The challenge of resource management Flashcards
UK focus on energy, water, food - 15 marks
Import
Goods brought into a place from other regions.
Export
goods and services that are produced in one country and sold to buyers in another.
Food miles
The distance food is transported from the producer to consumers.
Undernourishment
eating less than the energy required to maintain an active and healthy life.
Agribusiness
large-scale capital-intensive, commercial farming
application of business skills to agriculture
Organic farming
arable farmers producing crops without artificial chemicals releing on natural substances.
Water deficit
demand is greater than supply
Water surplus
excess water available to the system
Water stress
demand for water exceeds the available amount during a certain period.
Legislation
a law or a set of laws that have been passed by Parliament.
Finite
it cannot easily be replenished
Energy mix
the range of energy sources of a region or country, both renewable and non-renewable.
Fracking
a drilling method used to extract petroleum (oil) or natural gas from deep in the planet.
What are the global inequalities in water supply and consumption?
Due to uneven climate freshwater is also unevenly distributed across the world:
Africa and parts of the Middle East are prone to water shortages and drought
–> people have to spend huge amounts of time seeking water
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.
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.
Aeroponics
Growing plants in an air or mist environment without the use of soil.
Biotechnology
The manipulation (through genetic engineering) of living organisms to produce useful commercial products (such as pest resistant crops and new bacterial strains)
Famine
A widespread, serious, shortage of food. In extreme cases it can lead to starvation and deaths.
Food insecurity
Being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. More than 800 million people live every day with hunger or food insecurity.
Food security
When people at all times have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life.
Hydroponics
A method of growing plants using mineral nutrient solutions, in water, without soil.
Irrigation
Applying water to land in order to supply crops and other plants with necessary water.
Permaculture
A system of agricultural and social design principles based upon or directly using patterns and features observed in natural ecosystems.
Sustainable development
Development that meets the needs of the present without limiting the ability of future
generations to meet their own needs.
Sustainable food supply
Food that is produced in ways that avoid damaging natural resources, provide social benefits such as good quality food and safe and healthy products, and contribute to local economies.
The new green revolution
A combination of modern technology, traditional knowledge and an emphasis on farming, social and agroecological systems as well as yields, especially in poorer countries. At the same time, it emphasises alternative approaches and improved farm management and information systems in order to minimise environmental damage from external inputs and benefit poor farmers and marginal areas bypassed by the original green revolution.
Undernutrition
This occurs when people cannot access enough nutrients to cover their needs for energy and growth, or to maintain a healthy immune system.
Urban farming
The growing of fruits, herbs, and vegetables and raising animals in towns and cities, a process that is accompanied by many other activities such as processing and distributing food, collecting and reusing food waste.
What is the significance of food to the economic and social well-being?
economic
–> if people have food they can go to school and get good grades
–> get better education/qualification
–> get better jobs with higher income
social
–> more likely to seek social activities and have strong social links to clubs/organisations/friends
What is the significance of water to the economic and social well-being?
clean water
–> no sickness from water, better sanitation
–> healthy and can go to school
–> get degree
–> get a job
–> get money
What is the significance of energy to the economic and social well-being?
can run machines
–> have more time to do other activities
–> have hospitals/schools
–> ability to do work when it is dark
–> increases work quality
–> increase money made
–> increases government wealth = better country wealth
What is the changing demand and provision of food in the UK?
increased demand for out of season produce
overall food demand increased
increased demand for global foods
–> increases carbon footprint –> increased food miles –> food has to travel longer distances
What is the changing demand and provision of water in the UK?
demand for water is in the south east
water falls the most in north west
(remember triangular sketch of rainfall and where most people live)
What is the changing demand and provision of energy in the UK?
consumption did increase
–> increased population
–> more extreme weather
–> improved technology and income
–> improved global travel
What are the reasons for increasing food consumption?
economic development
rising population
How is economic development a reason for increasing food consumption?
increasing wealth –> greater calorific consumption as tastes become more affluent –> total demand for food increases over time
How is rising population a reason for increasing food consumption?
increased population –> more people require food –> total demand for food increases over time
What are the factors affecting food supply?
climate
technology
pests and disease
water stress
conflict
poverty
How does climate affect food supply?
- the right climate is essential for food growth
- temperature –> all crops have a minimum temperature
- rainfall –> few crops can grow when there is less than 250mm of rainfall per year
- droughts - mainly in LICs –> results in food shortages
How does technology affect food supply?
- easier and more productive combine harvesters
- irrigation systems
- road networks
How does pests and disease affect food supply?
- mice, rats, locusts, slugs can eat crops
- animals can be affected by diseases such as foot and mouth disease
- pesticides + insecticides for plants and insects or vets + medicine for animals are expensive –> LICs cannot use these techniques to control pests and disease
How does water stress affect food supply?
- if available amount is exceeded
–> cannot water crops
–> therefore cannot provide food for fast growing population - irrigation systems can be used in drier areas or periods to allow for the watering of crops
–> can lead to the doubling of crop yields
–> LICs may struggle to afford these systems
How does conflict affect food supply?
- farmers leaving to join the army
–> unattended land - forced to flee land
–> become refugees - taken and destroyed by soldiers
- deliberately pollute water supplies to affect population
- crops burnt or destroyed in battle
How does poverty affect food supply?
- do not have enough money for food
–> less productive and weaker at work
–> more susceptible to disease/illness - cannot afford seeds, fertilisers
What are the impacts of food insecurity?
famine
undernutrition
soil erosion
rising prices
social unrest
What are the social impacts of food insecurity?
