Page 134 - Health, Population and Environment Education 9

Non-renewable resources
Those natural resources which, once are used up due to their continuous utilization,
cannot be replaced or replenished are known as non- renewable resources. Such type
of resources are limited and once are emptied cannot be refilled. Fossil fuel, petroleum
product, metallic and non- metallic minerals are the examples of non- renewable natural
resources.
Non-renewable resources are very essential in life of humankind but utilization of
them should be reduced as much as possible. Other alternative sources, particularly the
perpetual and renewable resources should be utilized more and the use of non- renewable
resources should be minimized. Recycle and reuse of some of the resources can help to
minimize the over use of non- renewable resources. This helps in saving the resources and
solving the problem of energy crisis on the earth.

Fig: 3
Coal Marble Petrol

Importance of natural resources
Natural resources are of great need and important for all the living creatures found on this
earth. They are very useful to human beings as they are the sources of various materials
which they need in their day to day life. Importance of the natural resources can be stated
in the following points:

i. Source of fresh air and water

Fresh air and water are very essential for all the living creatures including the human
beings to survive. Human life cannot exist without fresh air and water which can be
obtained only from the natural environment. If the water and air are polluted, it causes
adverse effects on our health and we suffer from various types diseases. So we should
try our best to stop air and water pollution in nature so as to make fresh air and water
sufficiently available for us.

ii. Natural habitat
Nature or natural environment is the habitat for all the living creatures. Jungles are the
natural habitat for all the wild animals and birds. Likewise, rivers, sea and ocean provide
habitat for aquatic animals. Similarly, soil or land is the habitat for various insects and
other living creatures. If these natural resources are destroyed, the existence of the life
of these creatures will be in danger. They may extinct which adversely affects in the

134 GREEN Environment Population and Health Education Book-9