Challenge of Resource Management Flashcards
Resource challenges
Resources are things that humans require for life or to make our lives easier. Humans are becoming increasingly dependent on exploiting these resources, and as a result they are in high demand.
Resources - Food, Water, Energy
Resources such as food, energy and water are what is needed for basic human development.
Significance of Food
Without enough nutritious food, people can become malnourished. This can make them ill . This can prevent people working or receiving education.
Significance of Water
People need a supply of clean and safe water for drinking, cooking and washing. Water is also needed for food, clothes and other products.
Significance of Energy
A good supply of energy is needed for a basic standard of living. People need light and heat for cooking or to stay warm. It is also needed for industry.
Demand outstripping supply
The demand for resources like food, water and energy is rising so quickly that supply cannot always keep up. Importantly, access to these resources vary dramatically in different locations
Demand outstripping supply - Population Growth
Global population has risen exponentially this century.
Global population is expected to reach 9 billion by 2050.
With more people, the demand for food, water, energy, jobs and space will increase.
Demand outstripping supply - Economic Development
As LICs and NEEs develop further, they require more energy for industry.
LICs and NEEs want similar lifestyles to HICs, therefore they will need to consume more resources.
Development means more water is required for food production as diets improv
Resource reliance graph
Consumption – The act of using up resources or purchasing goods and produce.
Carry Capacity – A maximum number of species that can be supported.
Demand outstripping supply - Changing Technology and Employment
The demand for resources has driven the need for new technology to reach or gain more resources.
More people in the secondary and tertiary industry has increased the demand for resources required for electronics and robotics.
Food in the UK - Growing Demand
The UK imports about 40% of its food. This increases people’s carbon footprint.
There is growing demand for greater choice of exotic foods needed all year round.
Foods from abroad are more affordable.
Many food types are unsuitable to be grown in the UK.
Food in the UK - Impact of Demand
Foods can travel long distances (food miles). Importing food adds to our carbon footprint.
+ Supports workers with an income + Supports families in LICs.
+ Taxes from farmers’ incomes contribute to local services.
- Less land for locals to grow their own food.
- Farmers exposed to chemicals.
Food in the UK - Agribusiness
Farming is being treated like a large industrial business. This is increasing food production.
+ Intensive faming maximises the amount of food produced.
+ Using machinery which increases the farms efficiency.
- Only employs a small number of workers.
- Chemicals used on farms damages the habitats and wildlife.
Food in the UK - Sustainable foods
Organic foods that have little impact on the environment and are healthier have been rising.
Local food sourcing is also rising in popularity.
Reduces emissions by only eating food from the UK.
Buying locally sourced food supports local shops and farms.
A third of people grow their own food.
Energy in the UK - growing demand
The UK consumes less energy than compared to the 1970s despite a smaller population. This is due to the decline of industry.
Energy in the UK - Energy mix
The majority of UK’s energy mix comes from fossil fuels. By 2020, the UK aims for 15% of its energy to come from renewable sources. These renewable sources do not contribute to climate change.
Energy in the UK - Changes in Energy mix
75% of the UK’s oil and gas has been used up.
Coal consumption has declined.
UK has become too dependent on imported energy.
Water in the UK - growing demand
The average water used per household has risen by 70%, This is due to:
A growing UK population.
Water-intensive appliances.
Showers and baths taken.
Water in the UK - Deficit and Surplus
The north and west have a water surplus (more water than is required).
The south and east have a water deficit (more water needed than is actually available).
More than half of England is experiencing water stress (where demand exceeds supply).
Water in the UK - Pollution and Quality
Chemical run-off from farmland can destroy habitats and kills animals.
Oil from boats and ships poisons wildlife.
Untreated waste from industries creates unsafe drinking water.
Water in the UK - Management
UK has strict laws that limits the amount of discharge from factories and farms.
Education campaigns to inform what can be disposed of safety.
Waste water treatment plants remove dangerous elements to then be used for safe drinking.
Pollution traps catch and filter pollutants.
Water in the UK - Water Transfer
Water transfer involves moving water through pipes from areas of surplus (Wales) to areas of deficit (London).
Opposition includes:
Effects on land and wildlife.
High maintenance costs.
The amount of energy required to move water over long distances.
Energy in the UK - Significance of Renewables
The UK government is investing more into low carbon alternatives.
+ UK government aims to meet targets for reducing emissions.
+ Renewable sources include wind, solar and tidal energy.
- Although infinite, renewables are still expensive to install.
- Shale gas deposits may be exploited in the near future
Energy in the UK - Exploitation (nuclear)
New plants provide job opportunities.
Problems with safety and possible harm to wildlife.
Nuclear plants are expensive.
Energy in the UK - Exploitation (Windfarm)
Locals have low energy bills.
Reduces carbon footprint.
Construction cost is high.
Visual impacts on landscape.
Noise from wind turbines.
Food Security
Food Security is when people at all times need to have physical & economic access to food to meet their dietary needs for an active & healthy life. This is the opposite to Food Insecurity which is when someone is unsure when they might next eat.
