24.5 sustainability

Question 1

what is a sustainable resource

Answer 1

renewable resource that is being economically exploited so that it won’t diminish or run out

Question 2

what are the aims of sustainability (5)

Answer 2

• preserve the environment
• ensure resources are available for future generations
• allow humans to live comfortably
• enable LEDCs to develop by exploiting their natural resources
• create balance in the consumption of resources between MEDCs and LEDCs

Question 3

what is coppicing

Answer 3

tree trunk is cut close to the ground so new shoots can form and mature from the cut surface

Question 4

how does rotational coppicing work

Answer 4

• woodland is divided into sections and trees are only cut in a particular section when all have been coppiced
• starts in one area and continues until trees that were first coppiced are reached
• these trees are mature and cycle starts again

Question 5

how does coppicing maintain biodiveristy

Answer 5

trees are never grow big enough to block out sunlight so succession doesn’t occur and species survive

Question 6

what is pollarding

Answer 6

tree trunk is cut higher up so deer and other animals can’t eat the shoots when they appear

Question 7

what is large scale sustainable timber production based around

Answer 7

felling large areas of forest (felled trees are destroyed and will not regrow)

Question 8

what do timber companies do to ensure sustainable production (5)

Answer 8

• practice selective cutting (remove larger trees)
• replace trees through replanting (ensures biodiversity and water/mineral cycles are maintained)
• plant trees at optimal distances apart (reduces competition and results in higher yields)
• manage pests and pathogens (maximise yields0
• ensure forest areas remain for indigenous people

Question 9

disadvantage of felling large areas of forest

Answer 9

habitats are destroyed, soil minerals are reduced and bare soil is left

Question 10

sustainable fishing techniques (5)

Answer 10

• international agreements such as the Fisheries Policy in the EU
• fishing quotas provide limits for certain species in certain areas
• using nets with different mesh sizes
• allow fishing only at certain times of the year
• fish farming

Question 11

how does using nets with different mesh sizes help

Answer 11

• use large mesh sizes so immature fish can escape
• mature fish are caught
• breeding continues

Question 12

how does fishing at certain times of the year help

Answer 12

• protects breeding season

- allows fish levels to increase to a sustainable level

Question 13

how does fish farming help

Answer 13

• maintains supply of protein for food and prevents loss of wild species
• e.g. fish can be placed in rice fields at planting time where they grow to edible size when rice is ready to harvest