The Challenge Of Resource Management Flashcards
(129 cards)
1
Q
What are the basic resources needed for human development?
A
Food, water, and energy are essential for basic human development.
2
Q
How does access to food, water, and energy affect people?
A
Access to these resources affects the economic and social well-being of people and countries.
3
Q
What is malnourishment?
A
Malnourishment occurs when people cannot access enough safe, nutritious food, leading to a lack of essential nutrients.
4
Q
What are the consequences of malnourishment in children?
A
Malnourishment can limit children’s development and increase the likelihood of illness.
5
Q
What is the impact of water quality on health?
A
Clean, safe water is necessary for drinking, cooking, and washing; poor sanitation can lead to water pollution and diseases.
6
Q
What are common water-borne diseases?
A
Cholera and typhoid are examples of water-borne diseases that kill many people each year.
7
Q
Why do countries need energy?
A
Countries require energy for industry, transportation, and residential use.
8
Q
How does electricity contribute to development?
A
Electricity enables industrial development, creating jobs and wealth.
9
Q
What is the energy consumption situation in higher income countries (HICs)?
A
HICs have a large, stable supply of energy and consume more resources due to their higher standard of living.
10
Q
What challenges do lower income countries (LICs) face regarding energy?
A
LICs may rely on alternative resources like wood or kerosene, which can lead to environmental issues and health risks.
11
Q
How does the global distribution of resources vary?
A
The global distribution of resources is uneven, with some countries lacking energy reserves or suitable environments for food production.
12
Q
What do countries without sufficient resources need to do?
A
They must import resources or find technological solutions, such as building desalination plants.
13
Q
How does wealth affect resource consumption?
A
Resource consumption is greater in wealthier countries (HICs) due to their ability to afford and access resources.
14
Q
What is the consumption trend in newly emerging economies (NEEs)?
A
Consumption is rapidly increasing in NEEs like China due to industrial development and rising population and wealth.
15
Q
Why is resource consumption lower in lower income countries (LICs)?
A
LICs consume less because they cannot afford to exploit or import the resources they lack.
16
Q
How has food production in the UK changed?
A
Food production in the UK is changing with a greater demand for a wider range of products.
17
Q
What types of food were commonly sold in the UK before the 1960s?
A
Before the 1960s, most fruits and vegetables sold in the UK were locally produced and seasonal.
18
Q
What has led to the popularity of high-value foods in the UK?
A
Increased incomes have led to the popularity of exotic vegetables and coffee.
19
Q
Where are many high-value foods grown?
A
Many high-value foods are grown in countries like Ethiopia and then exported to high-income countries like the UK.
20
Q
What are seasonal products?
A
Seasonal products are only available during the months they grow, and imports are used to meet year-round demand.
21
Q
What is organic produce?
A
Organic produce is food grown without artificial fertilizers, and its demand is growing due to health and environmental concerns.
22
Q
What is the carbon footprint of food?
A
The carbon footprint is the amount of greenhouse gas produced during the growing, processing, and transporting of food.
23
Q
What percentage of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions came from agriculture in 2017?
A
Up to 10% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions in 2017 came directly from agriculture.
24
Q
What are food miles?
A
Food miles refer to the distance food is transported from where it is grown to where it is sold.
25
What is agribusiness?
Agribusiness is large-scale industrial farming where all processes are controlled by large firms.
26
How has the size of farms in the UK changed since the 1960s?
Firm sizes have increased as many small farms have been taken over and field sizes enlarged.
27
What has been the trend in chemical use in food production?
The amount of chemicals used in food production has been increasing, including artificial fertilizers and pesticides.
28
What was the percentage of the UK's total employment in agriculture in 2017?
The number of workers employed in agriculture fell to just over 1.1% of the UK's total employment in 2017.
29
Where in the UK is there a water surplus?
The north and west of the UK have high rainfall and are areas of water surplus.
30
Where in the UK is there a water deficit?
The south east and the Midlands have high population densities, leading to a water deficit.
31
What is the predicted population increase in the UK by 2040?
The UK population is predicted to increase by over 6 million people by 2040.
32
How much has household water usage increased since 1975?
Household water usage in the UK has increased by about 70% since 1975.
33
What are the main sources of water pollution in the UK?
Nitrates and phosphates from fertilizers, pollutants from vehicles, and chemical spills from factories.
