Assertion: The depletion of non-renewable resources is a major concern for sustainable development.
Reasoning: Non-renewable resources such as fossil fuels are finite and their extraction and use contribute to environmental degradation and climate change.
(A) Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
(B) Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
(C) A is true, but R is false.
(D) A is false and R is true.
Answer:
The correct answer is (A) - Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A.
Non-renewable resources are those that cannot be replenished or regenerated in a short period of time. They include fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas, which are the main sources of energy for most human activities. Sustainable development is the development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Therefore,
- Assertion (A): The depletion of non-renewable resources is a major concern for sustainable development - This is true, as the excessive use of non-renewable resources leads to their scarcity and depletion, which threatens the availability and affordability of energy for future generations. It also limits the options and choices for alternative sources of energy.
- Reasoning (R): Non-renewable resources such as fossil fuels are finite and their extraction and use contribute to environmental degradation and climate change - This is also true, as the extraction of non-renewable resources causes land degradation, water pollution, and biodiversity loss. The burning of fossil fuels emits greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, which cause global warming and climate change. These environmental impacts have negative consequences for human health, food security, water availability, and natural disasters.
- The reasoning is a correct explanation of the assertion , as it shows how the depletion of non-renewable resources affects both the present and future generations in terms of economic, social, and environmental aspects. The assertion and the reasoning are logically related.
Hence,
- Assertion is true.
- Reasoning is true.
- And reasoning is a correct explanation of Assertion.
So, the correct answer is (A).