Question:
What are the implications of unsustainable use / over-exploitation of natural resources?
(Chapter 1, Class 8 Social Science, NCERT )
Answer.
Unsustainable use of natural resources means using or consuming nature’s resources — like water, forests, soil, minerals, and fossil fuels — faster than they can be replaced or regenerated.
For example,
If we are taking money from a bank account again and again without depositing anything back. One day, the balance becomes zero.
Major Implications (Effects) of Over-Exploitation of Natural Resources:
The following are some major implications:
1. Resource Depletion (Running Out of Resources)
When we use resources too much, they start running out.
Examples:
- Excess cutting of trees → Forests disappear
- Overuse of groundwater → Water levels fall
- Excess mining → Minerals get exhausted
This creates a shortage of resources for future generations.
2. Environmental Damage
Over-exploitation harms nature and disturbs ecological balance.
Effects of over-exploitation include:
- Soil erosion
- Desertification (land turning into desert)
- Loss of biodiversity
- Habitat destruction of animals
This leads to the extinction of plants and animals.
3. Climate Change and Global Warming
Burning fossil fuels like coal and petroleum releases greenhouse gases.
Which result:
- Rising temperature
- Melting glaciers
- Extreme weather (floods, droughts, cyclones)
This affects life on Earth and human survival.
4. Water Scarcity
Overuse and pollution of water resources lead to water shortages.
Examples:
- Rivers drying
- Groundwater depletion
- Drinking water crisis
Many cities already face severe water problems.
5. Economic and Social Problems
Over-exploitation creates inequality and conflicts.
Effects:
- Loss of livelihood of local people
- Displacement due to mining/industries
- Increase in poverty
Sometimes it leads to conflicts and wars over resources.
6. Threat to Future Generations
If resources are used irresponsibly today, future generations will suffer.
They may not have:
- Clean air
- Safe drinking water
- Fertile land
- Energy resources
This is why we say:
“Use resources wisely so that future generations can also use them.”
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