Question

how resources should be conserved for sustainable development

Answer 1

Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It includes the quality of not being harmful to the environment or depleting natural resources, and thereby supporting long-term ecological balance.

Coming to minerals, they are essential for modern living and mining is still the primary method of their extraction. But the major problems with mining which contradicts the above definition of sustainable development are -

Minerals are not renewable. Once consumed, they won’t revive back for.

The consumption of energy and water is very very high which raises burden on other non-renewable resources - primarily fuel.

Air pollution generated by mining is terrible which causes irreparable damage to environment.

Hence, the only way to overcome the above mentioned problems is by conserving minerals because conserving will lead to a fall in demand which will lead to lesser mining which will ultimately lead to a lesser burden on the current resources providing us with a hope for a better sustainable future.

Hope this helps

Answer 2

Sustainable economic development means that development should take
place without damaging the environment and development in the present should
not compromise on the needs of the future generation.
Main features of sustanable economic development :
(i) Reduction in pollution
(ii) Quality of life of the future generation should not reduce.
(iii) Efficient use of natural resources.