River Nile
–> Ethiopia dam river
–> restricts flow to Egypt –> Sudan
–> cause war/conflict
Famine
Increased competition
–> scarce food resources
–> conflict - local and international
What are the economic impacts of food insecurity?
Rising prices
–> shortage of food can lead to an increase in prices
–> can be caused by global events
–> such as poor grain harvests in Russia, Australia in 2010
In LICs the shortage of food can cause basic food prices to rise such as rice + maize to rocket and become out of reach
–> lead to the suffering of diseases caused by poor diet
–> people cannot work
–> no money is being made/none can be spent/less taxes
What are the environmental impacts of food insecurity?
Fertilisers and pesticides used for cash crops can lead to water pollution
Overgrazing cattle and other animals leaves the soil exposed
–> the soil has no vegetation to hold it in place
–> leads to soil erosion
LICs best land is used to grow cash crops
–> export to HICs
–> less suitable land is left for growing food for the locals
–> this land lacks in nutrients
How does irrigation increase food supply?
- takes place when there is insufficient water or when water is not available during the growing season
- commonly involves the local abstraction of water from underground aquifers or nearby rivers
How do aeroponics and hydroponics increase food supply?
- use modern scientific techniques to grow crops without using soil
- closely controlled by scientists plants can be grown throughout the year in artificially lit and heated greenhouses
- grow quickly as nutrients are applied directly to the roots and diseases found in soils are eliminated
- however these methods are expensive and require expert knowledge
How does the new green evolution and use of biotechnology increase food supply?
- involves a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to farming
–> e.g. promoting nutrient recycling through crop rotation and mixed arable and livestock farming in less fertile areas
How does appropriate technology increase food supply?
- low-tech solution that makes use of local people and local cheap or recycled materials
- commonly used in LICs, often promoted by non-government organisations
- e.g. simple harvesting techniques, irrigation schemes or crop processing
How does organic farming help move towards a sustainable resource future?
- involves the production of food without the use of chemicals
- widespread across the world in both HICs and LICs/NEEs
- organic food production is in harmony with nature and reduces the harmful effects of chemicals
- however, tends to be more labour intensive and yields are usually lower than more intensive forms of farming –> more expensive for the consumer
How does permaculture help move towards a sustainable resource future?
- promotes farming that is in harmony with the natural environment
- advocates using natural systems rather than artificial chemicals
- promotes sustainable development, rainwater harvesting, composting, crop rotation, woodland management
- mainly in HICs
How does urban farming initiatives help move towards a sustainable resource future?
- often takes form of community initiatives involving conservation of waste or derelict land into productive farmland or vegetable gardens
- urban areas grow food on rooftops, in patio garden and in back gardens
- increase food security, healthier diets, improved natural environments and greater social cohesion
How does fish and meat from sustainable sources help move towards a sustainable resource future?
- sustainable fishing conserves fish stocks and avoids harmful over-fishing
- sustainable livestock rearing commonly involves pasture-fed, low-intensity system with the minimal use of chemicals or vaccinations –> free-range systems
How does seasonal food consumption help move towards a sustainable resource future?
- reduces food miles
- reduces carbon footprints
- supports local economies and provides jobs
How does reduced waste and losses help move towards a sustainable resource future?
- almost one third of all the food produced is wasted, particularly in HICs
- over 60% of food waste comprises fruit and vegetables
- ways to reduce food waste include
–> improving transport infrastructure
–> processing food to lengthen its shelf life
–> applying common sense to consuming food beyond its ‘best before’ date
How has farming changed in the UK?
more organic produce
increased agribusiness
–> farming on a large scale
–> increased due to increased demand
–> makes a lot of money
Describe the global supply and consumption of resources
LIC/NEE provide most of the resources
–> not paid much
HIC consume the products
–> buy and make other products from these resources
creates injustice and inequality
What problems are there in the UK water supplies?
sewage
oil
pesticides
hot water from factories –> disturbs water ecosystems
rubbish
What are the solutions to the problems in the UK water supplies?
green roofs –> traps water before it gets to the ground
pollution traps –> when new roads or motorways are built near rivers and watercourses these are placed nearby to ‘catch’ any pollution
education campaigns
legislation –> strict laws on factories and farms, limit the amount and type of discharge they put into rivers
water treatment
Example of a large scale agricultural development
Almeria, Spain
Advantages of large scale agricultural development: Almeria, Spain
- drip irrigation and hydroponic water recycling reduces water use in this dry environment
- warm temperatures reduce energy costs
jobs are created in the greenhouses and in packaging and transportation - new scientific food-related companies have been attracted to set up in this area, boosting the economy and creating jobs
- provides fresh fruit and vegetables throughout the year
Disadvantages of large scale agricultural development: Almeria, Spain
- immigrant labour is low paid and living conditions are poor
- social clashes between immigrants and local people
- vast areas of land have been covered by plastic, affecting habitats and ecosystems
- plastic waste is a major issue, some of which is dumped into the sea
- use of pesticides is affecting human health
- some natural water sources are under stress
Example of a local scheme in an LIC or NEE to increase sustainable food supplies
Jamalpur, Bangladesh
- many farmers ae subsistence farmers growing rice and wheat
- the charity Practical Action has been supporting local farmers introducing a new practice called rice-fish culture
–> small fish are introduced to the rice paddy fields
–> provide a source of protein
–> aerate the water and fertilises the soil
- rice yields have increased
- families diets have been improved
- increase farmers income
- does not involve any artificial chemicals or expensive equipment, does not harm natural environment
