Resource management Flashcards
What is a resource
Is a stock or supply of something that has a value or a purpose
How are resources distributed in the world
They are distributed unevenly distributed across the world.
What is undernutrition
a poorly-balanced diet lacking in minerals and vitamins resulting in a range of illnesses and diseases
What do people need to be in order to be productive
They need to contribute the economic development of their country
What is water essential for
It is for drinking as well as being vital for crops and food supply.
What happens as the world population grows
More people are faced with shortages of water
What is the imbalance of water supply due to
Variations in climate and rainfall as the rainfall needs to be captured and stored in reservoirs or taken from rivers and aquifers.
what is water used for and types of water scarcity
Water scarcity is increasing due to economic water scarcity (countries that can’t afford to exploit water supplies)
Physical water scarcity (lack of water)
Low/middle income countries use a higher proportion of water for agriculture compared to high-income countries where most water is used for industry.
What is energy needed for
Energy is needed for economic development as it powers factories and machinery.
How is energy consumption changing in the world (rich compared to small)
As it becomes more developed demand increases. The world’s richest countries use much more energy than the world’s smallest country.
Provision of food in the UK
The UK’s population is increasing increasing the future demand for food. The UK is not self sufficient for food supplies. It has rising imports for food.
What is the impact of importing foods
Transporting food by air is very expensive. It also contributes to our carbon footprint - emission of carbon dioxide in our atmosphere.
Costs of importing foods (kenyan farmers)
Kenyan farmers only earn a fraction of the price sold. Two-thirds are casual labourers with no job security or benefits are paid very little.
UK response to these challenges
Increasing in sourcing food locally to reduce carbon emissions.
Agribusiness - intensive farming aimed at maximising the amount of food produced. Farms are run as commercial businesses. They have high levels of investment and use modern technology and chemicals.
Organic produce - grown without the use of chemicals. Organic food production is often associated with buying local produce.
Lynford House Farm
Large arable farm of 570 hectares. An agribusiness it has high inputs of chemicals, machinery and other investments.
.Flat, fertile land is intensively farmed to maximise productivity and profitability
.Main crops are wheat, sugar beet and potatoes which are well suited to the fertile soils and a warm, sunny climate
Riverford Organic Farms
Riverford Organic Farms supplies local people with fresh boxes of food delivered weekly. Company now delivers boxes of vegetables around the UK.
. Reduce food miles
. Support local farmers
Demand for water in the UK and how it’s changing
Almost 50 % of the UK’s water supply is used domestically. But 21% is wasted through leakage. Demand for water in the UK is increasing due to:
growing population
More houses being built
An increase in the use of water intensive domestic appliances
What are the main sources of water in the UK
They are from rivers, reservoirs and groundwater aquifers.
.The north and west of the UK has a water surplus where supply exceeds demand. High rainfall, lower evaporation rates and plenty of potential reservoir sites.
.The south and east of the country has a water deficit. The most densely populated part of the country and has the lowest annual rainfall.
What is water stress
Water stress is experienced by more than half of England.
Techniques to save water
The use of domestic water meters
Increasing the use of recycled water
More efficient domestic appliances
Waste water from people’s homes can be recycled and put to good use. Used for irrigation.
Water transfer
2006 UK government proposed to establish a water grid to transfer water from areas of surplus to deficit. Enormous cost stopped it from happening. Growing need to transfer water to meet demand.
Opposition to water transfer
. Effect on the land and wildlife - river habitats would need to be protected
. High costs involved
. The greenhouse gases released in the process of pumping water over long distances
Managing water quality
Just as important as water quantity. much has been done to improve the quality of water.
How is water quality being managed in the UK
. Monitoring the quality of river water
. Filtering water to remove sediment
. Purifying water by adding chlorine
. Imposing struct regulations on the uses of water
Why has some groundwater sources deteriorated as a result of pollution
. Leaching from old underground mine workings
. Discharge from industrial sites
. Runoff from chemical fertilisers used on farmland
What is happening to demand for electricity in the UK
Demand for energy in the UK is increasing however, consumption has fallen due to decline of heavy industry and improved energy conservation.