34
What percentage of groundwater used for public supply in the UK is affected by pollution?
Nearly 50% of groundwater used for public supply in the UK is affected by pollution.
35
What strategies can be used to manage water quality?
Improving drainage systems and imposing regulations on fertilizers and pesticides.
36
What is one solution to the water supply and demand problem?
Transferring water from areas of surplus to areas of deficit.
37
What is an example of a water transfer project in the UK?
The Birmingham Resilience Project, which supplies water from Wales to Birmingham.
38
What are some issues caused by water transfers?
High costs of construction, disruption to wildlife, and potential political issues.
39
What are the main sources of energy in the UK?
Most of our energy comes from coal, oil, and gas, but some comes from renewable energy sources.
40
How has the UK's energy mix changed over time?
Traditionally, the UK relied on fossil fuels. In 1970, a significant portion of energy came from coal and oil.
41
What was the impact of discovering gas reserves in the North Sea?
By 1980, 22% of the UK's energy was supplied by gas due to large reserves discovered under the North Sea.
42
What is the trend in the UK's energy production?
There has been a shift away from fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources.
43
What is the future of coal-fired power stations in the UK?
All coal-fired power stations in the UK are due to close by 2025.
44
What percentage of electricity in the UK was generated from renewable sources in 2014?
In 2014, 19% of all electricity in the UK was generated from renewable sources.
45
What are the biggest sources of renewable energy in the UK?
Wind and bioenergy are the biggest sources of renewable energy, with increased use of solar and hydroelectric power.
46
What is happening to the UK's supplies of coal, oil, and gas?
North Sea oil and gas reserves are being swiftly used up, and production has been declining since 2000.
47
What is the current status of coal production in the UK?
Coal production has significantly decreased since the mid-20th century due to reduced demand and increasing mining costs.
48
What happened to the last deep coal mine in the UK?
The last deep coal mine in the UK closed in December 2015.
49
What is fracking and how is it related to the UK's energy resources?
Fracking is a process being considered for extracting shale gas to add to energy resources.
50
What are some economic issues related to fossil fuel extraction?
Extracting fossil fuels can be expensive, and costs increase as reserves are depleted.
51
What happens if the price of oil drops on the world market?
If the price drops, it may cost more to produce North Sea oil than it can be sold for.
52
What are the costs associated with nuclear and renewable energy sources?
The cost to consumers of electricity from these sources is relatively high.
53
What is needed for research into alternative energy sources?
Money is needed for research and investment, such as the new nuclear power station at Hinkley Point costing around £20.3 billion.
54
Why does the UK import energy from other countries?
Domestic sources currently don't provide enough energy to meet demand.
55
What are some environmental issues caused by fossil fuel burning?
Burning fossil fuels releases CO2 and other greenhouse gases.
56
What are the concerns related to fracking?
Fracking may pollute groundwater and cause mini-earthquakes; it was halted in the UK in 2019 due to these concerns.
57
What are the potential accidents associated with energy production?
Accidents like oil spills or nuclear disasters can leak toxic chemicals into water, soil, and the atmosphere.
58
How can renewable energy projects impact natural ecosystems?
Renewable energy generators like large wind farms can damage natural ecosystems.
59
What is a common perception of power stations and wind farms?
They are often considered to be eyesores.
60
What is the global food supply like?
The global food supply is uneven, with North America and East Asia producing a lot of food, while Central America and Africa produce small amounts of food.
61
What factors influence food production?
The factors that influence how much food can be produced are explained on the next page.
62
How does daily calorie intake vary globally?
Daily calorie intake varies across the world, with high-income countries (HICs) consuming more food compared to low-income countries (LICs) and newly emerging economies (NEFs).
63
What is food security?
Food security is when people are able to eat enough nutritious food to stay healthy and active. Countries that produce a lot of food or are rich enough to import what they need have food security.
64
What is food insecurity?
Food insecurity is when people can't get enough food to stay healthy and active. Countries that do not grow enough to feed their population and can't afford to import the food they need have food insecurity.
65
What are the reasons for increasing global food consumption?
Global food consumption is increasing due to rising population and economic development.
66
How does rising population affect food demand?
The global population is increasing and is expected to reach 9 billion by 2040, leading to more people requiring more food.
67
What does economic development mean in the context of food consumption?
