Lecture 1 - A World of Resources

Question 1

Define what a resource is

Answer 1

-Biotic, abiotic and cultural attributes on, in and above the Earth, not just those of direct utility to humans

Question 2

How can we Classify Resources?

Answer 2

-Location (biosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere, lithosphere)
-Stock (non-renewable) or flow (renewable)

Question 3

Describe the Problems with Water Usage

Answer 3

-70% used in agriculture
-In the 20th Century, the world population tripled and use of renewable water increased 6 fold
-1 in 5 lack access to drinking water
-1 in 2 lack access to sanitation

Question 4

Describe the Problems with Metal Usage

Answer 4

-World supply may be used up in 200 years
-Scarcity will increase prices (pricing out)
-Mining causes environmental degradation as well as ethical concerns (rare earths in the Congo)

Question 5

Describe the Problems with Cereal Crop Growth and Usage

Answer 5

-Requires heavy tillage, harmful pest and weed control, and lots of water
-Renewable however, it causes reduction in soil organic matter and fertility
-Diminishes biodiversity
-Crop production is threatened by climate change

Question 6

Explain Resource Depletion Rates

Answer 6

-Caused by technological advances; growth in individual and national wealth; and population increase (more consumers)
-Rates may decrease due to pricing out, more efficiency or substitution

Question 7

What are some Causes and Concerns raised by Accelerated Resource Depletion?

Answer 7

-Population growth; increased by 2 billion from 2005 to 2024
-New “Western” diet preferences has meant more animal feed and waste is produced
-5.4 Earths would be needed if 7 billion lived like the UAE
-Waste is a huge factor: the UK dumps £13 billion worth of food every year

Question 8

What are the predictions for the exhaustion of Fossil Fuel Reserves?

Answer 8

-World oil reserves as of June 2008 (164.6 billion tonnes) were set to last only until 2050
-This could be sooner as the rate of consumption is ever-increasing

Question 9

How is Pollution related to Resource Consumption?

Answer 9

-Pollution is arguably an inevitable consequence of industrial and modern resource consumption
-This alters the environment by destroying ecosystems and adding excess energy/ material which results in bio-accumulation and eutrophication