Resource Management Flashcards
What are the three main resources humans depend on?
Food, water, and energy.
Is the distribution of resources even across the globe?
No, resources are unevenly distributed due to factors like climate, geology, and economic development.
What factors affect the global distribution of food?
Climate, soil quality, technology, and wealth.
How does food insecurity affect populations?
Leads to malnutrition, stunted growth, and economic instability.
How does climate affect the global distribution of food?
Regions with extreme climates, struggle to produce food due to poor growing conditions.
How does conflict impact food distribution?
Wars and political instability disrupt farming, trade, and access to food, leading to shortages in affected areas.
How does poverty affect access to food?
Poorer countries cannot afford advanced farming techniques or imports, leading to low food production and hunger.
Which greenhouse gases are most commonly linked to food production?
Carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O).
What is the carbon footprint of food?
The total greenhouse gas emissions produced during the growing, processing, transport, and disposal of food.
How does transportation affect the carbon footprint of food?
Food transported over long distances, especially by air, increases carbon emissions.(food miles)
How does food waste contribute to carbon emissions?
Decomposing waste in landfills releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
Name a food with a high carbon footprint.
Beef.
Name one way to reduce the carbon footprint of your diet.
Eat more plant-based foods and less meat and dairy.
How does buying locally produced food reduce carbon emissions?
It cuts down on transport and storage-related emissions.
What is organic farming?
A method of farming that avoids synthetic chemicals and uses natural processes to grow crops and raise animals.
What are the benefits of organic farming?
Reduced pollution, improved soil health, and fewer synthetic chemicals in food.
What are the disadvantages of organic farming?
Lower yields and higher production costs, leading to more expensive food.
What is industrialised farming?
Large-scale farming that uses advanced technology, machinery, and chemicals to maximize food production.
What are the benefits of industrialised farming?
High yields, lower food prices, and the ability to feed large populations.
What are the environmental impacts of industrialised farming?
: Deforestation, soil degradation, and high greenhouse gas emissions.
what is agribusiness
farming on a large scale
why does agribusiness exist?
growing population
Is water evenly distributed across the UK?
No, the North and West of the UK have a water surplus, while the South and East often experience water stress.
What causes water stress in the South East of the UK?
High population density, low rainfall, and high demand for water.
Why does the North West of the UK have a water surplus?
It receives higher rainfall and has fewer densely populated areas.
What is water transfer?
The movement of water from areas of surplus to areas of deficit.
What challenges affect water supply in the UK?
Climate change (less predictable rainfall), population growth, and aging infrastructure
Name a UK water transfer project.
The Kielder Water Transfer Scheme moves water from Northumberland to areas of shortage in the North East.
Name one way the UK can ensure sustainable water use.
Promoting water conservation through public awareness campaigns.
How has the UK’s energy mix changed in recent decades?
The UK has shifted from heavy reliance on coal and other fossil fuels to a greater focus on natural gas and renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
What was the main source of energy in the UK in the 20th century?
Coal was the dominant source of energy during much of the 20th century.
How has the use of coal in the UK changed?
Coal use has drastically decreased due to its environmental impact and the UK’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions.
What energy source has largely replaced coal in the UK?
Natural gas has largely replaced coal, but the UK is now transitioning to renewables for a greener energy future.
How does relying on fossil fuels affect the UK’s economy?
Dependence on fossil fuels can lead to price volatility, energy insecurity, and an economy vulnerable to global market fluctuations in fuel prices.
How does the exploitation of fossil fuels create economic problems?
Extracting fossil fuels can lead to boom-and-bust economic cycles, where areas dependent on extraction industries experience economic instability when demand falls or resources run out.
How does the transition away from fossil fuels affect jobs in the UK?
There is a need to retrain workers in fossil fuel industries for jobs in renewable energy, which can lead to job losses in the short term but can create long-term employment in green industries.
Why are fossil fuels running out?
Fossil fuels are non-renewable resources that take millions of years to form, and many fossil fuel reserves are being depleted faster than they can be replenished.
What are some environmental problems caused by the exploitation of fossil fuels?
