Resources Management Flashcards
(28 cards)
Why is there an uneven consumption of resources globally? List some
Wealth
Climate
Access
Technology
Wealth How could it lead to an uneven consumption?
Richer countries (HICs) can afford to import more resources (e.g. oil, food, water).
Import from Uk if not imported enough food
Climate How could it lead to an uneven consumption?
Some countries have ideal climates for growing food (e.g. temperate zones with regular rainfall).
• Others experience droughts, floods, extreme heat, or poor soils, which make farming very difficult.
Why dose the uk import so much food
The UK’s climate isn’t suitable for growing certain foods all year round (e.g. bananas, oranges, grapes).
Food can often be grown more cheaply in LICs or NEEs due to
We travel and demand for certain type of food from abroad
Opportunity of Uk food provision positive
Producing more food in the UK means the country is less reliant on imports. (Example If the UK imports lots of tomatoes from Spain and there’s a drought in Spain, prices may rise or tomatoes might run out.
But if the UK grows more of its own tomatoes, it doesn’t depend on Spain, so it’s less at risk.)
Food security
Job creation and economy
• Expanding UK farming supports rural employment, food industries, and boosts the UK economy.
Opportunity of Uk food provision negative
Environmental damage
Large-scale farming can lead to soil erosion, loss of biodiversity, and overuse of fertilisers.
Use of machinery and greenhouses can increase carbon emissions.
Cost of sustainable methods
Organic and local food is often more expensive to produce and buy.
Not everyone can afford this, leading to inequality in access.
Loss of natural habitats
Expanding farmland can lead to deforestation or destruction of hedgerows and wildlife areas.
LOCAL SOURCING / ORGANIC PRODUCE LOCALLY SOURCED FOOD advantages of the uk buying it
Reduces food miles and carbon footprint
Locally sourced food doesn’t travel far (unlike imports flown or shipped in).
This means lower greenhouse gas emissions, helping to combat climate change
Supports the local economy
• Buying local helps UK farmers and small businesses, keeping money in rural communities.
• It also creates local jobs in farming, markets, and food distribution.
Overall good
Reduces food miles and carbon emissions
▶️ Good because it helps the UK lower its carbon footprint, fight climate change, and meet its net-zero targets.
LOCAL SOURCING / ORGANIC PRODUCE LOCALLY SOURCED FOOD disadvantage of the uk buying it
More expensive
– Local and organic food usually costs more due to higher labour and production costs.
- Limited variety
– The UK can’t grow tropical or exotic foods (e.g. bananas, avocados) and has seasonal limits.
Weather dependency
– Poor UK weather (e.g. heavy rain or drought) can damage crops and affect supply.
Overall lead to
More expensive ▶️ Bad because low-income families may struggle to afford healthy, fresh food. This increases food inequality and reliance on cheap, processed food, which can lead to poor health.
Causes of water pollution
How does water pollution affect the UK?
Polluted rivers and lakes harm fish, birds, insects, and plants.
• For example, fertilisers cause eutrophication, which lowers oxygen levels and kills aquatic life.
Polluted water can spread bacteria, viruses, or chemicals, leading to health problems if it enters drinking water or is used in farming.
This reduces biodiversity, which is important for a healthy environment.
Polluted water → harm to wildlife → loss of biodiversity
Polluted water → more expensive treatment → higher water bills
This can lead to public dissatisfaction, especially during cost-of-living crises.
What is meant by ‘energy mix’?
The energy mix is the combination of different energy sources a country uses to produce its electricity and meet its energy needs. This includes both:
• Renewable sources (like wind, solar, hydro, and biomass)
• Non-renewable sources (like coal, oil, natural gas, and nuclear)
Advantages of fracking
Supports economic growth
• Creates jobs in drilling, transport, and support industries, boosting local economies.
Can lower energy prices
• Increased supply of natural gas can help reduce gas prices for consumers and businesses.
Cleaner than coal
• Burning natural gas produces fewer carbon emissions than coal, so it can help reduce overall greenhouse gases in the short term.
Disadvantage of fracking
Environmental risks
• Fracking can cause water pollution if chemicals leak into groundwater.
• It may also cause earthquakes (small tremors) due to rock fracturing.
Uses lots of water
• Fracking requires huge amounts of water mixed with chemicals, which can strain local water supplies
Noise and disruption
• The drilling process is noisy and disruptive, affecting local communities and wildlife.
Why the UK will use both renewable and non-renewable energy in the future:
What is Biotechnology
Biotechnology in food production means using science and technology to modify crops or farming
What is Biotechnology? Example
Grow faster
Resist pests or drought
Be more nutritious (e.g. golden rice with added vitamin A)
Does biotechnology help tackle food insecurity?
biotechnology can help reduce food insecurity because it helps grow more food, improves quality, and reduces waste or crop loss.
It’s especially useful in LICs and drought-prone areas where traditional farming struggles.
Pros of Biotechnology
Higher crop yields
→ More food grown on the same land = more secure food supply.
2. Pest and disease resistance
→ Fewer crops lost, less money spent on pesticides.
3. Drought-resistant crops
→ Can grow in dry or changing climates, like Sub-Saharan Africa.
Cons of Biotechnology
Expensive for farmers
→ Poor farmers may not afford GM seeds or technologies.
2. Environmental concerns
→ GM crops could affect natural ecosystems or reduce biodiversity.
What is Irrigation?
Irrigation is the artificial watering of land to help crops grow,
Farmer use it for
Sprinklers
• Canals
• Drip systems
• Water pumps
irrigation helps tackle food insecurity by:
Increasing food production
Allowing farming in dry areas
Reducing reliance on rainfall
Pros of Irrigation
Increases crop yields – More food can be grown all year round
2. Supports farming in dry areas – Like parts of Africa or the Middle East
Cons of Irrigation
Expensive to install and maintain – Not all farmers can afford it
2. Overuse of water – Can lead to water shortages or conflicts
Environmental damage – Over-irrigation may lead to flooding or water pollution
Advantage in almeria large scale argricultural
Advantages:
1. High food production
• Almería grows large amounts of salad crops (e.g. tomatoes, lettuce, peppers) year-round, supplying much of Europe.
Economic benefits
• Generates over €1.5 billion per year and provides tens of thousands of jobs in farming and exporting.
Lower food prices
• Intensive farming methods and cheap labour help keep food prices low for consumers across Europe.
