8. Human Systems and Resource Use

What is the concept of sustainable yield in the context of resource management?

Sustainable yield refers to the rate at which a resource can be extracted or harvested without depleting its availability for future generations. It is the balance between the growth rate of the resource and the rate of extraction.

How is carrying capacity defined in relation to human populations?

Carrying capacity is the maximum number of people that the environment can sustainably support, considering resources, technology, and consumption patterns.

What factors affect a country's ecological footprint?

• Level of development

• Energy consumption

• Diet (meat-heavy diets = higher footprint)

• Waste generation

• Population size

What is the difference between renewable, non-renewable, and replenishable resources?

• Renewable: regenerated naturally (e.g. solar)

• Non-renewable: finite (e.g. coal)

• Replenishable: regenerate over time (e.g. groundwater)

What are the stages of the Demographic Transition Model (DTM)?

• High birth/death rates

• Death rate falls

• Birth rate falls

• Low birth/death rates

• Potential population decline

How do population growth patterns differ between MEDCs and LEDCs?

• LEDCs: higher growth due to high birth rates

• MEDCs: stable or declining growth, aging populations

What are some strategies to manage human population size?

• Family planning and education

• Access to contraception

• Government policies (e.g. one-child policy)

• Economic development

What is the concept of natural capital?

Natural capital refers to natural resources (like forests, water, air) that provide ecosystem services and support life and economies.

What is natural income?

Natural income is the yield gained from natural capital (e.g. timber from forests, clean water from rivers) used sustainably without depleting the resource.

What are the types of solid domestic waste (SDW)?

• Organic waste (food)

• Paper

• Plastics

• Metals

• Glass

• E-waste

What are the methods of managing solid domestic waste?

• Recycling

• Composting

• Incineration

• Landfills

• Waste reduction and reuse

What are the pros and cons of landfills and incineration?

Landfills: cheap but polluting and space-intensive
Incineration: reduces volume, but produces toxic emissions and is expensive

What is sustainable development?

Development that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs, balancing environment, economy, and society.

What is the tragedy of the commons?

When individuals overexploit shared resources (e.g. fisheries, forests) for personal gain, leading to resource depletionand environmental degradation.

What are the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)?

17 global goals aimed at reducing poverty, protecting the environment, and ensuring prosperity for all by 2030 (e.g. clean energy, climate action, zero hunger).

What are the environmental impacts of overpopulation?

• Deforestation

• Water scarcity

• Air and water pollution

• Soil degradation

• Increased greenhouse gas emissions

How can ecological footprints be reduced at the personal and national level?

• Personal: reduce meat intake, drive less, recycle, conserve energy

• National: invest in renewables, improve infrastructure, support sustainable agriculture