Sustainable Management of Natural Resources — Karnataka (SSLC) Class 10 Science Solutions (Free)

Natural resources: materials from nature used by humans (water, soil, forests, minerals, energy). Renewable: replenish naturally within human timescale (water, forests, solar, wind, soil if managed well). Non-renewable: finite, depletion faster than replenishment (coal, oil, natural gas, metals). Sustainable management ensures long-term availability.

Forests: regulate climate, prevent erosion, provide habitats, supply timber/medicines/oxygen. Deforestation: clearing trees for agriculture, urban development, industry. Consequences: (1) Loss of biodiversity, (2) Soil erosion and landslides, (3) Reduced rainfall (disrupted water cycle), (4) Increased CO₂ in atmosphere, (5) Habitat loss for indigenous people.

Only 2.5% of Earth's water is fresh; most locked in ice caps, glaciers. Available freshwater ≈ 0.3% for human use. Causes of scarcity: (1) Overexploitation of groundwater, (2) Pollution of rivers/lakes, (3) Climate change reducing rainfall, (4) Inefficient irrigation, (5) Population growth increasing demand. India faces severe water stress, especially in agriculture.

Rainwater harvesting: collecting and storing rainwater for later use. Methods: (1) Surface runoff harvesting (tanks, ponds), (2) Groundwater recharge (percolation tanks), (3) Rooftop collection. Benefits: (1) Increases groundwater levels, (2) Reduces dependence on rivers/wells, (3) Improves water security during droughts, (4) Reduces floods. Especially important in arid regions.

Coal: major energy source (≈40% global electricity), abundant in India. But unsustainable because: (1) Finite reserves (centuries remaining), (2) Burning releases CO₂ (global warming), (3) Mining causes ecological damage, (4) Air pollution (SO₂, NO₂), (5) Acid rain. Shift to renewable energy essential; coal phase-out needed by 2050.