Consuming Resources Flashcards
Aritmetically
Adding one at each stage 1:2:3:4. Malthus describes food production in this way.
Biofuel
Fuel made from living things, or from the waste they produce e.g. cow dung
Black gold
Another name for oil because it is such as valuable commodity.
Carrying capacity
The maximum number of people who can be supported in a given area.
Ecological footprint
A calculation that estimates the area needed to supply resources to an individual, or a group of people to maintain their lifestyle. The higher the figure, the more space is needed.
Energy security
Reliable, and affordable sources of energy. Countries with enough, or a surplus are said to be energy secure. Those without are said to be energy insecure.
Exponential
Doubling at each stage 1:2:4:8. Malthus used this to describe population growth.
Finite resource
A resource that is limited, or restricted.
Food security
The ability to obtain sufficient food on a day-to-day basis.
Food insecurity
Difficulty in obtaining food. This can range from hunger to full-scale famine.
Peak oil
The point at which oil production reaches its maximum level then declines.
Resource
A naturally occuring substance which cna be used in its own right, or made into something else.
Sustainable energy
Energy sources which are unlikely to run out (also called renewable) e.g. solar, wind, wave, etc.
