is widely applicable.
Sailboat Hydropower: Hydroelectric power plants utilize the pressure of water flow in large reservoirs to generate electricity. In Kaptai in Rangamati district of Bangladesh, there is a hydroelectric power plant that plays a significant role in fulfilling the country’s electricity demands. Although not indefinitely like solar or wind power, a hydroelectric power plant can supply electricity for many years. There are a large number of hydroelectric power plants in different countries of the world.
Biomass: Biomass refers to various organic materials, such as poultry waste, kitchen waste, livestock waste, other agricultural wastes, wood etc. Through the process of decomposition, many of these wastes can be used for heat and power generation, and some can be used directly. Using biogas plants, fuel gas as well as fertile organic fertilizers can be found, and can later be used on agricultural lands. Organic fertilizers are eco-friendly and do not pollute like chemical fertilizers. As humans and other animals continuously produce organic wastes, biomass is considered a renewable resource.
Forests: Due to various geographical and climatic factors, different types of forests have formed in various parts of the world. These forests provide a huge portion of the necessary oxygen for the respiration of humans and all living beings on Earth. Many resources that are necessary for humans are also collected from forests. If forest resources are collected following appropriate rules, forests naturally replenish them over time.
Geothermal Energy: The deeper we go into the Earth’s surface, the higher the temperature becomes. This heat energy can be utilized to generate electrical energy. To do this, water is pumped underground using pipes, where the water turns into steam due to the underground temperature. Then the steam is brought to the surface through another pipe to be used for various purposes. Countries that have volcanoes or heat at a shallow depth from the surface have good opportunities to utilize geothermal energy. Academic year 2024 Countries like Iceland, New Zealand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Italy etc. can easily utilize geothermal energy. In Iceland, 90% of heat demand is supplied from geothermal energy. Geothermal energy production does not cause environmental pollution. Besides, it is nearly limitless in its availability.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Renewable Resources
Renewable resources generally emit less greenhouse gases, and even if they do, it is minimal. As a result, the use of renewable resources does not adversely affect climate change. As they can be replenished naturally or with the help of human technology, there is the assurance of long-term availability of these resources. It is possible to reduce dependence on single energy sources by the mixed use of renewable resources.
For example, where solar or hydroelectric power is readily available, there is little or, in many cases, no need to use fossil fuels. However, there are some limitations in the use of renewable resources. It is not always possible to collect solar and wind energy. Solar energy is not available on cloudy days or at night. So, the electricity generated from solar energy is to be stored. But, the technology for efficient energy storage through batteries is complex and costly. In addition, existing infrastructures are mainly based on using non-renewable resources. Therefore, the development of new infrastructure for the use of renewable resources is time-consuming. Moreover, its use is also somewhat difficult and often requires the development of new technologies. The initial investment to install renewable energy infrastructure is high, although that cost will be gradually decreasing over time. In addition, it is essential to ensure coordination among all types of renewable resources, so that the absence of one can be covered by the availability of another when necessary.
Non-renewable Resources
Non-renewable resources are limited in quantity and have formed over millions of years through geological processes. Once they are used, they cannot be replenished within the human lifetime. Among non-renewable resources are fossil fuels, mineral resources, nuclear fuel, etc. Besides, various valuable substances or materials also fall under non-renewable resources.
Examples of Non-renewable Resources
Some of the important non-renewable resources are mentioned below.
Fossil Fuels: Fossil fuels refer to coal, oil, and natural gas, and these are the primary sources of global energy. For trillions of years, the remains of various plants and animals have been buried under layers of soil and rocks, and transformed into different forms of fossil fuels. These fossil fuels have powered industrialization and transportation for several centuries. We travel in CNG autorickshaws, and that CNG (Compressed Natural Gas) is actually prepared from natural gas. In addition, the buses and trains that we travel on are primarily powered by diesel. Many of the power plants we get our electricity from also run on coal. All of these are non-renewable resources.
Minerals and Metals: Metals such as iron, copper, aluminium, etc., are extracted from various types of mineral ores. In addition, precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum, and diamonds are also extracted from mines. These are non-renewable resources. Their deposits are limited and cannot be replenished once they are collected.
Nuclear Fuel: Nuclear fuel, especially uranium, plays an important role in the production of nuclear energy. Uranium is split in nuclear power plants to generate large amounts of energy, which is then used to generate electricity. However, special precautions are required for the extraction and management of this nuclear fuel.
Uranium is extracted from some ores (such as pitchblende).
Advantages and Disadvantages of Non-renewable Resources
Non-renewable resources can be used immediately. One of the main advantages of using these resources is their energy density, that means, a small amount of resource contains a lot of energy, and it is easy to produce or transport. In addition, non-renewable resources can be produced and used at a low cost using existing technologies. This is why they are often used. On the other hand, the extraction, processing, and combustion or burning of nonrenewable resources can cause various types of environmental problems. Indiscriminate use of non-renewable resources plays a major role in environmental degradation, air pollution and climate change. Moreover, non-renewable resources are limited, so their overuse can lead to a shortage of these resources for future generations. Both renewable and non-renewable resources are extremely important for sustainable development. By using renewable resources and implementing responsible non-renewable resource management, we can ensure the security of resources and environment for future generations.
