challenge of resource management Flashcards
(21 cards)
what is a resource?
is any physical material that people need and value
natural materials become resources when humans value them
Discuss the environmental issues associated with the exploitation of energy sources in the UK.
burning fossil fuels release carbon dioxide, contributing to climate change and global warming
nuclear energy produces radioactive waste that must be safely stored for thousands of years
give two reasons for the increase in global water consumption
population growth
rapid urbanisation
location of Lesotho
it is a landlocked country in Southern Africa entirely surrounded by South Africa
what is the Lesotho highland water project
is a large scale water transfer scheme where water is diverted from highlands of Lesotho to South Africa’s free state and the greater Johannesburg area where demand for water is high
water surplus
this exists where water supply is greater than demand
advantages for Lesotho
the project generates significant revenue for Lesotho, boosting its economy-75% of its GDP helps and develop standards of living
the project has led to increased access to clean water in the capital Maseru and other areas
the dams generate hydroelectric power, providing Lesotho with an important
disadvantages of the scheme
communities have been displaced by the construction of reservoirs-construction of the first two displaced 3000 people and the construction of the Polihali Dam will displace 17 villages and reduce the agriculture land for 71 villages
there has been an impact on the local ecosystems, including the destruction of a unique wetland due to the regular control of flooding downstream of the dams
the water cost is significant and must be borne by the south African government and ultimately the consumers
40% of the water is lost due to leaks
why is the demand for water in the uk increasing?
population growth-a growing population means more water is being used domestically
new housing
industrial growth
how can poor water supply after social well being?
inadequate water quality and sanitation can lead to water borne diseases like cholera
girls in developing countries may spend significant time collecting water, hindering their access to education
how has changing demand of food affected the uk’s carbon footprint
the UK imports a significant portion of its food which adds to the carbon footprint due to the long distance transportation
transportation especially by air releases carbon dioxide contributing to climate change
consumers preference for certain types of food can have significant impact on the carbon footrpint
reasons for the link between GNI and water supply
higher GNI often correlates with increasing population
suggest how water supplies have been made more sustainable
reservoirs and dams:
name one area in the uk that experiences water deficit
South east of England
social impacts of water insecurity
water scarcity increases the risk of waterborne diseases such as cholera due to inadequate sanitation and unsafe drinking water
girls and women may spend more time collecting water, reducing their ability to attend school and pursue education
negatively impact agriculture leading to lower crop yields
economic impacts of water insecurity
farming depends heavily on water.When there isn’t enough water for irrigation:
crop yields fall-farmers produce less food
livestock may die or become unhealthy
this leads to lower incomes for farmers and higher food prices which can cause food shortages
advantages of the Hitosa Eithopia
has given 75,000 people in more than 40 villages access to safe water supply of 25 litres a day which is enough for drinking, cooking and cleaning
women who previously had to go and collect water they could spend hours doing paid work and children can attend more
also increased the amount of water available for irrigation
maintenance and running costs are low
disadvantages of Hitosa water transfer scheme
the initial set up costs are higher than projects that get water underground and the terrain means that laying pipelines can be difficult
the pipeline will need replacing after 30 years and there is worries that this will be to expensive to complete
the community were not taught the importance of hygiene and sanitation around tap stands so diseases were common
what is the hitosa water transfer scheme
it is a project that utilizes a gravity fed system where water flows naturally from a high elevation source to distribution points
large-scale water transfers in the uk
involves moving water from areas of water surplus to areas of water deficit
In the UK, water is often from the wetter north and west (e.g. Wales and Cumbria) to drier more population areas such as London
sustainable water strategies
water conservation:using less water in homes, agriculture and industry
for example installing low flow taps, toilets, and showers
fixing leaks in pipes
educating people on how to use water wisely
reduced demand and overuse of water supplies
groundwater management: protecting and controlling the use of groundwater water
prevents aquifers from running dry and collapsing
reusing grey water: reusing grey water (e.g from sinks or baths)
irrigation
toilet flushing
reduces the need for fresh water and cuts waste.
