Resources and sustainability

Question 1

Resource

Answer 1

something that has value, can be used or is needed

Question 2

Renewable

Answer 2

can be used continuously, without depletion

Question 3

Non-renewable

Answer 3

will eventually run out

Question 4

The resource curse

Answer 4

A country has an abundance of natural resources, but is poorly developed

Question 5

Reasons for the resource curse

Answer 5

• Gov mismanagement of resources

- Corruption

Question 6

Causes of resource depletion

Answer 6

• Overconsumption
• Increasing population
• Mining for minerals
• Technological and industrial development

Question 7

Sustainable development

Answer 7

Development that meets the present needs without causing problems for future generations

Question 8

Soil

Answer 8

mixture of weathered rock, organic material, water and air

Question 9

Why is soil important

Answer 9

Life depends on it:

• Plants need it and animals in turn need plants
• Soil filters water

Question 10

How is soil formed

Answer 10

heating and cooling and biological action weathers rock over many years

Question 11

Factors affecting soil formation

Answer 11

• Parental material
• Relief
• Climate
• Time
• Action of microorganisms

Question 12

Properties of soil

Answer 12

• Texture
• Structure
• pH
• Colour

Question 13

Different structures of soil

Answer 13

• Granular
• Platy
• Columnar
• Blocky

Question 14

Causes of soil erosion

Answer 14

Wind erosion
Water erosion
Overgrazing
Ploughing against the contour

Question 15

Effect of soil erosion

Answer 15

• Less food production
• Pollution of rivers
• Contamination of drinking water
• Disruption to ecosystems

Question 16

How is electricity generated with coal?

Answer 16

• Coal extracted and made into a powder
• Coal burned to heat water
• Steam turns a turbine
• Turbine makes a generator which produces electrical current

Question 17

Advantages of coal generated power

Answer 17

• SA has abundant coal reserves

- Cost effective

Question 18

Disadvantages of coal generated power

Answer 18

• Greenhouse gases released

- Expensive to build power station

Question 19

Advantages of nuclear power

Answer 19

• Releases many more times electricity than wind or water power can
• No greenhouse gas released

Question 20

Disadvantages of nuclear power

Answer 20

• Very expensive
• Waste contains unstable elements
• Prone to natural disaster damage

Question 21

Alternative energy forms

Answer 21

Solar
Wind
Hydro-electric
Wave
Geothermal

Question 22

Carbon footprint

Answer 22

measure of the greenhouse gases we produce

Question 23

Primary footprint

Answer 23

Direct emissions of CO2 from burning fossil fuels

Question 24

Secondary footprint

Answer 24

indirect CO2 emissions from the lifecycle of our products

Question 25

Living sustainably

Answer 25

Living a lifestyle which reduces your use of the earth’s natural resources

Question 26

Green economy

Answer 26

one that results in improved human wellbeing and social equity while significantly reducing environmental risks

Question 27

In a green economy growth of economy is motivated by

Answer 27

• Strategies that prevent loss of biodiversity

- Strategies that improve resource efficiency

Question 28

ecosystem services

Answer 28

natural services, such as water provision, provided by the environment

Question 29

Why are developing countries not necessarily green?

Answer 29

Immediate social needs seen as more important that sustainability