Resources and Waste
One of the major limitations of resource use is that they produce waste. However, this waste is mainly produced from non-renewable resources. For example, glass is produced from glass sand, and this glass is used to produce various utensils that we use for our daily needs. But when a glass product breaks, it immediately becomes an unnecessary waste. Plastic bottles and various tools are made from hydrocarbons. But when they are no longer in use, they become waste, such as plastic water bottles. Again, old paper, clothes, etc. that we throw away are also wastes. Again, we throw away old paper, clothes, etc., which are also waste. The waste produced in the kitchen is perishable. If it is not removed quickly and properly, it can pollute the environment. Waste is harmful to the environment. However, by following some methods, we can reduce the amount of waste and use less amount of resources at the same time. In this case, three Rs are followed (RRR). RRR stands for Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. We can prevent wastage and reduce consumption by using water, gas, and electricity carefully. After the main work is done, we can also use glass or plastic bottles for other purposes. On the other hand, materials that can be processed and reused can be used as raw materials for making new products. Paper, broken glass, metal, or plastic are such recyclable materials.
Question: Can you create any Bangla word similar to RRR in English that has a specific meaning?
Water Management
Water is an extremely important resource in our daily lives. Three-fourths of the Earth’s surface is covered by oceans. Even then, less than 1% of the Earth’s total water is usable for us. Of this 1% usable water, 70% is used in agriculture, 20% in industry, and the remaining 10% in household activities. Water is a renewable resource, but it can become non-renewable due to overuse, waste, or pollution. Due to the high demand for water on the Earth, water management is essential.
Types of usable water
Around 97% of the water on Earth is in the oceans and seas, and it is salt water. On the other hand, only 3% of the water on Earth is fresh water. Of this fresh water, only 1% is on the surface in rivers, lakes, or water bodies. The remaining portion is underground, in glaciers, or in ice caps on the mountains. Fresh water sources, such as rivers, lakes, water bodies, and groundwater have a very low concentration of salt. So, they are essential for human use and various activities. Groundwater stored beneath the Earth’s surface is a significant source of water for agriculture and drinking water. Deep and shallow wells and tube wells are used to extract groundwater. The surface water of rivers, lakes, and water bodies is used for irrigation, fish farming or pisciculture, transportation, industrial processes, and recreational activities. On the other hand, seawater is salty and it is necessary to remove salt from it to directly use it or to make it suitable for other uses. However, this process is expensive.
Use of Water in Different Fields or Purposes
Agriculture: Water is essential for irrigation in agricultural land, animal husbandry, and pisciculture, and thus it ensures our food production and helps us earn livelihoods.
Domestic use: Water is essential for drinking, cooking, cleaning, sanitation, good health and public health.
Industry: Water is extensively used in the industrial sector for production processes, cooling systems of various machines, and power generation.
Power Generation: Water is very essential for hydroelectric power generation, cooling systems in thermal power plants or in nuclear reactors.
Environment and Ecosystems: Water supports various ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and environmental processes, as well as ensures biodiversity and ecological balance.
Availability and Limitations of Water
The availability of water is not equal all over the world. While Bangladesh is blessed with hundreds of rivers, there are many regions in the world that are deserts and where availability of water is very low. Again, in some areas there is an adequate water supply, but the quantity of usable water is limited. In some areas, there is a water shortage due to higher demand than the supply. When the supply of water in an area is less than the demand, it creates pressure on the water resources. As a result, it affects the people and environment in those areas. Consequently, this can sometimes lead to social unrest or even national conflicts. When excessive groundwater is extracted from a location, the groundwater level is lowered. As a result, it becomes difficult to collect water from the previous wells or tube wells. In coastal areas, excessive groundwater extraction can lead seawater to enter groundwater, making it salty. Salty water cannot be used directly for most of the purposes. Population growth and rapid urbanization create pressure on water resources. Therefore, effective water management is essential in urban areas. In recent times, climate change, changing rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts, and changes in the water cycle have begun to affect water availability, increasing water scarcity. It has created new pressures on our social and national life.
Water Management Strategies
Effective water management is essential for sustainable water use. Proper water conservation measures help reduce water waste. This requires efficient irrigation systems, conservation water technologies, as well as public awareness campaigns. Polluted water can be purified and used for agriculture, industry, environmental and development, and thus pressure on clean water resources can be reduced. Rainwater collection and s torage can also be used as an additional source of water. This method is especially effective in the areas with limited water resources.
In conclusion, it is very important to run water management effectively by considering different types, uses, and availability of water Academic year 2024 in order to ensure sustainable water use and safe water supplies in the future.
