Y10 Geography - Resource Management

• Definition of a resource

A stock or supply of something that has value or purpose (e.g., food, water, energy).

• Why resources matter

Essential for human survival, drive economic development, influence quality of life

• Effect of uneven distribution 1

Global undernourishment Over 1 billion people fall below healthy diet levels, concentrated in Africa and South Asia

• effect of uneven distribution 2

Water scarcityBy 2025, 50 countries will face water shortages.

Causes of uneven distribution short

Climate, geology, population, development

Causes of uneven distribution

Climate - arid regions struggle with food + water. Geology - some countries don’t have fossil fuels. Population growth - high population means pressure on limited resources. Development - less development means less money to import resources

• Effect of uneven distribution 3

Energy inequality Wealthier nations consume more energy per person

Effects of uneven distribution

Global undernourishment, water scarcity, energy inequality (food, water, energy)

---

Provision of food in the UK

• Changing demand

UK population growth and changing diets increase food imports (due to varied diet demand) because the UK climate can’t grow many exotic foods. This raises food miles and carbon emissions.

5 reasons for changing demand

Demand for greater exotic choice, can be grown more cheaply elsewhere (because UK food can be expensive due to poor harvest), demand for seasonal produce (apples) all year round, UK climate unsuitable for production of some foods

Positive impacts on LICs for non seasonal food demand

Jobs are created, eg in farming or parking → jobs supply wages for local people. From the wages taxes are paid to the government -: fund improving and building facilities

Negative impacts on LICs for non seasonal food demand

Less land is available for locals to grow food to eat. Sometimes crop growers are exposed to chemicals → they use pesticides without protective clothing. Often these crops need huge amounts pf water → crops are grown where water supply in unreliable

• Food miles

Transporting food long distances increases carbon emissions from planes and lorries, contributing to climate change.

• Kenya case study

Kenyan farmers export high‑value vegetables like mangetout to the UK, but earn only a small fraction of the retail price. This creates economic inequality and water shortages in Kenya.

• Agribusiness

Large‑scale farms such as Lynford House Farm use advanced technology, machinery, and reservoirs to maximise efficiency and profit. This increases food production but can harm the environment through fertiliser runoff and loss of biodiversity.

• Organic farming

Riverford Organic Farms reduce food miles by supplying local produce, support local employment, and link growers directly with consumers. Organic farming avoids chemical fertilisers and pesticides, improving soil health and sustainability.

Alternatives tp importing food 1

Eating locally produced food reducing food miles → also supports local farmers and producers. Growing food at home or an allotment → has increased in last 5 years → over 1/3 of people grow their own

Alternatives to importing food 2

Limiting imported foods to those we cannot grow → many restaurants now label thé origin of food → allowing customers to make informed choices. Eating seasonal produce grown in the UK

Why organic farming

Natural predators for pests to protect wildlife. No antibiotics; hormones are not used. Mechanical weeding so chemical weeds not used. Natural fertilisers for soil fertility and sustainability

1 advantage and 1 distdvantage to agribusiness

Chemical fertilisers add nutrients to soil, increase crop yield, and speed up crop growth allowing for multiple harvests ä year. Eutrophication: Nutrients/fertilisers run off when it rains. → algal bloom in lake → plants die and bacteria decompsse → bacteria use oxygen → animals die, loss of biodiversity

---

Provision of water in the UK

• Water demand

Domestic, industrial, and agricultural water use is increasing due to population growth and modern lifestyles. This creates pressure on supplies, especially in the south and east of England where rainfall is lower.

Provision of food in the UK key points

Changing demand, food miles, (Kenya case study?), agribusiness, organic farming

• Water surplus vs deficit

The north and west of the UK have a water surplus because of high rainfall and low population density, while the south and east face a water deficit due to low rainfall and high population density. This uneven distribution creates pressure on supplies in the southeast, where demand is highest.

• Water transfer schemes

Move water from surplus to deficit areas (e.g., Kielder Water to Essex).

• Water quality management

Filtration, chlorination, pollution control, and restrictions on industrial discharge.

• Pollution sources

Old mines, industrial waste, fertiliser runoff, and power station cooling water.

---

Provision of energy in the UK

• Energy demand

Rising due to population and technology use. • Energy mix change

Provision of water key points

Water demand, water surplus vs deficit, water transfer schemes,