IGCSE edexcel geography - economic activity and energy

Four economic sectors

• Primary

• Secondary

• Tertiary

• Quaternary

Primary sector

Made up of businesses that produce or extract raw materials

Primary sector examples (3)

• Farming

• Fishing

• Mining

Secondary sector

Manufacturing or industrial work, it involves taking raw materials from the primary sector and processing them into finished goods, often in factories

Secondary sector examples (3)

• Car Manufacturing

• Food Processing

• Construction

Tertiary sector

Businesses and activities that provide services rather than producing raw materials or manufacturing goods

Tertiary sector examples (3)

• Doctors

• Teachers

• Retail worker

Quaternary sector

Industries focused on knowledge-based services, information, and high-tech activities

Quaternary sector examples (3)

• Consultancy

• Research and development (R&D)

• Informational technology (IT)

Malthus theory

The supply of food cannot keep up with the growth of the human population, inevitably resulting in disease, famine, war, and calamity

Boserups’s argument on Malthus’ theory

That population growth can be a catalyst for agricultural development, rather than a cause of resource scarcity

Clark fisher model

Describes the shifts in economic activity over time, moving from primary to secondary and then tertiary sectors

Pre-industrial phase

• Primary sector leads the economy

• Agriculture the most important activity

Industrial phase

• Secondary and tertiary sectors increase in productivity

• Primary sector declines

Post-industrial phase

• Tertiary sector is now most important sector

• Primary and secondary continue to decline

• Quaternary sector begins to emerge

Sectoral shift in the UK (MEDC/HIC)

• Decline in employment in the primary sector

• Decline in employment in the secondary sector

• Most people employed in the tertiary sector

• Rise in employment in the quaternary sector over time

Sectoral shift in China (NEE)

• Primary sector employs the least people

• Large increase in employment in secondary sector (due to large labour force)

• Tertiary sector increases slowly in cities

• Quaternary sector increasing

Sectoral shift in Ethiopia (LEDC/LIC)

• Primary sector employs many individuals

• Secondary sector employs many individuals

• Tertiary sector employs the very little people

• Quaternary sector employs the least amount of people

Reasons for decline in primary sector employment (4)

• Cheaper to import

• Mechanisation

• Depletion of resources

• Social change

Reasons for decline of employment in the secondary sector (3)

• Globalisation

• Mechanisation

• Government policies

Reasons for growth in tertiary sectors (3)

• Increased wealth

• Technological advancements

• Changes in employment structures

Reasons for growth in quaternary sectors (3)

• Advancements in technology

• Globalization

• Increasing importance of knowledge and information in the economy

Mechanisation

Moving from a labour-intensive to a more capital-intensive method of production, employing more machines and fewer workers

Globalisation

Increased interaction and interdependence between countries

Industrialisation

The development of industries for the machine production of goods

Formal sector

Businesses and organisations that are officially registered, regulated, and taxed by the government

Formal sector job characteristics

• Officially recognized and regulated by the government

• Set hours

• Wages

• Social security

Formal sector job examples

• Teachers

• Bus driver

• Janitor

Formal sector advantages

• Stability

• Security

• Wages

Formal sector disadvantages

• Potential job losses due to automation

• Limited opportunities for those lacking required skills

Informal sector

Economic activities outside of government regulation and taxation

Informal sector job characteristics

• Not officially recognised or regulated by the government

• Lacking formal contracts, taxes, and worker protections

Informal sector job examples

• Shoe shining

• Drug dealing

• Street vending

Informal sector advantages

• Employment and Income Generation

• Potential for Skill Development

• The money these people made could allow them to get a formal sector job

Informal sector disadvantages

• Low pay

• Lack of benefits

• Unsafe working conditions

CASE STUDY - name a megacity with a large informal sector

Mumbai

Pull factors of Mumbai

• Better housing and services

• More jobs and higher wages

• Better living conditions with a safer environment (less chance of natural disasters)

Problem caused by Mumbai’s rapid urbinisation

Squatter settlements, mainly Dharavi

Dharavi population

1 million

Characteristics of Dharavi

• overcrowded and noisy

• houses are made from cardboard, wood, corrugated iron, plastic sheeting and metal from oil drums

• lack of sanitation and clean drinking water

• open sewers

• pollution and disease are common

• thousands of workshops and people employed in the informal job sector.

How much was made in a year due to informal employment in Dharavi

Over £350 million a year.

Advantages of informal employment in Dharavi

People can make money and afford nesessities

Disadvantages of informal employment in Dharavi

• Taxes are not being paid

• People cannot have stability

Energy

Something that supplies/produces power

Energy gap

The difference between a country’s energy demand and its ability to produce it

Factors affecting energy demand

• Population growth

• Economic development

• Technological advancements

Population growth explanation

Larger population naturally requires more energy for basic needs like heating, cooling, cooking, and lighting

Economic development explanation

As countries develop, their economies grow, leading to increased industrial activity and a higher demand for energy

Technological developments explanation (increase in demand)

Development of new energy-intensive industries (e.g., data centers) can drive up demand

Technological developments explanation (decrease in demand)

The adoption of energy-efficient appliances and technologies can reduce demand

Renewable energy

Energy from a source that is not depleted when used

Renewable energy examples (3)

• Wind

• Solar

• Geothermal

Renewable energy advantages (3)

• Environmental benefits

• Reduced reliance on foreign energy sources

• Long-term cost savings

Environmental benefits (explain)

Renewable energy significantly reduces carbon emissions and air pollution compared to fossil fuels, leading to cleaner air and water

Reduced reliance on foreign energy sources (explain)

Using domestically sourced renewable energy can enhance energy independence and reduce dependence on volatile global fossil fuel markets

Long-term costs saving (explain)

Renewable energy systems often have lower operational and maintenance costs, and government incentives can help offset upfront expenses. 

