“We have not inherited the world from our forefathers — we have borrowed it from our children.”
Since the second half of the twentieth century, a number of scientists have been warning that the present type, and levels, of development are not sustainable.
Recent evidence suggests that the groundwater is under serious threat of overuse in many parts of the country. About 300 districts have reported a water level decline of over 4 metres during the past 20 years. Nearly one-third of the country is overusing their groundwater reserves. In another 25 years, 60 percent of the country would be doing the same if the present way of using this resource continues. Groundwater overuse is particularly found in the agriculturally prosperous regions of Punjab and Western U.P., hard rock plateau areas of central and south India, some coastal areas and the rapidly growing urban settlements.
Groundwater is an example of renewable resources. These resources are replenished by nature, as in the case of crops and plants. However, even these resources may be overused. For example, in the case of groundwater, if we use more than what is being replenished by rain, then we would be overusing this resource. Non-renewable resources are those which will get exhausted after a few years of use. We have a fixed stock on earth which cannot be replenished. We do discover new resources that we did not know of earlier. New sources in this way add to the stock. However, over time, even this will get exhausted. For example, at the present rate of extraction, the crude oil reserves would last only 50 years more.
Consequences of environmental degradation do not respect national or state boundaries; this issue is no longer region or nation specific. Our future is linked together.
What does ‘We have not inherited the world from our forefathers — we have borrowed it from our children’ mean in the context of the above paragraph?
[0.8 marks]
“We have not inherited the world from our forefathers — we have borrowed it from our children.”
Since the second half of the twentieth century, a number of scientists have been warning that the present type, and levels, of development are not sustainable.
Recent evidence suggests that the groundwater is under serious threat of overuse in many parts of the country. About 300 districts have reported a water level decline of over 4 metres during the past 20 years. Nearly one-third of the country is overusing their groundwater reserves. In another 25 years, 60 percent of the country would be doing the same if the present way of using this resource continues. Groundwater overuse is particularly found in the agriculturally prosperous regions of Punjab and Western U.P., hard rock plateau areas of central and south India, some coastal areas and the rapidly growing urban settlements.
Groundwater is an example of renewable resources. These resources are replenished by nature, as in the case of crops and plants. However, even these resources may be overused. For example, in the case of groundwater, if we use more than what is being replenished by rain, then we would be overusing this resource. Non-renewable resources are those which will get exhausted after a few years of use. We have a fixed stock on earth which cannot be replenished. We do discover new resources that we did not know of earlier. New sources in this way add to the stock. However, over time, even this will get exhausted. For example, at the present rate of extraction, the crude oil reserves would last only 50 years more.
Consequences of environmental degradation do not respect national or state boundaries; this issue is no longer region or nation specific. Our future is linked together.
What does ‘We have not inherited the world from our forefathers — we have borrowed it from our children’ mean in the context of the above paragraph?
[0.8 marks]
The correct option is A Overuse of natural resources will exhaust them, leaving nothing behind for the future generations.
The statement means that we, the people on earth, are just the custodians of the earth. It throws light on the need for sustainable development, a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their needs.
The statement means that we, the people on earth, are just the custodians of the earth. It throws light on the need for sustainable development, a development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of the future generations to meet their needs.
