(a) Explain the term environmental resource (b) Using specific examples, describe the importance of water as an environmental resource (c) Outline any three...

Answer Details

(a) Meaning of environmental resource:

An environmental resource is any material or feature of the natural environment that is useful and of value to man in satisfying his needs. It includes both natural (physical) resources such as water, soil, minerals, forests, air, wildlife and sunlight, and it becomes a resource only when man has the knowledge and ability to make use of it. Environmental resources may be renewable (water, forests, wind) or non-renewable (minerals, crude oil).

(b) Importance of water as an environmental resource (with examples):

• Domestic use: water is needed for drinking, cooking, washing and other household activities.
• Agriculture: water is used for irrigation of crops and for watering livestock, for example irrigation in the Sokoto and Chad basins.
• Industry: factories use water for processing, cooling and cleaning, for example in breweries and textile mills.
• Generation of electricity: fast-flowing or dammed rivers produce hydro-electric power, for example the Kainji Dam on the Niger.
• Transport and fishing: rivers, lakes and seas serve as cheap waterways for boats and support fishing, for example on the River Niger and Lake Chad.
• Tourism and recreation: waterfalls, beaches and lakes attract tourists and provide recreation.

(c) Three sources of water:

• Rainfall collected directly or in reservoirs.
• Surface water from rivers, streams, lakes and ponds.
• Underground water obtained from wells, boreholes and springs.