Renewable energy disadvantages (3)

• High initial costs

• Intermittency

• Land use and environmental impact

High initial costs (explain)

Renewable energy systems, particularly solar and wind, can have high initial capital costs, although these costs are decreasing and government incentives are available. 

Intermittency (explain)

Some renewable energy sources, like solar and wind, are intermittent, meaning they don't generate energy continuously. This can require backup power systems or energy storage solutions

Land use and environmental impact (explain)

Large-scale renewable energy projects, such as solar farms and wind farms, require significant land space, which can impact ecosystems and agricultural land. 

Non-renewable energy

Energy from sources with finite quantities and cannot be replenished by natural processes within a human lifespan

Non-renewable energy examples

• Coal

• Oil

• Natural gas

Non-renewable energy advantages

• High Energy Density

• Relatively Inexpensive

• Easy to Store and Transport

High energy density (explanation)

Fossil fuels provide a large amount of energy per unit of mass, making them efficient for power generation

Relatively inexpensive (explanation)

Compared to some renewable energy sources, fossil fuels are often cheaper to extract and use

Easy to Store and Transport (explanation)

Fossil fuels can be easily stored, piped, or shipped, making them readily available to different locations. 

Non-renewable energy disadvantages

• Environmental Pollution

• Greenhouse Gas Emissions

• Finite Resources

Environmental pollution (explain)

Burning fossil fuels releases pollutants like carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter, leading to air and water pollution. 

Greenhouse gas emissions (explain)

Fossil fuels are a major source of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change and global warming. 

Finite resource (explain)

Fossil fuels are non-renewable, meaning they will eventually be depleted, raising concerns about long-term energy security. 

How energy can be managed sustainably in transport (3)

• Promote Energy Efficiency

• Shift to Renewable Energy Sources

• Encourage Sustainable Transportation Modes

Promote energy efficiency (explain)

• Utilise more fuel-efficient vehicles, including electric and hybrid vehicles

• Optimise transportation routes, traffic flow, and logistics to minimise travel time and fuel usage

Shift to Renewable Energy Sources (explain)

• Explore the use of biofuels blended with conventional fuels, or even higher blends like 100% liquid biofuels

• Consider hydrogen fuel cells and infrastructure for vehicles

• Promote the adoption of electric vehicles and invest in renewable energy sources for charging infrastructure

Encourage Sustainable Transportation Modes (explain)

• Prioritise walking and cycling for shorter distances

• Invest in and promote the use of public transportation systems (buses, trains, etc.)

• Encourage carpooling, ride-sharing, and other shared mobility options

How energy can be managed sustainably in indusry (3)

• Conducting energy audits: Analyzing current energy usage to identify areas for improvement. 

• Upgrading to energy-efficient equipment: Replacing outdated machinery with more efficient models, such as LED lighting and HVAC systems. 

• Optimizing processes: Streamlining operations to minimize energy waste and improve productivity. 

How energy can be managed sustainably in the home (2)

• Reduce Energy Consumption

• Generate Renewable Energy

Reduce energy consumpion (explain)

• Improve insulation in walls, roofs, and floors to minimise heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. 

• Opt for appliances with high energy efficiency ratings (like ENERGY STAR) and consider replacing older, energy-guzzling models. 

• Smart Energy Use:

  • Lighting: Switch to LED bulbs and maximise natural light. 

  • Standby Power: Turn off or unplug electronics when not in use to avoid "vampire" energy consumption. 

  • Heating/Cooling: Adjust thermostats, use programmable thermostats, and consider a smart thermostat for better control. 

  • Water Heating: Insulate your hot water cylinder and consider a low-flow shower head and faucet aerator. 

• Behavioural Changes:

  Simple habits like turning off lights when leaving a room, using fewer, colder washes for laundry, and using the dishwasher only when full can make a difference. 

Generate Renewable Energy (explain)

• Solar Panels:

• Install solar panels to generate electricity for your home, and consider battery storage to store excess energy. 

• Solar Heating:

  Use solar energy to heat water for your home. 

• Air Source Heat Pumps:

  Consider replacing your gas boiler with an air source heat pump, which is more efficient and uses renewable energy. 

• Other Renewable Options:

  Explore other renewable energy sources like wind turbines or biomass systems, depending on your location and resources. 

Science park

A purpose-built cluster of office spaces, labs, workrooms and meeting areas designed to support research and development in science and tech.  These are part of the quaternary sector.

Science parks tend to located (4)

• Close to universities

• On the edges of cities (cheaper land and more available space)

• Close to transport links (motorways, railways)

• Close to other science/business centres (enables sharing of knowledge/business)

Benefits of science parks

• Places where small scale science and innovation can happen

• Good links with universities – source of graduates

• Attractive locations

• Onsite meeting rooms, coffee shops, health clubs and nurseries

• Good transport links