Earth science

• What happens when more people can afford food?

  Food prices tend to increase
• What are the consequences of environmental degradation for farmland?

  Deforestation and loss of soil fertility
• What strategies are undertaken for a secure food supply?

  • Intensive farming
  • Genetically modified (GM) crops
  • Agrochemicals (fertilisers and pesticides)
• What is intensive farming aimed at achieving?

  Maximising food yield from crops and livestock
• How does an intensive dairy farm increase milk yield?

  By breeding cows for high milk production
• What is a common practice in intensive chicken farming?

  Keeping many chickens in a small area
• What farming practice is used in intensive arable farming?

  Growing crops in monoculture
• How often might cows be milked in an intensive dairy farm?

  2 or 3 times a day
• What is the impact of using high levels of fertilisers and pesticides?

  Increases crop yield per hectare
• What are the characteristics of intensive farming?

  • High input of resources
  • Maximises yield per hectare
  • Often involves monoculture
  • Utilises advanced breeding techniques
• What is one benefit of intensive farming?

  It provides enough food for many people
• What is another benefit of intensive farming?

  It creates jobs for driving machinery
• Why might genetically modified (GM) crops be harmful to the environment?

  They are not natural and may have unknown consequences
• What does the term "genetically modified" refer to?

  Crops produced by altering their DNA
• How are GM crops produced?

  By taking DNA from one species and inserting it into another
• What is a potential benefit of GM crops?

  They can increase food production globally
• What characteristic can GM crops have that they wouldn't normally possess?

  Drought resistance
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of GM crops?

  Advantages:

  • Increased food production
  • Drought resistance

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Unknown environmental consequences
  • Potential harm to insects like bees
• What are food miles?

  The distance food travels from growth to consumption
• What is a carbon footprint?

  The amount of carbon released during production
• What does carbon neutral mean?

  Carbon used is balanced by carbon taken in
• What is carbon offsetting?

  Paying to compensate for emissions, like planting trees
• How does an increasing global population impact food supplies?

  Increased population leads to higher food demand
• According to the UN, how many people lacked enough food in 2012?

  Nearly a billion people
• What percentage more food will be required by 2030?

  40% more food will be required
• What is eutrophication?

  Nutrients added to water causing algae growth
• What are agrochemicals?

  Chemicals used in agriculture to increase yields
• What are the pros and cons of using agrochemicals in farming?

  Pros:

  • Increase crop yields
  • Control pests and weeds

  
  

  Cons:

  • Environmental damage
  • Pollution from runoff
• How do chemical fertilizers and insecticides improve production?

  They enhance soil nutrients and kill pests
• What is organic farming?

  A method of farming without artificial chemicals
• What is one advantage of organic farming for farmers?

  They can sell produce at a higher price
• What is intensive fishing?

  Producing fish on a large scale in captivity
• What is a consequence of intensive fishing?

  It can damage the surrounding environment
• What are some methods of sustainable fishing?

  Using quotas and avoiding bycatch
• What are the fish conservation approaches mentioned?

  • Marine conservation areas protect biodiversity
  • Zoning allows fishing in specific areas
  • Sustainable fishing maintains fish stocks
• What is the impact of food miles on sustainability?

  Lower food miles mean a more sustainable source
• What does carbon neutral mean in food production?

  Carbon produced is balanced by carbon absorbed
• What is carbon offsetting in relation to food?

  Paying to compensate for emissions like planting trees
• What is the purpose of planting trees in carbon offsetting?

  To remove CO2 emitted during food transport
• What is the first stage of water treatment?

  Raw water sedimentation