Low-energy appliances, better building insulation and more fuel efficient cars have resulted in a 60% fall in energy usage in industry and a 12% fall in domestic energy use.
How has the UK’s energy mix changed
2020 the UK aims to meet 20 percent of its energy requirement from renewable sources. 2015 the government decided to phase out subsidies for renewable energy.
How and why has the UK’s energy mix changed
UK is no longer self sufficient in energy. 75% of the UK’s known oil and natural gas reserves have been exhausted. The UK’s energy security is affected as it becomes dependant on imported energy.
Why is the UK energy mix changing
Two thirds of UK gas reserves remain, with oil remaining in less accessible oilfields. Major change in the UK energy mix has been the decline of coal. Steady decline due to concerns in greenhouse gas emissions and declines in coal fired power stations.
Why will fossil fuels continue to be important
. UK’s remaining reserves of fossil fuels will provide energy for several decades.
. Coal imports are relatively cheap
. Existing UK power stations use fossil fuels
. Shale gas deposits may be exploited in the future.
Fracking issue in the UK + why is it controversial
Uk has rich reserves of natural gas trapped underground in shale rocks. To extract the gas, high-pressure liquids are introduced to fracture the shale and release the gas. Called fracking
. Possibility of earthquakes
. Pollution of underground water sources
. High costs of extraction
Economic and environmental impacts of nuclear development
. Nuclear power plants are very expensive to build. Proposed new Hinkley Point could cost £20 billion
. High costs for producing electricity
. Construction of new plants provides job opportunities and boosts the local economy
. Produces fewer emissions than traditional sources such as coal
. The safe processing and storage of the highly toxic and radioactive waste is a big problem
Economic and environmental impacts of wind farms
. High construction costs
. May have negative impacts on local economy reducing visitor numbers
. Visual impact on the landscape. In the Lake District, concerns about falling visitor numbers have resulted ins several plans being rejected
. Wind farms avoid harmful gas emissions and help reduce the carbon footprint
What is energy consumption in the world
Energy consumption is very high in HICs. Its low across most of Africa and parts of south east Asia. In regions of high energy consumption there is growing demand for industry transport and domestic use. Some regions have energy resources such as coal, oil and gas.
What is energy security (energy surplus and deficit)
If supply exceeds demand then a country has an energy surplus and vice versa.
Energy security in different regions in the world
Russia and Eastern Europe - energy surplus -
large reserves of natural gas and oil
Uranium resources which can be used for nuclear energy
Western Europe - Energy insecurity -
Dependant on energy imports, particularly oil and gas
Low energy efficiency
Middle East - Energy Surplus
Large oil reserves
Unstable political regimes affect fuel supplies
North America - Energy Insecurity
. Large coal reserves
. Opportunity to exploit oil reserves in sensitive areas such as the Arctic
. Huge energy consumption
Asia - Energy insecurity
. Large coal and uranium deposits
. Rapidly increasing demand outstrips supply
Sub - saharan Africa - Energy Insecurity
. Depends on foreign TNCs to exploit reserves, for example Nigerian oil
. Limited energy supplies with rising rate of consumption
What factors affect energy supply 1
Cost of exploitation and production:
Some energy sources are costly to exploit. Oil rigs and pipelines require huge investment. Nuclear power stations are expensive to build.
Climate - the amount of sunshine and wind influence the availability of solar energy and wind energy. HEP needs a suitable dam site, often in sparsly populated mountainous areas with high rainfall.
Technology - Technological advances have allowed energy source sin remote or difficult environments such as the North Sea and the Arctic to be exploited. They can also reduce costs. Technology has allowed for fracking.
What factors affect energy supply 2
Physical factors:
The geology of an area determines the location and availability of fossil fuels. Coal is formed from vegetation laid down and altered by pressure and heat over millions of years. Natural gas and oil is trapped in folded laters of rocks. Geothermal energy is produced in areas of tectonics activity like Iceland and the Pacific rim
Political factors
They affect decisions about which energy sources to exploit and from which countries energy can be obtained.
