GEO: Topic 1: Development

What is development?

Development is the process of improving people's standard of living and quality of life through the sustainable use of available resources.

What does "standard of living" refer to?

The level of wealth, comfort, material goods and necessities available to people.

What does "quality of life" refer to?

The overall well-being and happiness of people, including things such as healthcare, education, safety, freedom and living conditions.

What are the three main aspects of sustainable development?

1. Economic development

2. Social development 👥

3. Environmental development

What is sustainable development?

Development that meets people's needs while using resources responsibly so that they are not depleted or destroyed for future generations.

What are renewable resources?

Resources that can be replaced or replenished within one lifetime.

Example: Solar energy, wind and sustainably managed forests.

What are non-renewable resources?

Resources that cannot be replaced within one human lifetime.

Examples: Coal, oil and natural gas.

What are some features of sustainable development?

• Using resources without depleting them

• Taking care of the environment

• Fair distribution of wealth

• Creating jobs

• Providing equal life choices

• Protecting human rights

• Improving people's happiness and well-being

What is economic development?

The improvement of a country's economy and people's material standard of living, often through increased production, employment, technology and income.

What is an agriculture-based economy?

An economy where a large part of economic activity and employment is based on farming and agriculture.

What is an industry-based economy?

An economy where manufacturing and industry play an important role in producing goods and creating employment.

How can technology contribute to economic development?

New technologies can help countries move from an agriculture-based economy towards an industry-based economy, increasing production and potentially improving living standards.

What does GDP stand for?

Gross Domestic Product.

What is GDP?

The total value of goods and services produced within a country's borders during a specific period.

Memory trick:
D = Domestic = Done inside the country

What does GNP stand for?

Gross National Product.

What is GNP?

The wealth or income generated by a country's people and businesses, including foreign investments outside the country.

Think: National = connected to the country's people/businesses, even outside its borders.

What is one limitation of using GDP/GNP to measure development?

They do not show how wealth is distributed among people in a country.

Why can GDP/GNP give an incomplete picture of development?

They mainly measure economic wealth and do not fully measure people's well-being, equality, healthcare, education or environmental conditions.

What is social development?

Social development is the improvement of people's well-being by ensuring that their social needs are met.

What does social development aim to provide for every person?

The ability to live a life of dignity, with respect regardless of who they are.

What is equity?

The fair sharing of resources, opportunities and wealth, taking people's different needs into account.

What is equality?

Giving people the same rights, opportunities or resources.

What is the difference between equality and equity?

Equality: Everyone receives the same thing.
Equity: People receive what they need to have a fair opportunity.

Easy way to remember:
Equality = Same
Equity = Fair

What areas are included in social development?

• Shelter

• Healthcare

• Education

• Services

• Well-being

• Involvement in society

• Participation in decision-making

What does "involvement in society" mean?

People should be able to participate in decisions and access services that affect their lives.

What is environmental development?

Development that allows humans to use natural resources while ensuring those resources are protected, enhanced and restored.

Why are natural resources important for development?

They provide the resources needed to support human life and economic development.

What are some environmental issues associated with development?

• Air pollution

• Poor water quality

• Global warming

• Destruction of natural environments

Why is water important for development?

Water is essential for human life, agriculture, industry and the production of many goods and foods.

What is carrying capacity?

The maximum population size that Earth's available natural resources can sustain in a sustainable way.

What happens when a population exceeds Earth's carrying capacity?

Resources can become overused or depleted, causing environmental damage and making it harder to support the population sustainably.

What factors can affect carrying capacity?

• Availability of water

• Availability of land

• Food supply

• Natural resources

• Technology

• Consumption levels

• Environmental conditions

What is the relationship between population and carrying capacity?

If the population stays within carrying capacity, resources can potentially be used sustainably. If the population exceeds it, resource pressure and environmental problems increase.

What is an ecological footprint?

A measure of the impact a person, household, country or humanity has on the environment, expressed in terms of the amount of Earth's resources needed to support their lifestyle.

What does an ecological footprint measure?

It estimates how much biologically productive land and water is needed to provide the resources people consume and absorb the waste they produce.

What does it mean if a person's ecological footprint is large?

They are using more resources and having a greater environmental impact.

What does it mean if humanity's ecological footprint is greater than Earth's available resources?

Humanity is using resources faster than Earth can sustainably regenerate them.

Name the three aspects of development.

Economic, social and environmental development.

Explain why GDP alone cannot fully measure development.

GDP measures economic production but does not show how wealth is distributed or fully measure people's health, education, quality of life and environmental conditions.

Explain the difference between renewable and non-renewable resources.

Renewable resources can be replaced within one lifetime, while non-renewable resources cannot be replaced within one lifetime.

Explain the relationship between carrying capacity and sustainable development.

Sustainable development requires resources to be used without exceeding the Earth's ability to provide and replace them. Carrying capacity represents the population level that can be supported sustainably.

How can economic, social and environmental development work together?

A country can improve its economy by creating jobs and wealth, improve people's lives through education, healthcare and equality, while protecting natural resources so development can continue into the future.