Energy Security, Renewable Resources, and Sustainable Farming Techniques

Energy security

The reliable availability of energy sources at an affordable price with consideration of environmental impacts

Long-term energy security

The supply of energy that is in line with economic developments and environmental needs

Short-term energy security

Systems that react promptly to sudden changes in the supply-demand balance

Renewable resources

Any source of energy that can be naturally and quickly replenished, e.g. wind and solar power

Hydroelectric power (HEP)

Electricity that is generated using the energy of flowing water

Solar power

Electricity that is generated by utilising the energy of the sun

Wind energy

Electricity that is generated using the power of wind

Wave and tidal energy

Electricity that is generated using the energy of waves or the tides

Geothermal energy

Energy generated from the heat under the surface of Earth

Non-renewable resources

Resources that will run out and not be replenished for millions of years, for example oil, gas and coal

Nuclear power

Nuclear power uses radioactive materials such as uranium or plutonium; these materials undergo reactions and power is produced from the energy released

Bioethanol

An alcohol produced from plant matter such as sugar cane or maize which can be used as an alternative to petrol

Biogas

A gas such as methane that can be used as a fuel and is produced by fermenting organic matter

Stockpiling

To store large amounts of goods or materials, in this instance food stores

Rationing

To limit the amount of food each person or family is allowed to purchase

Genetically modified (GM) crops

Foods derived from organisms in which DNA has been changed by humans

Selective breeding

When humans grow plants and animals for specific characteristics, e.g. high yields or drought tolerance

Irrigation

The supply of water to land or crops to help plants grow

Fertiliser

A chemical or natural product that can be added to soils to increase the nutrients available for plants

Herbicides and fungicides

Chemicals used to control insects, unwanted plants and fungi in commercial food crops

Hydroponics

The growth of plants without soil; plants are grown in nutrient-rich water

Aquaponics

A soil-free farming system that uses the waste produced by aquatic organisms (such as fish) to supply nutrients to plants being grown hydroponically

Intensive farming

A system of farming that uses large amounts of investment and labour relative to the area of land being farmed

Extensive farming

A system of farming that uses a small amount of labour and capital investment relative to the area of land being farmed