Economic development means that countries are getting wealthier, allowing people to spend more on food and buy a greater variety.
68
How does industrialization of agriculture impact food prices?
Industrialization of agriculture allows some countries to produce more food at lower costs, making food cheaper and more affordable for people.
69
What is food insecurity?
Food insecurity is a complex issue affected by various physical and human factors.
70
What are the physical factors affecting food supply?
1) Climate: Unsuitable climates hinder food growth. 2) Water stress: Low rainfall affects irrigation. 3) Pests and diseases: Pests consume crops and diseases threaten yields.
71
How does poverty contribute to food insecurity?
People living in poverty often lack land to grow food and may not afford fertilizers or pesticides.
72
What role does technology play in food production?
Mechanization and new technologies increase farming efficiency and crop yields.
73
How does conflict impact food security?
Conflict can damage agricultural land, disrupt trade routes, and make food access difficult for displaced people.
74
What are the negative impacts of food insecurity?
1) Famine: Serious lack of food leading to starvation. 2) Undernutrition: Insufficient nutrients causing health issues. 3) Soil erosion: Poor practices lead to soil degradation. 4) Rising prices: Increased demand leads to higher food costs. 5) Social unrest: Food shortages can cause riots and civil unrest.
75
What is famine?
Famine is a serious lack of food across a large area, leading to starvation and death.
## Footnote
Between 2010 and 2012, nearly 260,000 people died in Somalia due to famine caused by drought.
76
What is undernutrition?
Undernutrition occurs when individuals do not get enough nutrients for health, leading to development problems like stunted growth.
## Footnote
In sub-Saharan Africa, stunted growth affects around 40% of children under 5.
77
What is soil erosion?
Soil erosion occurs when poor agricultural practices reduce plant cover, exposing soil to wind and rain.
78
How do rising prices affect food insecurity?
Rising food prices worsen food insecurity, especially in low-income countries (LICs).
79
What is the relationship between food shortages and social unrest?
Food shortages and rising prices can lead to riots and contribute to civil wars.
## Footnote
Between 2016 and 2019, food shortages in Venezuela led to protests and riots.
80
What is the need for increasing food production?
Global demand for food is increasing, necessitating new ways to increase food supplies.
81
What is irrigation?
Irrigation involves artificially watering the land to enhance productivity and increase crop yields.
82
What are the three main types of irrigation?
1) Gravity flow: using ditches and channels to transport water. 2) Sprinklers: spraying water across fields. 3) Drip systems: dripping water directly onto the soil around plant roots.
83
What are hydroponics?
Hydroponics is a method of growing plants in a nutrient solution without soil.
84
What are aeroponics?
Aeroponics is a method where plants are suspended in air and nutrients are sprayed onto their roots.
85
What are the benefits of hydroponics and aeroponics?
They require less water, reduce disease and pest risks, and allow for close monitoring of nutrients.
86
What are the limitations of hydroponics and aeroponics?
These methods are expensive and currently used mainly for high-value crops like tomatoes and lettuce.
87
What does biotechnology involve?
Biotechnology involves genetically engineering crops to improve production and resource efficiency.
88
What are the advantages of genetically modified (GM) crops?
GM crops can have higher yields, resistance to drought and pests, and improved nutritional values.
89
What are some ethical and environmental concerns regarding GM crops?
GM crops may reduce biodiversity and disrupt ecosystems through interbreeding with wild plants.
90
What is the New Green Revolution?
The New Green Revolution aims to increase yields using sustainable methods, including GM crops and organic farming.
91
What are some sustainable methods included in the New Green Revolution?
Methods include using GM crops with pest resistance and traditional farming techniques like crop rotation.
92
What is appropriate technology in food production?
Appropriate technology involves choosing ways of increasing food production that are suited to local environments and the needs, skills, knowledge, and wealth of the people in those areas.
93
What is a suitable irrigation method for LICs?
Individual wells with easy to maintain, mechanical pumps are more suitable than larger, diesel-powered pumps.
94
What is a more appropriate irrigation system than high-tech sprinklers?
A drip irrigation system constructed from local materials is more appropriate than an imported, high-tech sprinkler system.
95
What type of crops may be more appropriate for local conditions?
Planting a variety of local species that can cope with local environmental conditions may be more appropriate than planting a single GM variety.
96
What is the climate like in Burkina Faso?
