food + energy

Define food security.

To have a food supply that is sufficient, affordable and accessible.

Define food insecurity.

To have a food supply that is insufficient, unaffordable + difficult to access.

Define food surplus.

When the production of food exceeds the demand.

Define food deficit.

When the demand for food exceeds the amount produced.

How does food security in the world vary?

Food insecurity is mainly concentrated in central Africa + south west Asia whilst food security is found elsewhere around the world, i.e. Europe.

Why does the UK have a food deficit, despite having food security?

The UK imports a large amount of its food supply.

Why does the UK import so much of its food?

The UK imports so much of its food because of:

• demand for seasonal produce all year round

• demand for exotic food

• cheaper food that is available from abroad

• inability for some crops to be grown in UK climate

• expense of UK produce when poor harvests occur

What is Agribusiness + how can it help increase food security in the UK?

Agribusiness is intensive farming that helps improve food security by maximising the amount of food produced through the use of machinery + chemicals (pesticides, fertilisers + herbicides).

What are the impacts of food insecurity?

The impacts of food insecurity are…

• …malnourishment + malnutrition - not enough food to meet people’s nutritional + energy needs.

• …rising food prices - increased demand yet reduced supply.

• …underdevelopment - people will be less productive + able to work.

How can food insecurity be improved?

Food insecurity can be improved by…

• …improving irrigation - increases yield in areas of low rainfall.

• …using pesticides - increases yield by reducing damage to plant.

• …growing genetically modified foods - increases yield by genetically altering plant to have a higher yield/drought resistance.

What are strategies used to achieve a sustainable food supply?

The strategies used to achieve a sustainable food supply are:

• organic farming

• urban farming

• sustainable fish + meat

• seasonal food

• reduced food waste

What is organic farming?

Organic farming is the production of food without the use of artificial pesticides, herbicides + fertilisers. It helps to achieve a sustainable food supply by reducing eutrophication + maintaining soil fertility.

What is urban farming?

Urban farming is the use of wasteland or unused areas into productive land for growing crops. It helps to achieve a sustainable food supply by increasing food security + improving biodiversity in urban environments.

What is sustainable fishing?

Sustainable fishing is a way of fishing which conserves fish stocks + prevents overfishing. It helps to achieve a sustainable food supply by reducing overfishing + maintaining fish populations.

What is sustainable livestock?

Sustainable livestock is a way of keeping livestock that involves low-intensity systems where the use of vaccinations + antibiotics are minimised. It helps to achieve a sustainable food supply by improving animal welfare.

What is seasonal food?

The consumption of food which is in season for the local area. It helps to achieve a sustainable food supply by reducing food miles - decreasing greenhouse gas emissions.

How can food waste be reduced?

Food waste can be reduced by improving transport infrastructure (i.e. cold storage) + eating food before its expiry.

Define energy security.

The ability to provide a reliable, affordable + consistent energy supply that meets the demands of a region.

Define energy insecurity.

The inability to provide a reliable, affordable or consistent energy supply that meets the demands of a region.

Why does the UK need to import so much energy?

The UK needs to import so much of its energy because it is considered energy insecure - it naturally doesn’t have many energy resources.

Why is the UK using more renewable energy resources?

The UK is using more renewable energy resources to become more energy secure - they increase energy supplies + will not run out unlike non-renewables.

What is fracking + how can it help the UK achieve energy security?

Fracking involved breaking up rocks deep underground using high pressure liquid to obtain natural gas on land which increases energy supply - improving energy security.

Why does the UK still use non-renewables?

The UK still uses non-renewables to improve their energy security - they are more efficient, reliable + cheaper than renewables which help increase energy supply.

Why has energy consumption in the UK decreased?

Energy consumption in the UK has decreased because of the decline of heavy industry + improved energy conservation.

Why has energy conservation in the UK improved?

Energy conservation has improved because of better building insulation, the increased use of energy efficient appliances, the introduction of smart meters + increased public awareness.