'Resource Management' Key Words Flashcards
Agribusiness
Intensive farming aimed at maximising the amount of food produced.
Carbon footprint
Measurement of the greenhouse gasses individuals produce, through burning fossil fuels.
Development
The progress of a country in terms of economic growth, the use of technology and human welfare.
Energy conservation
Reducing energy consumption by using less energy and existing sources more efficiently
Energy mix
The range of energy sources of a region or country, both renewable and non-renewable
Energy security
Uninterrupted availability of energy sources at an affordable price
Food miles
The distance covered supplying food to consumers
Fossil fuels
A natural fuel such as coal or gas, formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms
Fracking
The process of extracting gas from gas shale where fluids at high pressure are injected to fracture the shale rock, allowing the gas to escape.
Grey water
Recycled domestic waste water
Import
Goods and services bought by residents of a country from another country.
Local food sourcing
Food production and distribution that is local
Organic produce
Food produced without the use of chemicals such as fertilisers and pesticides
Renewable energy
A resource that cannot be exhausted e.g. wind, solar and tidal energy
Resources
A stock or supply of something that has value or a purpose
Resource management
Control and monitoring of resources so that they do not become exhausted
Undernourishment
A food intake below that needed to sustain a healthy life
Undernutrition
When people do not eat enough nutrients to cover their needs for energy and growth, or to maintain a healthy immune system
Water deficit
When demand for water is greater than supply
Water quality
Measured in terms of the chemical, physical and biological content of the water.
Water stress
When the demand for water exceeds supply in a certain period, or when poor quality restricts its use.
Water surplus
When the supply of water is greater than demand for water
Water transfer
Matching supply with demand by moving water from an area with water surplus to another area with water deficit.
Aquifer
Underground water source
Bund
A small dam which diverts water away from a stream to irrigate fields, usually made of stones and lined with leaves to make it waterproof.
Dam and reservoir
A barrier built across a valley to interrupt river flow and create a man-made lake to store water and control river discharge.
Desalination
The process of removing salt from seawater to produce fresh water.
Drought
A long, continued period of dry weather.
Evaporation
The process of water changing from liquid to vapour.
Groundwater
Freshwater source that is found beneath the Earth’s surface.
Groundwater management
Regulation and control of water levels, pollution, ownership and use of groundwater.
Infrastructure
The basic equipment and structures (such as roads, utilities, water supply and sewage) that are needed for a country or region to function properly.
Irrigation
Artificial application of water to the land or soil
Johad
Small earth dam for catching rainwater as a drinking water source, found in the Thar Desert, Pakistan.
Over abstraction
When groundwater is used more quickly than it is being replaced.
Pats
Irrigation channels that transfer water to the fields.
Permeable rocks
Rocks that allow water to pass through them.
Pollution
Chemicals, noise, dirt or other substances which have harmful or poisonous effects on an environment.
Taanka
Underground storage systems about 3m in diameter and 3-4m deep which collect surface water from roofs.
Water conflict
Disputes between different regions or countries over the distribution and use of water.
Water conservation
The preservation, control and development of water resources, both surface and groundwater, and prevention of pollution.
Water insecurity
When water availability is insufficient to ensure the good health and livelihood of a population, due to short supply or poor quality.
Water pollution
The contamination of water by substances that are harmful or poisonous to the environment, and make water supplies unsuitable for drinking.
Water quality
Measured in terms of the chemical, physical and biological content of the water.
Water recycling
Process of extracting and reusing useful substances found in waste
Waterborne diseases
Diseases like cholera and typhoid caused by microorganisms in contaminated water.
