Intro to resource management - food energy and water Flashcards
What is a resource?
A stock or supply or something that has a value or purpose.
How many calories does the WHO recommend we need daily?
2,000 – 2,400.
How many people worldwide are malnourished?
Over 1 billion.
How many people worldwide are under-nourished.
Approximately 3 billion (including the 1 billion malnourished).
How does under-nourishment affect the economy?
Ill and unhealthy workforces are less productive, less efficient and less active than healthy ones.
Why is water an important resource?
For drinking, growing crops & generating energy.
Why are global water supplies imbalanced?
Temperature and rainfall differences worldwide.
How many countries will face water scarcity by 2050?
50
How does water use differ between LICs and HICs?
HICs – mainly used for industry. LICs – mainly used for irrigation.
Why is energy an important resource?
For powering factories & machinery and providing fuel for transport.
How many people are expected to live in UK by 2037?
73 million.
What % of its food does the UK import?
Approximately 40%.
Why does the UK import a lot of food?
Demand for exotic and seasonal foods all year round. UK climate unsuitable for e.g. bananas & cocoa. Poor harvests & high cost of animal feed = UK-produced food is expensive. Supermarkets compete for cheap imported food.
What are food miles?
The distances travelled by imported foods.
What are the impacts of importing food?
Bigger carbon footprint from transport. Higher prices for consumers e.g. keeping mangetout fresh while it travels is expensive. Poor wages & low job security for farmers abroad.
Define ‘food security’.
How dependent a country is on imports for meeting food demands.
What is the UK’s food security like?
Low because of reliance on imports.
How is the UK addressing food security challenges?
Some consumers buy locally grown food as it has a lower carbon footprint.
How is the UK addressing food security challenges?
People encouraged to eat seasonal foods. This reduces emissions associated with growing out-of-season foods e.g. through powering greenhouses.
How is the UK addressing food security challenges?
Agribusinesses – intensive farming businesses that try to produce as much food as possible. Use modern technology & chemicals to increase crop yields.
What % of the UK’s water supply is used domestically (in homes)?
Approximately 50%.
What % of the UK’s water supply is wasted through leakage?
21%.
Why is water demand expected to increase in the UK?
Population growth. Increase in water-intensive household appliances.
Define ‘water surplus’.
More water than is needed. North and west of the UK have water surplus.
Define ‘water deficit’.
Less water than is needed. South and east of UK have water deficit.
What % of England experiences water stress?
Approximately 50%.
How is the UK responding to water challenges? - Saving water
Water meters so water use can be tracked. Recycling grey (waste) water from homes to irrigate plants. Using water-efficient household appliances.
How is the UK responding to water challenges? - Managing water quality.
Environment Agency filters sediment from river water & adds chlorine to purify it. Difficult due to pollution of groundwater by industrial runoff.
How is the UK responding to water challenges? - Water transfer.
Moving water from areas of surplus to areas of deficit. Controversial due to threat to wildlife habitats & CO2 emissions.
Give an example of a water transfer scheme.
Water from Kielder, Pennines is transferred to Newcastle, Durham & Darlington.
How is UK’s energy demand changing?
Demand has increased. Use has fallen (decline of industry & improved energy conservation).
How much has industrial energy use fallen by in the UK?
60%.
How much has domestic energy use fallen by in the UK?
12%.
How has the UK’s energy mix changed?
1990 – 75% of energy from coal & oil. 2007 – equal mix of coal, gas & nuclear. 2019 – 48% of energy from renewable sources.
What % of UK’s gas & oil reserves have been used?
Approximately 75%.
What is the UK’s energy security like?
Low. 75% of energy is imported.
Why will the UK continue to use fossil fuels?
Remaining oil & gas reserves can meet energy demand for decades. Coal imports are cheap. Development of fracking.