Habitat destruction, oil spills, air pollution, and the risk of water contamination through mining and drilling.
What is the environmental impact of offshore oil drilling?
It can cause oil spills, disrupt marine ecosystems, and contribute to pollution in coastal areas.
How does fracking affect the environment?
Fracking can cause groundwater contamination, increase seismic activity, and release methane, a potent greenhouse gas.
How can renewable energy help reduce environmental damage?
Renewable energy sources like wind, solar, and hydroelectric power produce little to no emissions and have minimal environmental impacts compared to fossil fuels.
Why is the transition to renewable energy important for the UK’s future?
To reduce carbon emissions, combat climate change, and ensure long-term energy security without relying on depleting fossil fuels.
What role does energy efficiency play in reducing environmental impacts?
Using less energy through efficiency measures helps lower demand, reduces emissions, and decreases the pressure on fossil fuel resources.
Why is global food consumption increasing?
Due to rising global population, higher incomes, and changing diets, especially in developing countries.
How does urbanization contribute to increased food consumption?
As more people move to cities, their demand for processed and convenience foods grows.
How does climate affect food supply?
Extreme weather events (droughts, floods) and changing temperatures can reduce crop yields and disrupt food production.
How do natural disasters affect food supply?
Events like floods, hurricanes, and wildfires can destroy crops, disrupt transport, and damage infrastructure, leading to food shortages.
What role does soil quality play in food supply?
Fertile, nutrient-rich soil is essential for high crop yields. Poor or degraded soil reduces food production.
How does water availability impact food production?
Adequate rainfall or access to irrigation is crucial for growing crops; water scarcity limits food production.
How does political stability affect food supply?
Political conflict, wars, or instability can disrupt food production, distribution, and trade, leading to shortages.
: How do economic policies impact food availability?
Policies like subsidies, trade tariffs, and import/export regulations can influence the affordability and availability of food.
What is food insecurity?
The lack of consistent access to enough nutritious food for an active, healthy life.
How does globalization affect food supply?
Global trade allows countries to access food from different regions but can also make them vulnerable to global price fluctuations and trade disruptions.
How does food insecurity impact economic development?
Lack of food can reduce productivity, leading to lower wages, less education, and slower economic growth.
How does food insecurity affect health?
It can lead to malnutrition, weakened immune systems, stunted growth in children, and increased susceptibility to diseases.
How does food insecurity contribute to migration?
People may migrate in search of food or better economic opportunities, leading to refugee crises and strain on resources in other areas.
Why does Nepal need micro-hydro plants?
Nepal is a landlocked, mountainous country with limited fossil fuel resources. Power cuts are frequent, and forests were being cut down for cooking, harming health and the environment.
What problems does Nepal face due to a lack of energy?
Nepal has power cuts and struggles to produce enough electricity for the population.
How do micro-hydro plants generate electricity?
Water from a river is diverted into a tank, where it falls through a pipeline to a turbine, which drives a generator to produce electricity.
Why are micro-hydro plants a good solution for rural Nepal?
They are small-scale, low-cost, environmentally friendly, and do not require a dam or reservoir.
What are the costs and benefits of building a micro-hydro plant?
Costs range from $1,000 to $20,000 depending on the location, and maintenance is cheap. They produce no pollution and are a renewable source of energy.
How have micro-hydro plants helped rural communities like Darbang?
Darbang has new industries, such as metal and furniture workshops, and a noodle factory. The 51KW micro-hydro plant supplies electricity to 700 households in 5 villages.
What economic benefits have micro-hydro plants brought to communities?
They create jobs, provide steady income, and improve education, leading to a better-skilled workforce (the multiplier effect).
What is a limitation of micro-hydro plants related to river flow?
If the river’s discharge decreases, electricity generation may be impossible, especially during dry seasons
What risk does micro-hydro power face during the summer?
Increased river flow during snowmelt can damage the plants, leading to expensive repairs and disruption to local life.
Why can’t the electricity generated by micro-hydro plants be stored?
The electricity must be used immediately as it cannot be stored for later use.
