Resources and sustainability Flashcards
Resource
something that has value, can be used or is needed
Renewable
can be used continuously, without depletion
Non-renewable
will eventually run out
The resource curse
A country has an abundance of natural resources, but is poorly developed
Reasons for the resource curse
- Gov mismanagement of resources
- Corruption
Causes of resource depletion
- Overconsumption
- Increasing population
- Mining for minerals
- Technological and industrial development
Sustainable development
Development that meets the present needs without causing problems for future generations
Soil
mixture of weathered rock, organic material, water and air
Why is soil important
Life depends on it:
- Plants need it and animals in turn need plants
- Soil filters water
How is soil formed
heating and cooling and biological action weathers rock over many years
Factors affecting soil formation
- Parental material
- Relief
- Climate
- Time
- Action of microorganisms
Properties of soil
- Texture
- Structure
- pH
- Colour
Different structures of soil
- Granular
- Platy
- Columnar
- Blocky
Causes of soil erosion
Wind erosion
Water erosion
Overgrazing
Ploughing against the contour
Effect of soil erosion
- Less food production
- Pollution of rivers
- Contamination of drinking water
- Disruption to ecosystems
How is electricity generated with coal?
- Coal extracted and made into a powder
- Coal burned to heat water
- Steam turns a turbine
- Turbine makes a generator which produces electrical current
Advantages of coal generated power
- SA has abundant coal reserves
- Cost effective
Disadvantages of coal generated power
- Greenhouse gases released
- Expensive to build power station
Advantages of nuclear power
- Releases many more times electricity than wind or water power can
- No greenhouse gas released
Disadvantages of nuclear power
- Very expensive
- Waste contains unstable elements
- Prone to natural disaster damage
Alternative energy forms
Solar Wind Hydro-electric Wave Geothermal
Carbon footprint
measure of the greenhouse gases we produce
Primary footprint
Direct emissions of CO2 from burning fossil fuels
Secondary footprint
indirect CO2 emissions from the lifecycle of our products
Living sustainably
Living a lifestyle which reduces your use of the earth’s natural resources
Green economy
one that results in improved human wellbeing and social equity while significantly reducing environmental risks
In a green economy growth of economy is motivated by
- Strategies that prevent loss of biodiversity
- Strategies that improve resource efficiency
ecosystem services
natural services, such as water provision, provided by the environment
Why are developing countries not necessarily green?
Immediate social needs seen as more important that sustainability
