resource management

• Demand for high-value foods:

  As people's incomes have increased, exotic fruits, vegetables, spices and coffee have become more popular. These foods are often grown in LICs, e.g. Ethiopia, and then exported to HICs, e.g. the UK.
• Demand for seasonal products:

  Seasonal food is only available during the months that it grows. Fruit and vegetables are imported to meet the demand for seasonal produce all year round - e.g. strawberries from Mexico.
• Demand for organic produce:

  People are becoming more concerned about the environmental impacts of food production, and how chemicals can affect their health. As organic food production is strictly regulated (e.g. no artificial fertilisers are used), demand is growing. Some organic food is produced in the UK, but lots is imported.
• What contributes to a food's carbon footprint?

  • The growing, processing, and packaging of food produces CO2 and other greenhouse gases.
  • In 2017, up to 10% of the UK's total greenhouse gas emissions came directly from agriculture.
• What are food miles?

  The distance food is transported from where it is grown to where it is sold. More food miles mean more CO2 is produced because transporting food to where it is grown to where it is sold produces CO2.
• What is a carbon footprint?

  The total amount of greenhouse gas produced whilst growing, packing and transporting food. A larger carbon footprint means more greenhouse gases and more global warming.
• Why do imported foods have a high carbon footprint?

  They have to be transported long distances which increases food miles and therefore CO2 emissions.
• What is the impact of food miles on consumer choices?

  People are becoming more aware of the environmental issues caused by transporting food over long distances. This is leading people to look for local sources of food, e.g:

  • Farmers' markets
  • Farm shops
  • Locally produced vegetable boxes
• How does lack of access to safe, nutritious food affect people?

  When people can't access enough safe, nutritious food, they can't eat the right balance of nutrients. This can cause malnourishment, including undernourishment - where people don't get enough food of any kind.
• What are the effects of malnourishment?

  • Limits childrens' development (e.g. by causing iron deficiency)
  • Increases likelihood of illness - globally, 1/3 of all under 5s die from diseases linked to malnourishment.
• Why do people need clean, safe water?

  People need clean, safe water for drinking, cooking and washing.
• How does poor sanitation affect water sources?

  Without proper sanitation, water sources get polluted by raw sewage, leading to water contamination.
• What are two examples of water-borne diseases, and why are they significant?

  Cholera and typhoid are water-borne diseases that kill many people each year.
• How does water impact people's lifestyles?

  Water is needed to produce food, clothes and many other products, so it has a big impact on people's lifestyles.
• Why do countries need energy?

  Countries need energy for industry, transport and use in homes.
• How does electricity support economic development?

  Electricity allows countries to develop industry, creating jobs and wealth.
• How do HICs depend on electricity?

  Lifestyles in higher income countries (HICs) depend on a large, stable supply of energy.
• What are two problems caused by a lack of electricity in LICs and NEEs?

  • Burning wood can cause local deforestation, forcing people to walk further for fuel.
  • Kerosene stoves release harmful fumes.
• How can electricity improve water access?

  Electricity can power pumps for wells, providing more safe water for communities.
• Why is the global distribution of resources uneven?

  Some countries lack energy reserves, have dry climates or have environments that are not suitable for food production.
• How can countries access more resources if they lack them?

  They have to import them or find technological solutions to produce more like desalination plants which are expensive.
• What two key factors affect a country's resource consumption?

  Wealth and resource availability.
• Why is resource consumption high in HICs?

  HICs can afford to buy resources and expect a higher standard of living. Some, like Luxembourg, import much of their energy.
• Why is resource consumption increasing in NEEs?

  NEEs (e.g. China) have rapid industrial development, growing populations and increasing wealth, all requiring more resources.
• Why is resource consumption low in LICs?

  LICs such as Uganda can't afford to exploit available resources or import lacking resources.
• What is agribusiness?

  Large-scale, industrial farming where all processes, from seed and fertiliser production to food processing and packaging, are controlled by large firms.
• When did agribusiness start growing in the UK?

  Since the 1960s.
• How has farm size changed due to agribusiness?

  Farm sizes have increased - many small farms have been taken over and field sizes increased so that food can be produced more cheaply.
• How has chemical use in farming changed due to agribusiness?

  Large quantities of artificial fertilisers and pesticides are applied to crops and animals are given special feed to encourage growth.
• How has agribusiness affected employment in UK farming?

  Agricultural employment fell to just over 1.1% of total UK employment in 2017, partly due to the greater use of machinery in planting and harvesting.
• In the UK, where are areas of water surplus located?

  North and west of the UK
• What characterizes areas of water deficit in the UK?

  Higher demand for water than supply
• By how much has household water usage increased since 1975 in the UK?


  About 70%
• What is one reason for the increase in water usage in households?

  More appliances that use lots of water (e.g. dishwashers & washing machines)
• What is the predicted UK population by 2040?

  Nearly 73 million
• What is happening to population densities in the UK?

  They are changing with new housing plans
• How does polluted water affect water resources?

  It reduces the amount available for use
• What has been the trend in river water quality in the UK?

  It has been improving overall
• What sources of pollution are affecting UK water qualityand why?

  • Nitrates and phosphates from crop fertilisers - washed into rivers and groundwater
  • Pollutants from vehicles - washed into water sources through runoff when it rains
  • Chemical and oil spills from factories - pollute local water sources and groundwater
• What percentage of groundwater used for public supply is affected by pollution in the UK?

  Nearly 50%