Question

What effect does nature have on our occupations? Think a little. Give a thought to the following issues. Discuss them in the class. Write two paragraphs about it.

• There have been no rains at all ( drought).
• A storm strikes.
• There was an earthquake.
• Untimely rains.
• Good rains.
• Excessive rains and floods.
• All of a sudden, a volcano erupts.
• A tsunami hits.

Answer 1

• Nature has a great influence on our occupations. In case of drought, crops may fail, and farmers, farm labourers and people dependent on agriculture may lose income. Good rains help crops grow well and support agriculture, while untimely rains can damage standing crops. Excessive rains and floods may destroy fields, roads, houses, shops and transport routes. Storms can affect fishing, shipping and coastal occupations because people may not be able to go to sea safely.
• Natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and tsunamis can damage farms, industries, markets, roads, ports and tourist places. This can stop many occupations for some time and cause loss of employment and property. Thus, favourable natural conditions help occupations to develop, while natural calamities can disturb or destroy them. Therefore, people should take proper precautions and use natural resources judiciously.