NRE 1000E M3: Land Resources, Agriculture & Sustainability

What is the 'Tragedy of the Commons'?

A situation where individuals acting in their own self-interest deplete shared resources, leading to long-term negative consequences for the community.

What happens when fishermen optimize for short-term gain in a shared fish pond?

Each fisherman takes as many fish as possible, leading to overfishing and depletion of the fish population.

What are externalities in economics?

Costs or benefits of a good or service that are not reflected in the purchase price, affecting third parties.

What is the impact of private ownership on resource sustainability?

Private ownership tends to promote more sustainable practices compared to shared resources.

What is the maximum sustainable population size in relation to resource harvesting?

The point at which the population size is about one-half of the carrying capacity of the environment.

What was the percentage of undernourished people globally in the 1920s?

50% of the total population, which was about 2 billion people.

What is food security?

Access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food for a healthy, active life.

What is the difference between chronic hunger and malnutrition?

Chronic hunger refers to not having enough calories, while malnutrition refers to not having enough nutrients.

What was the Green Revolution?

A period of agricultural transformation that increased food production through mechanization and the use of synthetic fertilizers.

What are the environmental impacts of industrial agriculture?

Use of fossil fuels, soil degradation, water depletion, and pollution from fertilizers and pesticides.

What is monocropping?

The agricultural practice of growing a single crop over a wide area, which can lead to soil nutrient depletion.

What are GMOs and their benefits?

Genetically modified organisms that are more resistant to diseases, can grow with less water, and are often larger and more appealing.

What is the concept of energy subsidy in agriculture?

The ratio of energy used to produce food versus the energy produced in the food itself.

What is sustainable agriculture?

Farming practices that maintain soil health, reduce environmental impact, and promote biodiversity.

What is aquaculture?

The farming of aquatic organisms, which can help revive fish stocks but may also lead to pollution and disease spread.

What are food miles?

The carbon footprint associated with the transportation of food from its production site to the consumer.

What is the significance of crop rotation?

A sustainable practice that helps maintain soil fertility and reduce pest and disease buildup.

What are the consequences of overnutrition?

Increased rates of overweight and obesity, affecting 45% of adults globally.

What is the role of nitrogen-fixing bacteria in agriculture?

They help convert atmospheric nitrogen into a form that plants can use, which is crucial for soil fertility.

What is salinization in agriculture?

The accumulation of toxic salts at the surface of the soil due to evaporation of water, which can harm crops.

What is the impact of pesticides on the environment?

They can lead to bioaccumulation in the food chain and the development of pesticide-resistant pests.

What is integrated pest management?

An approach that combines biological, cultural, and chemical practices to manage pest populations sustainably.

What are the benefits of organic agriculture?

Promotes soil health, reduces pollution, and often results in healthier livestock.

What is the concept of no-till agriculture?

A farming practice that avoids disturbing the soil, helping to prevent erosion and maintain soil fertility.

What is the water footprint of food?

The total volume of freshwater used to produce food, including direct and indirect water use.