Sustainability

Question 1

what is sustainable development?

Answer 1

• economic development that meets the needs of people today, without limiting the ability of future generations to meet their needs

Question 2

what is a sustainable resource?

Answer 2

• a renewable resource which is being economically exploited in such a way that it will not run out

Question 3

what are the aims of sustainability?

Answer 3

• preserve the environment
• ensure resources are available for future generations
• enable less economically developed countries to develop, through exploiting their natural resources
  -create a more even balance in the consumption of these resources between MEDCs and LEDCs

Question 4

what are examples of sustainability?

Answer 4

• forestry and fisheries

Question 5

what is coppicing?

Answer 5

• cutting a tree trunk close to the ground to encourage new growth
• technique used for small scale timber production

Question 6

managed woods are often coppiced in rotation –
what effect would this have on biodiversity?

Answer 6

• it maintains the biodiversity as trees never grow enough to block out the light, so succession cannot occur

Question 7

what is pollarding?

Answer 7

• alternative technique for small-scale timber production
• tree trunk is cut higher up to ensure deer and other animals cannot eat the new shoots

Question 8

benefits of coppicing:

Answer 8

• provides timber for a range of purposes (fuel, basketry materials, fencing,
  hurdles, building materials, broom and tool handles)
• new stems grow more rapidly than saplings
• lifespan of tree extended
• rotational coppicing provides a variety of habitats and light levels
• fewer large trees means more light for smaller plants
• roots remaining in the soil prevent soil erosion maintains soil quality
• management of the area prevents succession
• large machinery not needed

Question 9

how is large scale timer production managed?

Answer 9

• felling large areas of forest

Question 10

what do large scale management of timber
production companies try to do?

Answer 10

• Replant trees rather than waiting for
  regrowth.
• Selectively cut the largest trees leaving the
  smaller to grow.
• Plant trees further apart to ensure more
  wood per tree.
  -Manage pests ant pathogens
  Leave forests for indigenous people

Question 11

what is the disadvantage of large scale timber production?

Answer 11

• habitat destruction
• soil and minerals are reduced
• soil can undergo erosion