Resources - Key terms Flashcards
Agribusiness
Application of business skills to agriculture.
Carbon footprint
A measurement of all the greenhouse gases we individually produce, through burning fossil fuels for electricity, transport etc, expressed as tonnes (or kg) of carbon-dioxide equivalent.
Energy mix
The range of energy sources of a region or country, both renewable and nonrenewable.
Food miles
The distance covered supplying food to consumers.
Fossil fuel
A natural fuel such as coal or gas, formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms.
Local food sourcing
A method of food production and distribution that is local, rather than national and/or international. Food is grown (or raised) and harvested close to consumers’ homes, then distributed over much shorter distances.
Organic produce
Food which is produced using environmentally and animal friendly farming methods on organic farms. Artificial fertilisers are banned and farmers develop fertile soil by rotating crops and using compost, manure and clover. It must be free of synthetic additives like pesticides and dyes.
Resource Management
The control and monitoring of resources so that they do not become depleted or exhausted.
‘Grey’ water
Wastewater from people’s homes that can be recycled and put to good use. Uses include water for laundry and toilet flushing. Treated greywater can also be used to irrigate both food and non-food producing plants. The nutrients in the greywater(such as phosphorus and nitrogen) provide an excellent food source for these plants.
Groundwater management
Regulation and control of water levels, pollution, ownership and use of groundwater.
Over-abstraction
When water is being used more quickly that it is being replaced.
Sustainable development
Development that meets the needs of the present without limiting the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Sustainable water supply
Meeting the present-day need for safe, reliable, and affordable water, which minimises adverse effects on the environment, whilst enabling future generations to meet their requirements.
Waterborne diseases
Diseases caused by microorganisms that are transmitted in contaminated water. Infection commonly results during bathing, washing, drinking, in the preparation of food, or the consumption of infected food. eg cholera, typhoid, botulism.
Water conflict
Disputes between different regions or countries about the distribution and use of freshwater. Conflicts arise from the gap between growing demands and diminishing supplies.
Water conservation
The preservation, control and development of water resources, both surface and groundwater, and prevention of pollution.
Water deficit
This exists where water demand is greater than supply.
Water insecurity
When water availability is not enough to ensure the population of an area enjoys good health, livelihood and earnings. This can be caused by water insufficiency or poor water quality.
Water quality
Quality can be measured in terms of the chemical, physical, and biological content of water. The most common standards used to assess water quality relate to health of ecosystems, safety of human contact and drinking water.
Water security
The reliable availability of an acceptable quantity and quality of water for health, livelihoods and production.
Water stress
Water stress occurs when the demand for water exceeds the available amount during a certain period or when poor quality restricts its use.
Water surplus
This exists where water supply is greater than demand.
Water transfer
Water transfer schemes attempt to make up for water shortages by constructing elaborate systems of canals, pipes, and dredging over long distances to transport water from one river basin to another.
Economic well-being
The measure of how much money people have to sustain their standard of living
Social well-being
The social condition of an individual or group.
Global inequality
Differences between poverty and wealth, people’s well-being and access to things such as jobs, housing and education
Resource supply
Availability of resources to an individual or area
Resource consumption
The rate at which resources are consumed/used
Physical water scarcity
When countries do not have enough water due to climatic reasons
Economic water scarcity
When countries have enough water but do not have the economic means to access it
What does it mean if a country is arid
It doesn’t get a lot of rain
Multiplier effect
Farm jobs provide money which is then spent in the town which spurs on their economy
