Section C

• increasing demand for water in the UK is because of:

  • domestic use -> e.g dishwashers, washing machines
  • agriculture - irrigation.
  • industry - energy production
  • population growth
• water transfer problems

  • expensive
  • dams can disrupt ecosystems
  • communities may have to be displaced when dams and reservoirs are built
  • moving water to another area may sometimes cause water insecurity in the source area.
• management strategies to manage UK's water quality:

  legislation

  education - damage caused by littering in rivers and how to dispose of waste properly

  water treatment - water is treated to kill harmful bacteria and make it safe to drink

  investment in infrastructure - new sewage works and improved piping infrastructure is helping to improve water quality and reduce amount of water wastage
• economic issues of exploiting energy sources

  • initial set up of renewable energy sources and nuclear energy are very expensive
  • fossil fuels will become more expensive as they're scarcer
  • renewable energy resources are not as reliable compared to fossil fuels
  • nuclear power is risky - storing and transporting of dangerous nuclear waste is extremely expensive.
• environmental issues of exploiting energy sources

  • fracking for shale gas - cause pollution and cause small earthquakes
  • fossil fuels when burnt release CO2 - contributes to greenhouse gases
  • HEP - requires dams to be built, damages ecosystems
  • wind farms 'spoil' the natural landscape
• what are the two main reasons for the increase of demand for water?

  economic development - in domestic use, or in agriculture for crops irrigation and in manufacturing for production and cooling machinery

  population growth
• increasing water supply

  • dams and reservoirs
  • diverting water supplies
  • desalination - process of removing minerals from saltwater
• 3 main reasons for the increase in consumption of energy

  • economic development - countries will require more energy for manufacturing or transport. As people become wealthier, they can afford more consumer goods, which requires more energy.
  • population growth
  • technology - increasing wealth enables more people to afford technological items such as computers, phones, tablets.
• factors affecting energy supply

  • physical factors - fossil fuels only found in areas with suitable geology. However, some reserves may be difficult to access and extract from.
  • cost of exploitation and production - requires infrastructure which can be costly, some countries have plenty of resources but lack the money to extract them.
  • technology - new ways of extracting resources are being discovered e.g fracking for shale gas
  • POLITICAL FACTORS
• advantages of fracking

  • estimated that fracking could create 64,000 jobs in the UK
  • significantly increase the UK's energy production and reduce the risk of energy insecurity.
  • gas obtained by fracking is far cheaper compared to imports
  • fracking has significantly reduced gas prices in the US, could do the same in the UK.
  • releases less CO2 compared to other fossil fuels
• energy conservation

  • installing double glazed windows
  • natural light or using energy-efficient lightbulbs
  • installing technologies like solar panels and wind turbines
• reasons for increased food consumption

  population growth

  economic development -> people in countries that experience rapid economic growth have more wealth and can afford to eat more food and greater variety of it.
• Organic Farming

  • uses natural methods in place of chemical fertilisers, pesticides, herbicides and antibiotics to produce food.
  • Despite yielding less than inorganic farming methods, organic Farming keeps soil fertile for use by future generations.
• impacts of food insecurity

  1. famine
  2. undernutrition
  3. soil Erosion - farmers face pressure to produce more food is demand for food is high, leading to them growing too many crops, leaving the soil infertile and exposed.
  4. rising prices of food
  5. social unrest - cause great anxiety and anger amongst people . Growing fears about food may lead to riots, protests and even wars which further disrupt farming and worsen shortages.
• impacts of energy insecurity

  • destroying natural habitats - countries are forced to extract resources from environmentally sensitive areas as fossil fuels become scarcer
  • economic costs - countries may not have enough energy supply to meet demand. This affects individuals, businesses and industrial production and can damage the economy
  • environmental costs - increase in biofuel use may result in woodland being cleared to grow crops and trees needed to produce biofuels.
  • food production - lead to foot shortages and famine.
  • potential for conflict
• natural gas : advantages

  • Natural gas is one of the cleanest fossil fuels, releasing 45% fewer carbon emissions than coal and oil.
  • It does not produce waste products, such as coal ash.
  • If there is a gas leak, it disappears quickly into the air, whereas oil leaks have a devastating impact on the environment and are expensive to clean.
  • Gas can be easily transported through pipelines directly to industry and residential properties.
  • There are considerable reserves of gas around the world.
• natural gas : disadvantages

  • Burning natural gas results in the release of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide.
  • Gas is highly flammable, which means leaks can result in explosions.
  • Natural gas is toxic.
  • Gas infrastructure is expensive; pipelines cost a significant amount of money to construct.
  • Unless an odorant is added to the gas, leaks can go undetected.
• where is Chambamontera?


  Chambamontera is a remote community in Peru in the Andes Mountains, accessible by a rough track more than two hours from the closest town, Jaén.
• Why does Chambamontera need a sustainable energy scheme?

  The community of Chambamontera requires a sustainable energy scheme because most of its inhabitants rely on subsistence farming, small-scale coffee production, and livestock rearing. The lack of electricity has significantly hindered development, as it is essential for heating, lighting, and powering homes and businesses. 
• why could Chambamontera not use a traditional electricity grid?

  The area’s challenging terrain, with steep slopes at altitudes up to 1700 meters and roads often closed in winter, contributes to its isolation and the economic impracticality of constructing a traditional electricity grid.
• why was a micro-hydro scheme suitable for Chambamontera?

  The region’s high rainfall, steep terrain, and fast-flowing rivers make it well-suited to harnessing water power as a sustainable energy source.

  Despite efficient farming practices, poverty is widespread, with nearly half of the population living on just US$2 a day. 
• how much did Chambamontera micro-hydroscheme cost? Who was it supported by?

  US$51,000 and supported by Practical Action, 
• Chambamontera micro-hydro scheme positives

  • Encouraging business growth, 
  • Improving educational opportunities by enabling students to study after dark due to improved school facilities.
  • Strengthening healthcare services through the refrigeration of medicines.
  • Promoting safer nighttime mobility with the installation of street lights.
  • Contributing to an increase in the local population by reducing rural-to-urban migration.
  • Ensuring the project’s sustainability with a lifespan of at least 25 years.
  • Providing consistent electricity during winter months when the demand for heating is greater.
• Fracking for Natural Gas (Non-Renewable) - Advantages-A country could become self-sufficient-Jobs are created

  -Get access to natural gas that people otherwise wouldn't have access to.