Conservation of Energy Resources
The section illustrates the essential role that minerals and energy resources play in everyday life and economic development. It details how minerals are not only indispensable for industrial uses but are also vital for our daily necessities. The process of mineral formation is slow and requires millions of years, which contributes to the finite nature of these resources. This means that as we consume them, we risk depleting what affects our industries and agriculture.
Importance of Conservation
It is stressed that mineral resources, comprising only a tiny fraction of the Earth's crust, are rapidly consumed at a rate far exceeding their natural replenishment. The depletion of these resources emphasizes the need for sustainable practices and innovative solutions like recycling metals, using low-grade ores, and finding alternatives to conventional materials. The section transitions to energy resources, highlighting the importance of both conventional (like coal, petroleum, and natural gas) and non-conventional sources (like wind, solar, and geothermal). The necessity of conservation practices, along with the importance of energy efficiency, forms the backbone of discussions around sustainable energy development.