Resources - Key terms

Question 1

Agribusiness

Answer 1

Application of business skills to agriculture.

Question 2

Carbon footprint

Answer 2

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.

Question 3

Energy mix

Answer 3

The range of energy sources of a region or country, both renewable and nonrenewable.

Question 4

Food miles

Answer 4

The distance covered supplying food to consumers.

Question 5

Fossil fuel

Answer 5

A natural fuel such as coal or gas, formed in the geological past from the remains of living organisms.

Question 6

Local food sourcing

Answer 6

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.

Question 7

Organic produce

Answer 7

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.

Question 8

Resource Management

Answer 8

The control and monitoring of resources so that they do not become depleted or exhausted.

Question 9

‘Grey’ water

Answer 9

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.

Question 10

Groundwater management

Answer 10

Regulation and control of water levels, pollution, ownership and use of groundwater.

Question 11

Over-abstraction

Answer 11

When water is being used more quickly that it is being replaced.

Question 12

Sustainable development

Answer 12

Development that meets the needs of the present without limiting the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Question 13

Sustainable water supply

Answer 13

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.

Question 14

Waterborne diseases

Answer 14

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.

Question 15

Water conflict

Answer 15

Disputes between different regions or countries about the distribution and use of freshwater. Conflicts arise from the gap between growing demands and diminishing supplies.

Question 16

Water conservation

Answer 16

The preservation, control and development of water resources, both surface and groundwater, and prevention of pollution.

Question 17

Water deficit

Answer 17

This exists where water demand is greater than supply.

Question 18

Water insecurity

Answer 18

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.

Question 19

Water quality

Answer 19

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.

Question 20

Water security

Answer 20

The reliable availability of an acceptable quantity and quality of water for health, livelihoods and production.

Question 21

Water stress

Answer 21

Water stress occurs when the demand for water exceeds the available amount during a certain period or when poor quality restricts its use.

Question 22

Water surplus

Answer 22

This exists where water supply is greater than demand.

Question 23

Water transfer

Answer 23

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.

Question 24

Economic well-being

Answer 24

The measure of how much money people have to sustain their standard of living

Question 25

Social well-being

Answer 25

The social condition of an individual or group.

Question 26

Global inequality

Answer 26

Differences between poverty and wealth, people’s well-being and access to things such as jobs, housing and education

Question 27

Resource supply

Answer 27

Availability of resources to an individual or area

Question 28

Resource consumption

Answer 28

The rate at which resources are consumed/used

Question 29

Physical water scarcity

Answer 29

When countries do not have enough water due to climatic reasons

Question 30

Economic water scarcity

Answer 30

When countries have enough water but do not have the economic means to access it

Question 31

What does it mean if a country is arid

Answer 31

It doesn’t get a lot of rain

Question 32

Multiplier effect

Answer 32

Farm jobs provide money which is then spent in the town which spurs on their economy