. Political instability in the Middle East has meant that many oil-consuming countries are looking for alternative source of energy
. German government is planning to stop generating nuclear power by 2020
Why is energy consumption increasing
Develop their demand for energy supplies rises. NEEs account for 90% of the growth. Greater economic growth is expected to accompany it.
Population has increased by $7.7 billion. These extra people will use more energy. Increasing use of technology will demand greater energy. As SOL increases demand for this increases.
What can be done about energy insecurity
Try to exploit its own energy sources
Reach agreements with other countries to import energy
Reduce its energy consumption through new technologies or greater energy saving
Exploiting resources in difficult and sensitive areas
Complex techniques and expensive equipment are needed to extract oil and gas reserves in sensitive areas such as deep below the North Sea.
Energy resources exist in some of the world’s most hostile, dangerous environmentally sensitive region.
What does exploiting resource in the future depend on
Development of technologies that make exploitation cost-effective
Environmental implication of energy exploitation
Exploitation of energy resources in the Arctic
The Arctic holds an estimated 13 percent of the world’s undiscovered oil resources and 30% of unexploited gas. It has a great potential to supply energy in the future, however, it’s difficult and expensive. As well as environmental consequences of an oil spill as well as catastrophic consequences for the environment.
Economic and environmental factors needing to be considered
People demand higher wages to work there
Drilling equipment may sink during the summer thaw
Strict environmental controls are needed to prevent damage
Political issues develop because the territory north of the Arctic Circle is claimed by 8 countries
Impacts of energy insecurity
Food production uses 30 percent of global energy. Energy is used to power farm machinery, store farm produce, and to manufacture fertilisers and chemicals.
Biofuels has increased in response to concerns about carbon dioxide emissions. Use of biofuels increased food prices.
Some LICs such as Tanzania and Mali firewood is the main source of energy. Many people have to walk long distances to collect the wood.
Impacts of energy insecurity of industrial output
Is essential for industry as a source of power and raw materials. oil used in manufacturing chemicals, fuels, plastics and pharmaceuticals. Some countries suffer from shortfalls in electricity production. Energy shortages have led to closure of many companies.
Potential for conflict
Shortages of energy can lead to political conflict when one state holds a bigger share of an energy resource. Russia contributes to 25% of natural gas supplies. Causing conflict.
How to increase energy supplies
Develop and increase the use of renewable sources of energy
Continue to exploit non-renewable fossil fuels such as oil and gas and develop the use of nuclear power.
Must have a mix of both renewables and non renewables in order to achieve a sustainable energy mix.
Different renewable energy sources and how do they work 1
Biomass -
energy produced from organic matter: production of biofuels and burning dung or plant matter
.Using land to grow biofuels rather than food crops is very controversial
.Burning organic matter can crate unhealthy conditions
Wind-
Turbines on land or at sea are turned by the wind to generate electricity
. In 2014, wind power met 10% of the UK’s electricity demand
. Can be unpopular, but considerable potential
Hydro-
Large-scale dams and smaller micro-dams create enough water to turn turbines and generate electricity
. Large dams are expensive and controversial
. Micro dams are becoming popular options at the local level
Tidal-
Turbines within barrages built across river estuaries use rising and falling tides to generate electricity
.Few tidal barrages due to high costs and environmental concerns.
Different renewable energy sources and how do they work 2
Geothermal-
Water heated underground in contact with hot rocks creates steam that drives turbines generating electricity
. Limited tectonically active countries
Wave-
Waves force air into a chamber where it turns a turbine linked to a generator
. Portugal has built the world’s first wave farm
. Many experimental wave farms but costs are high and there are environmental concerns
Solar-
Photovoltaic cells mounted on solar panels convert sunlight into electricity
. Energy production is seasonal
. Solar panel “farms” need a lot of space
What are non-renewable resources
They are unsustainable. At some point the economic and environmental costs of these resources will become too high.
Fossil fuels and nuclear power
Sources of energy formed from organic matter millions of years ago.
They are limited however there are still plenty of resources left in the world. Despite high CO2 emissions remain important for electricity production.
