Resource Management

• Resource


  A supply of something that has value or a purpose
• Water footprint


  The amount of water used throughout the day by an individual/country
• Food miles


  The distance the food has traveled from producer to consumer
• Water resources in the UK: Demand for water used by the average UK household has increased by 70% since 1985
• Causes of increased water demand: Population growth, more water-intensive appliances like dishwashers, power showers, irrigation for out-of-season food
• Water deficit


  Where demand for water exceeds supply
• Water surplus


  Where supply of water exceeds demand
• Water stress


  Areas suffering from water deficit, where supply does not meet demand
• Energy mix


  The different sources of energy used by a country
• Water transfer scheme


  The distribution of water from areas of surplus to areas of deficit using pipelines
• Food insecurity


  People can't get enough food to stay healthy or lead an active lifestyle
• Food security


  People have enough nutritious food to eat and to stay healthy and active
• Irrigation


  Watering crops
• Permaculture


  Producing food in a way that doesn't harm the environment
• How resources are distributed: Depends on climate, soils and technology. Europe, Asia, N&S America tend to have a surplus. Africa has a deficit. Water depends on climate. The Middle East and Africa have shortages. Energy is affected by the distribution of fossil fuels. Knowledge & money to develop renewable energy limits use in UCS
• How demand for food in the UK is changing: Consumers want to eat fruit and vegetables all year round (out of season)
• 47% of UK food is imported, after from UCs & Kenya
• Wastewater


  Treating food production from farms like a large industrial business
• Organic produce


  Food farmed without the use of chemicals such as fertilizers or pesticides
• Green roof/walls


  Grass/plants can naturally filter out pollutants in rainwater
• Pollution traps


  Reed beds are used to filter out pollution from runoff
• Agribusiness


  Treating food production from farms like a large industrial business
• Impacts of food insecurity: Toxic waste can kill wildlife, Contaminated drinking water, Fertilisers cause eutrophication which affects fish, People whose jobs depend on clean water may be affected E.G. fishermen
• How we manage water pollution: Strict UK laws on discharge from farms and factories put into rivers, Campaigns to educate public, Invest in more local water treatment plants