Social Science Notes for Class 8

Responsible use of natural resources means using them wisely while allowing renewable resources to restore and regenerate and using non-renewable resources judiciously. Overexploitation of groundwater, excessive use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, and industrial pollution can cause resource depletion, soil degradation, health hazards and environmental damage. The groundwater crisis in Punjab highlights the dangers of … Read more

The ‘Paradox of Plenty’, also called the ‘natural resource curse’, refers to the situation where countries or regions with abundant natural resources do not necessarily achieve economic prosperity. This happens when they fail to develop industries that convert raw resources into higher-value products. Therefore, having natural resources alone is not enough for economic growth. Human … Read more

Natural resources are unevenly distributed across the world and within countries. Their availability influences human settlements, trade, industries, international relations, and even conflicts and wars. Resource-rich areas often attract industries, create jobs, and promote economic development, but development projects may also displace local communities and threaten sacred places. Natural resources also play an important role … Read more

Natural resources can be categorised based on their uses and their ability to renew. Based on uses, they are grouped into resources essential for life such as air, water, and food; resources for materials such as wood, marble, coal, and gold; and resources for energy such as coal, petroleum, natural gas, sunlight, wind, and flowing … Read more

Nature becomes a resource when humans use its elements for their survival, needs, or consumption. For example, trees are part of Nature, but when their wood is used to make furniture, they become a resource. However, an element of Nature can be considered a resource only when it is technologically accessible, economically feasible to use, … Read more