8. Explain
the concept of sustainable development and its importance for the conservation
of natural resources.
Human activities have been
altering the natural environment to such an extent that few natural ecosystems
remain unaffected. Natural resources are subject to depletion, and
environmental conditions are subject to undesirable changes. These are
threatening the diversity of organisms and the quality of human life.
Sustainable development
refers to the way of development, which meets the present needs without
compromising the needs for a good quality of life in our future generations. To
achieve sustainability, humans should minimize their impact on the environment
during their activities, which include agriculture, industrialization and
urbanization.
Compact development is to meets the needs of
the growing human population; residential places should grow upwards rather
than outwards. This results in an increase in population density and spaces are
saved for other purposes. This also allows energy to be utilized more
efficiently, such as the use of mass transport instead of private vehicles. Reduction
on the use of motor vehicles is also very important. It can reduce the problem
of air pollution, depletion of fossil fuels, and land use in urbanization.
Conservation of natural habitats
and preservation of biodiversity. Wetlands, meadows, marshes and mangroves are
sources of beauty. They can provide habitats for wildlife, keep air fresh,
remove pollutants and provide flood control. The protection of these habitats
is important to the maintenance of biodiversity.
Thrifty use of water and effective measures
to prevent the contamination of fresh water are important for the conservation
of limited water resources. And recycling of wastes helps to reduce the consumption
of natural resources. For example, paper and aluminium can be used to generate
power stations.
Some natural areas should be protected;
otherwise serious pollution problems will be resulted. For example, urban
development should be avoided in valleys. It is because the topsoil in valleys
is fertile and suitable for agricultural uses and it is vulnerable to erosion.
Therefore, cautions developmental planning can help to protect the environment.
Motor vehicles consume a lot of energy. The
exhaust gases contain a large quantity of air pollutants. Further, a
considerable amount of lands have to be used for parking. Reduction in the
number of motor vehicles can reduce the problems of air pollution, depletion of
fossil fuels, and land use in urbanization.
Recycling of wastes helps to reduce the
consumption of natural resources. For example, paper and aluminium can be
recycled for further uses. Domestic refuse can also be used to generate power
in power station.
As the resources will become less and less,
we need to do something in order to protect them. Otherwise, in the coming
years, we do not have any more resources for us to use. At that time, we will
not as convenient as now.