Global trends in consumption
Define the term "middle class"
2023
Explain the meaning of the term ”nexus“.
The nexus refers to the interrelationship, interdependence and interactions between water, food and energy.
Outline ways in which carrying capacity can be
increased.
Carrying capacity can be increased through intensification of agriculture using irrigation, terracing, wetland drainage, high yielding varieties and chemical fertilizers. These will increase yields allowing more people to be supported.
Compare the size and composition of the ecological
footprint of HICs, MICs and LICs between 1961 and
2012. (page 155)
HICs have a higher ecological footprint than either MICs or LICs. In turn, MICs have a higher ecological footprint than LICs. The composition is broadly similar in HICs and MICs; carbon makes up the largest contribution, followed by cropland and forest products. Built-up land accounts for the lowest contribution. In contrast, in LICs, forest products account for a higher relative amount, although this decreased between 1961 and 2012, and carbon is beginning to account for a larger proportion, although it is still relatively low.
Explain briefly how increasing use of groundwater
has an impact on the energy sector.
The increase in the pumping of groundwater requires large amounts of energy, which reduces the availability of energy for other sectors.
Outline the differences between the Malthusian view
and the neo-Malthusian view.
Malthus had a very pessimistic view about population and resources. He believed that there was finite optimum population size in relation to food supply, and that any increase in population beyond this point would lead to a decline in the standard of living and to “war, famine and disease”. The neo-Malthusians were also pessimists. They believed that population would outstrip resources, but they argued in favour of family planning as a way of reducing population growth.
Explain the meaning of the term ”virtual (or
embedded) water“.
Virtual (or embedded) water is the way in which water is transferred from one country to another through its exports.
Explain why South Asia has a major problem with
food production.
South Asia has a major problem with food production because about 25% of the world’s population live there, on just 3% of the world’s available land. In addition, nearly half of the world’s poor and over one-third of the world’s malnourished population live in South Asia.
Define the term ”resource stewardship“.
Resource stewardship is a concept that suggests that humans can use resources in such a way that they will be available to future generations. Not only will there be environmental sustainability but also social equity over access to resources.
Suggest why land availability/head is falling in many parts of the world.
Land availability/person has declined in many areas due to a combination of rapid population growth, land-use changes that is, non-agricultural land-uses, pollution/ degradation of the land, and land grabs by foreign companies. In addition, climate change is making some land unsuitable for cultivation (too dry, too salty) and so the amount of land available is declining but the population is rising.
Suggest reasons why access to biomass may be
limited to many (poor) people in future.
Already a very high proportion of the population use biomass as an energy source. Sources may become depleted due to overuse or increasing demand. In addition, more land is being used for biofuels, and there is increased demand to use the land for other projects. Biomass may become scarce and poor people, in particular, may be unable to afford the price of alternative fuels
Define the term ”circular economy“.
A circular economy is one that preserves natural capacity, optimizes resource use and reduces loss through managing finite stocks and renewable flows. It is an economy that restores and regenerates resources, and keeps products, materials and components at their highest utility and value
Outline the factors that have contributed to increased
energy insecurity in many countries.
Energy insecurity has increased for many reasons, including greater demand, especially from newly industrializing countries (NICs); reserves of some fossil fuels are declining as supplies are used up; geopolitical developments have taken place, for example, countries with oil resources such as Russia have been able to “flex their economic muscles” in response to the decreasing resources in the Middle East and the North Sea; global warming and natural disasters such as Hurricane Katrina (2005), have increased awareness about the misuse of energy resources; terrorist activity such as in Syria, and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, have all had an impact on energy security
Outline one advantage and one disadvantage of
desalinization as a potential source of freshwater.
Advantages of desalinization include the plentiful supply of seawater, and the projects that would benefit from increased access to freshwater. However, it is very expensive to operate, and it requires much energy, which releases greenhouse gases.
Outline the potential benefits of improved education
and training.
Better education and more skills would allow children/ young adults to get a better job, a skilled job, with greater pay. This should give them a better standard of living, and an ability to afford better housing, a healthy diet and greater access to clean water and sanitation. It should improve their quality of life.