Resource consumption Flashcards
What key factors contributed to the decrease in global poverty rates since 1990?
Economic growth, globalization, and technological advancements
Which countries are examples of middle-income countries experiencing rapid growth in the middle class?
- China
- India
- Brazil
These countries have seen significant growth in their middle-class populations.
What impacts does the growth of the middle class have on economic demand?
Increases demand for goods and services
The middle class drives economic growth by purchasing more products.
What demographic trend is driving increased energy consumption?
Urbanization
As more people move to cities, their consumption patterns change.
What dietary changes are associated with middle-class growth?
Increased consumption of meat, dairy, and processed foods
These changes are impacting global food systems and health.
How has meat consumption changed in China since 1980?
It has quadrupled
This increase contributes to higher greenhouse gas emissions.
What are some of the pressures placed on natural resources by growing consumption?
- Resource depletion
- Environmental degradation
What are some challenges associated with the rise of the global middle class?
- Resource depletion
- Environmental degradation
- Higher emissions
These challenges threaten sustainability.
What role do governments and businesses play in sustainable consumption?
They shape consumption patterns through policies, laws and investments
Their actions are crucial for promoting sustainability.
What is the new global middle class?
Growing numbers of middle class people caused by raise in average incomes and decrease in number of people living in poverty
Positive impacts of growing global middle class
Lower levels of absoloute poverty, increased living standards
Define relative poverty
It is where people’s incomes fall significantly below the average for the place where they live
Define absolute poverty
Involves a lack of basic needs such as shelter, clean water, and food
Define situational poverty
Caused by a sudden crisis or loss and is often temporary
Define peak oil
Refers to the hypothetical point at which global crude oil production will hit its maximum rate, after which production will start to decline
Where does the majority of the worlds energy come from?
Fossil fuels
How does water use differ between developing and developed countries?
Majority of water in developing countries is used for agriculture
Majority of water in developed countries is used for industry
Define Food homogenisation
The ways in which diets around the world are become more similar
Explain the impact of changing diets in the rising middle class
- Transition to cheap packaged / fast food is causing cardiovascular issues
- Increased caloric intake increases obesity levels
- More of a toll on the environment for imports
What is the food-water-energy nexus?
The complex interrelationships between water, food, and energy resources
What is ecological footprint?
Measurement of amount of land and water a population requires to produce the resources it consumes and to absorb its waste under prevailing technology
What is embedded water?
A measure of water used in the production and transport to market of food and commodities