Nuclear power stations are very expensive. However, cost of the raw material uranium is relatively low because small amounts are used. Main problem is disposal of nuclear waste which can be dangerous. There is also the risk of further accidents.
What is natural gas
Is a hydrocarbon. It forms from the decomposition of organisms deposited on the seabed millions of years ago. It was buried by layers of sediment and heated by compression. Lack of oxygen converts it into hydrocarbons. Colourless and odourless natural gas rises up through cracks and pores. It then collects in concentrations called reservoirs. It is from these reservoirs where natural gas is extracted.
Where is natural gas found
60% of all known natural gas reserves are in Russia, Iran and Qatar. Technology has allowed shale gas to be extracted. Rock is broken up by a process called fracking. This process is very controversial and there is a lot of opposition.
Advantages of extracting natural gas and disadvantages of natural gas
Cleanest of the fossil fuels with 45% less CO2 emissions than other non-renewable sources and less toxic chemicals.
Less risk of environmental accidents than oil.
Provides employment for 1.2 million people.
Dangerous if handled or transported carelessly
Some gas reserves are in countries that are politically unstable or prepared to use gas supply as a political weapon.
Contributes to global warming by producing CO2 and methane emissions.
Extracting natural gas in the Amazon
Camisea project began in 2004 to exploit a huge gas field in Peru.
Advantages of the natural gas extraction
.It could save Peru up to US$4 billion in energy costs
.Peru could make several billion dollars in gas exports - up to US$34 billion over the 30 year life of the project
Disadvantages of the natural gas extraction
.Deforestation associated with the pipeline and other developments will affect natural habitats
.The project could impact the lives of several indigenous tribes, affecting their traditional way of life and their food and water supplies.
Sustainable energy supply
Balancing supply and demand. It also reduces waste and inefficiency.
What are techniques to increase the energy supply
Renewable sources of energy can be developed and fossil fuels can be exploited more efficiently.
What are techniques to reduce energy demand
It can be reduced by increasing energy conservation and designing more energy-efficient homes and workplaces. Examples include solar panels, hot water recirculation and double glazing.
Sustainable energy development in Malmo Sweden
Malmo’s western harbour is one of the best examples of sustainable urban redevelopment in the world. Houses have been designed to generate and conserve energy.
. Most buses run on a mixture of biogas and natural gas
. All 1000 buildings in the district use 100% renewable energy
. Solar tubes on the outside of buildings produce hot water which can be stored in aquifers 90m below ground and used to heat buildings during the winter. The water is pumped using electricity from wind power.
Other techniques to reduce energy demand
financial incentives
raising awareness of the need to save and use energy more efficiently
Greater use of peak energy tariffs
Using less hot water for domestic appliances
How can technology increase efficiency of fossil fuels
Use technology to design more fuel-efficient cars to reduce oil consumption and their carbon footprint.
Recent development of electric and hybrid cars and increase the efficiency use of fossil fuels.
Development of biofuel technology in car engines in Brazil 90% of cars can run on both ethanol and petrol.
Solution to Chambamontera problem
Construction of a micro-hydro scheme. High rainfall the steep slopes and fast flowing rivers make this area ideal for exploiting water power as a renewable source of energy.
Cost of the micro hydro scheme was $51000. Some government money and investment from Japan but the community had to pay part of the cost. Average cost per family was $750. Credit facilities were made available to pay this.
What is Chambamontera
Is an isolated community in the Andes Mountains of Peru. More than two hours drive from the nearest town.
How has the scheme benefitted the local community.
Reduction in rural urban migration so the population has grown.
Regulating the flow of water has reduced the danger of flooding
The scheme will last at least 25 ears
Healthcare has improved because refrigeration allows for storage of medicines.
Why does Chambamonterra need a sustainable energy scheme
Most people in the area is dependent on subsistence farming with some small scale growing and rearing of livestock. Development has been restricted by a lack of electricity. Half the population survive on just $2 per day. Steep slopes of up to 1200m and rough roads are impassable in the winter. Makes it a very isolated community. Low population density made it uneconomic to build an electric grid there.
What does the scheme provide
Renewable energy
Low maintenance and running costs
Use local labour and materials
Has little environmental impact
