Superpowers Lesson 9: Middle Class Demands Flashcards
Define ‘tragedy of commons’
Economic theory by which people act independently to pursue their own self interest, which is contrary to the common good of all users
Define middle class
Describes people with a discretionary income. The global middle class can be defined as people with an annual income of over $10 000
What are rare earths?
A group of metals which have similar chemical properties, and are widely distributed, but scarce, often in the presence of radioactive thorium and uranium
How much can rare earths be worth a year?
US$4 billion
What is the collective worth of rare earths?
US$5 trillion
Examples of rare earths
Neodymium and lanthanum
What is used in the extraction of rare earths?
Water, acid and electricity to separate ores from the toxins
How many tonnes of toxic waste is produced for 1 tonne of a rare earth?
2000 tonnes
What are some unintended consequences of an increase in staple grains?
Soil degradation and chemical runoff leading to eutrophication
Which region of the world has felt the effects of increase staple grains the most?
India and Sub-Saharan Africa
What % has food consumption of staple grain increased by in Sub-Saharan Africa?
50%
How has the EU and USA contributed to the problem over the increasing demand for staple grains?
Due to immigration and the increasing spread of awareness of the value of healthier fibre-based diet
Why is India concerned with increasing solar powered water pumps?
Groundwater in some states is being used 3x faster than it can be replenished
What process will exacerbate the overuse of water?
Melting of glaciers as more becomes available, more will be used
Where in the developed world is there a large over drought?
California, USA
