Resource Management 💡 Flashcards
What is a resource
Anything that is used to satisfy human needs
What percentage of global energy is from non renewables
87%
What is energy security
More energy is being produced than used (surplus)
What is energy insecurity
More energy is used than produced (deficit)
Why is the energy gap widening
Fossil fuels are being deliberately phased out (due to agreements to reduce co2 emissions) but the renewables needed to replace this loss cannot be developed fast enough
Name 3 factors that could affect energy supply
Cost
Geology
Climate
Name 3 factors affecting energy consumption
Development
Population
Technology
Why is cost effecting energy supply
Power stations (especially renewables) are a huge investment and expensive to build
Why are physical factors affecting energy supply
Geology determines availability of fossil fuels
Geothermal energy requires a specific tectonic environment
How is technology effecting energy supply
Allows energy sources in remote areas to be used
How is climate effecting energy supply
Conditions can influence availability of solar and wind power
How do political factors affect energy supply
Decides which countries to exploit and obtain energy from
Choice of renewable / non-renewable sources
How is population affecting energy consumption
As population increases demand for energy also increases
How does an increase in income affect energy consumption
As the world develops e.g. NEEs, there is more demand for energy due to economic growth meaning greater wealth
How does technology affect energy consumption
Increasing use of technology improves quality of life
In turn means a richer world which can afford energy
What does supply mean
A stock or amount of something supplied or available for use
What does demand mean
The constant need of desire to use a product which needs energy at convenience
What does surplus mean
When demand is lower than supply
What does deficit mean
When the demand for a resource is greater than the supply
What is equilibrium
When supply and demand are completely equal
What are the 3 options to overcome energy insecurity within a country
Further exploitation of its own resources
Import energy from other countries
Reduce energy consumption within their country
Name 3 benefits of exploiting resources in the Arctic
There are large new reserves
Close to import markets (Europe and US)
Costs are reduced due to arctic ice melting
Name 4 costs of exploiting resources in the Arctic
Political issues could develop due to the Arctic being claimed by 8 countries
People demand higher wages to work in the Arctic due to challenging conditions
Oil spills would negatively impact environment and cost a lot to clear up
Exploring for new oil and gas cost billions
What are 3 further impacts of energy insecurity
Food production
Industry
Potential for conflict
Give an example where energy insecurity has impacted the potential for conflict
Russia controls 25% of the worlds natural gas supplies- puts pressure on European countries as they could raise prices or even cut off supplies
Give an example where energy insecurity has impacted industry
In Pakistan regular power cuts can last for 20 hours a day- costs the country an estimated 4% of its GDP as without energy factories can’t run
What is energy mix
A RANGE of energy sources of a region or country both renewable & non renewable 
Why should a country use an energy mix
So that there is always an efficient supply of energy
What is a fuel
A substance that release energy
What are fossil fuels
Sources of energy formed from organic matter millions of years ago
How can nuclear power increase energy supply
Cost of raw material is relatively low due to small amount used 
What are the pros of natural gas as an energy resource
Reliable
Abundant
Cleaner than other fossil fuels
Provides jobs
What are the cons of natural gas as an energy resource
Air pollution
Acid rain
Water/soil pollution
Greenhouse gas emissions
Leaks are hard it detect
Destruction of habitats through mining
Name 3 ways we can reduce energy demand
Energy companies offering financial incentives
Councils/gov raising awareness of the need to use energy more efficiently
Individuals using off peak tariffs more regularly
What is carbon footprint
A carbon footprint is an estimate of the impact of activities have on climate change
Name 4 modern technologies can help us to use fossil fuels more efficiently
Carbon capture - storing carbon produced during combustion underground
Hybrid/electric cars
Combined heat & power (CHP) - generating energy from a single fuel source
Fuel efficiency - making cars more aerodynamic
How has Brazil reduced petrol consumption
Reduced petrol consumption by 40% since 1993 using sugar cane and ethanol
Around 90% of new cars run on both petrol & ethanol
What are the pros of ethanol as a fuel
Cheaper
Renewable
Burning ethanol can also create electricity
Provides job opportunities
What are the cons of ethanol as a fuel
Conditions for labourers are not good
Causes respiratory problems
How has Malmo, Sweden developed a sustainable energy city
Renewable energy provides all power used by residents
Vacuum shoots for rubbish disposal
Food waste is converted into biofuel for buses in the area
Network of footpaths and cycle paths
New houses are all fitted with smart meters
What percentage of energy in Nepal does fuel wood account for
75.79%
What are the impacts in Nepal of using fuel wood as the main source of energy
Leads to huge deforestation
Contributes to soil erosion and land slides
What is the population of Nepal
28 million
What factor in Nepal reduces its ability to import energy
It’s landlocked (no ports)
What is Nepals HDI
5.6 (very poor)
What percentage of Nepals rural population have access to electricity?
9%
What is the power situation in Nepal
Electric grid system only covers part of the country
Power cuts of up to 10 hours
The Nepal Electricity Authority publish a timetable of power cuts
What is the local sustainable energy scheme in Nepal
Micro hydro power
What is micro-hydro power
Instead of a dam or reservoir a micro hydro plant divert water from a stream/river into a forbay tank which then falls into a turbine driving a generator 
Who finances the micro-hydro plants in Nepal
The government with support from the World Bank
What are the environmental impacts of the micro-hydro power
No destruction of habitats
Renewable
(LITTLE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT)
What are the social impacts of micro-hydro power
No risk of flooding - no need for rehoming
Provides local business opportunities
However only people living very close to the micro-hydro power plant can benefit
What are the economic impacts of micro-hydro power
Low-cost as doesn’t require a dam/reservoir
Encourages economic development – settlement of Darbong boasts a number of new industries such as : poultry and dairy farms, a noodle factory and several furniture workshops
Name 3 reasons why there uk is not self sufficient in food
UK climate is unsuitable for production of some foods such as cocoa and bananas
Demand for greater choice and more exotic products
UK produced food can be expensive
Demand for seasonal produce all year round e.g. strawberries
Why does the UK import vegetables from Kenya
Because of the demand for seasonal products all years round such as mangetout 
What is agribusiness
Intensive farming aimed at maximising the amount of food produced
List the U.K.’s attempts to respond to changing demand for food
Agribusiness
Using modern technology and chemicals used in farming to produce more yield
Increased production of organic food