The climate in Burkina Faso is hot and generally dry, with a short rainy season.
97
What percentage of the population in Burkina Faso relies on agriculture?
Around 30% of the population rely on agriculture for employment.
98
What is the Bagrè Dam and Irrigation System?
The Bagrè Dam was built in 1993 on the White Volta River and can store up to 1.7 billion m³ of water.
99
What was the expected outcome of the irrigation scheme in Burkina Faso?
The government expected the scheme to increase agricultural productivity and reduce food insecurity.
100
What area did gravity-based irrigation provide water to by 2017?
Gravity-based irrigation provided a reliable year-round water supply to over 1300 hectares of land.
101
How much rice was produced from paddy fields in 2012?
Over 12,500 tonnes of rice were produced from 1800 hectares of paddy fields in 2012.
102
What percentage of Burkina Faso's electricity is supplied by the dam?
The dam now supplies 10% of Burkina Faso's electricity.
103
What was the target irrigated area for the project by 2009?
The project aimed to irrigate around 30,000 hectares, but by 2009 the irrigated area was only around 10% of this.
104
What issue has affected the maintenance of irrigation canals?
The irrigation canals have not been well-maintained, leading to water loss and decreased productivity.
105
What economic challenge do farmers face regarding water charges?
Expensive water charges make it difficult for farmers to make a living, with only 22% living above the poverty threshold.
106
What social impact did the construction of the irrigation system have?
Many people were displaced during the construction of the irrigation system, and some were not compensated for the loss of their land.
107
What environmental issue can arise from managing water levels in the dam?
The dam is sometimes opened to manage water levels, which can lead to severe flooding in neighboring Ghana.
108
What was the impact of flooding in Ghana in 2018?
In 2018, over 11,000 hectares of land were flooded and 15 people were killed.
109
What is the main goal of sustainable food supply?
To ensure that food supplies are sufficient for a rising population while protecting the environment for future generations.
110
What is industrial agriculture?
Intensive, large-scale food production that has become widespread since the 1940s, particularly in the USA.
111
What are the negative impacts of industrial agriculture?
It uses 70% of the world's fresh water supply, relies on chemical pesticides and artificial fertilizers, and can decrease soil productivity.
112
What is organic farming?
A method that uses natural processes to return nutrients to the soil, employing crop rotation and natural fertilizers.
113
What restrictions are placed on organic farming?
Artificial herbicides and pesticides are restricted, and animals are not given extra supplements or vaccinations.
114
How does organic farming promote local economies?
Organic farmers are encouraged to sell their produce close to where it is produced, reducing transportation needs.
115
What is permaculture?
A method of food production that recreates natural ecosystems to protect soil, insects, and wildlife.
116
What are some methods used in permaculture?
Mixed cropping and introducing natural predators to reduce the need for pesticides.
117
What are urban farming initiatives?
Efforts to use empty land, rooftops, and balconies in towns to grow food and raise animals.
118
What are the benefits of urban farming?
It makes food locally available, often fresher and more nutritious, and adds greenery to cities.
119
What is a key aspect of making food supplies more sustainable?
Changing how we consume food can have an effect.
120
What is sustainable fishing?
Sustainable fishing includes catch quotas that limit the amount of fish taken and fishing methods that are less harmful to the environment.
121
How can meat production be made more sustainable?
By feeding animals on locally sourced food and ensuring that all edible parts of the animal are eaten.
122
What is one method to reduce methane emissions in cattle?
Adding a small amount of seaweed to normal cattle feed.
123
What is the issue with importing food?
Importing food is not sustainable as it adds food miles and increases the food's carbon footprint.
124
What does eating seasonally mean?
Eating only the foods that grow locally at that time of year, reducing the amount of food that is imported.
125
What percentage of food produced globally is lost or wasted?
One third of food that is produced is lost or wasted.
126
What are some initiatives to reduce food waste?
'Think.Eat.Save' and 'Love Food Hate Waste' encourage individuals, businesses, and governments to waste less food.
127
What agroforestry techniques are used in Mali?
Farmers plant staple crops like maize among trees and nitrogen-fixing plants.
128
How do trees benefit the soil in Mali's agroforestry system?
They provide shade, prevent soil erosion, and increase the nutrient and water content of the soil.
129
What is the outcome of using agroforestry in Mali?
It increases maize yield while protecting the soil, making the system sustainable.
