PAPER 2 - GLOBAL RESOURCE CONSUMPTION (UNIT 3) - GLOBAL CHANGE

Sustainable development / Environmental sustainability

Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Consumption

The level of use a society makes of the resources available to it.

Ecological footprint

A figure, expressed in GLOBAL hectares (land area), that calculates the amount of land needed to provide a person or society with the resources needed to live, and to absorb waste.

Water security

The capacity of a population to safeguard sustainable access to adequate quantities of acceptable water quality for sustaining wellbeing, livelihoods, and development.

Water footprint

The amount of fresh water utilized in the production or supply of the goods and services used by a particular person or group.

Food security

When all people, at all times, have physical, social, and economic access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food that meets their dietary needs and food preferences for an active and healthy life.

Energy security

When all people, at all times, enjoy the uninterrupted availability of the energy they require to meet their needs, and at an affordable price.

Relative poverty

When a person's income is too low to maintain the average standard of living in a particular society.

Biocapacity

The productive area that can regenerate what people demand from nature.

Carrying capacity

The maximum number of people an area of land can support.

Optimum population

The number of people which, when working with all the available resources, will produce the highest per capita economic return.

Renewable resources

Natural resources that are replenished by the environment over relatively short periods of time.

Non-renewable resources

A finite natural resource that is not replenished with the speed at which it is consumed (cannot be replaced easily).

Peak oil

The point when the maximum rate of global oil production is reached (likely to be before 2030).

Nutrition transition

A change in diet from stable carbohydrates towards meat and fish proteins and dairy products. This happens typically when incomes rise from US$2 a day to US$10 a day.

Energy mix

The proportions of hydrocarbons, renewable energy sources, and nuclear energy that a country uses to meet its domestic needs.

Food-water-energy nexus

The complex and dynamic interrelationships between water, energy, and food resource systems. Understanding of these interrelationships is essential if natural resources are to be used and managed more sustainably.

Resource stewardship

An approach to resource management which views humans as 'caretakers' of the natural world.

Industrialisation

The process of increasing industrial activity and transitioning from farming to manufacturing.

Rural-to-urban migration

The movement of people from rural areas to urban areas.

Growth concentration

The concentration of economic growth in a few industries and regions.

Political and social infrastructure

The development of airports, roads, highways, and institutions to support industrialisation.

Drive to maturity

The stage of economic development characterized by diverse growth, technical innovation, and self-sustainability.

Rapid urbanisation

The rapid growth and expansion of urban areas.

High mass consumption

The expansion of the tertiary industry and the production of more durable consumer goods.

Ecological footprint

A measure of the amount of land and resources needed to sustain a person's current standard of living.

Biocapacity

The productive area available to provide resources and absorb waste.

Water conflict

Disputes between regions or countries about the distribution and use of freshwater.

Water deficit

When water demand exceeds supply.

Water insecurity

When water availability is insufficient to ensure good health, livelihoods, and earnings.

Water security

The reliable availability of acceptable quality and quantity of water for good health and livelihood.

Water stress

When the demand for water exceeds the supply and shortages occur.

Water surplus

When water supply exceeds demand.

Economic water scarcity

When water is locally available but cannot be accessed due to lack of financial, human, or institutional capital.

Physical water scarcity

When water availability or supply is insufficient compared to demand.

Embedded water

Water resources used in the production of goods in one country and transferred to other water-scarce countries or regions through trade.

Renewable freshwater resources

Internal renewable resources such as river flows and groundwater from rainfall.

Freshwater consumption

The use of freshwater resources for various purposes such as agriculture, industry, and domestic use.1. Water footprint:The amount of fresh water utilized in the production or supply of goods and services used by a particular person or group.

Agriculture's share of total water withdrawals

The percentage of total water withdrawals that are used for agricultural purposes.

Nutrition transition

A change in the diet from staple carbohydrates towards meat and fish products, dairy products, and more processed products.

Hunter-gatherers

Stage 1 of the nutrition transition, characterized by a diet primarily consisting of food obtained through hunting and gathering.

Industrialization of agricultural processes

Stage 3 of the nutrition transition, marked by the increased mechanization and efficiency of agricultural practices.

'Western' style diets

Stage 4 of the nutrition transition, characterized by diets high in processed food, sugar, fat, meat, and dairy.

Urbanization

The process of population growth and the development of urban areas.

Rise of supermarkets

The increase in the number and accessibility of large-scale retail stores that offer a wide variety of food products.

Increase in income per capita

The rise in average income per person in a given population.

FDI (TNCs)

Foreign direct investment by transnational corporations, which involves investment in a company's economy by individuals or organizations from another country.

Cultural homogenization

The reduction in cultural diversity through the popularization of cultural symbols, particularly in the context of global food markets.

Daily per capita caloric supply

The average number of calories available per person per day.

Great Leap Forward famine

A severe famine that occurred in China from 1959 to 1961, resulting in a significant decrease in daily per capita caloric supply.

Food insecurity

The state of being without reliable access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food.

Daily per capita meat consumption

The average amount of meat consumed per person per day.

Obesity

A medical condition characterized by excessive accumulation of body fat, often resulting from an imbalance between calorie intake and energy expenditure.

Micro-nutrient deficiency

A condition caused by a lack of essential vitamins and minerals in the diet.1. Mexican children:Children in Mexico who are facing issues with obesity due to various factors such as unsafe streets and unhealthy eating habits.

Weight loss program

A program designed to help individuals lose weight through various methods such as diet and exercise.

Soda tax

A tax imposed on sugary beverages like soda in order to discourage their consumption and reduce obesity rates.

Processed food

Food that has undergone various mechanical or chemical processes to extend its shelf life or enhance its taste, often high in calories and contributing to obesity.

Childhood obesity

The condition of being overweight or obese during childhood, which can lead to various health problems.

Health warnings

Labels or messages on certain types of foods, similar to those on smoking packets, to inform consumers about the potential health risks associated with their consumption.

Undernutrition

The condition of not receiving adequate nutrition, often resulting in malnutrition and related health issues.

Silent epidemic

A term used to describe a health issue, such as obesity, that is widespread and has significant consequences but may not receive enough attention or awareness.

Heart disease

A range of conditions that affect the heart, often caused by factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and obesity.

Diabetes

A chronic condition characterized by high blood sugar levels, often caused by the body's inability to produce or effectively use insulin.

Junk food

Unhealthy food that is high in calories, sugar, fat, and low in nutritional value.

Meat consumption

The act of consuming meat as part of one's diet, which has seen an increase globally due to factors such as urbanization and higher income levels.

Fossil fuel

A natural fuel formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, which is commonly used as an energy source.

Industrial revolution

A period of rapid industrialization and technological advancements that began in the 18th century, fueled by the use of fossil fuels.

Globalization

The process of increased interconnectedness and integration of economies, cultures, and societies on a global scale.

Coal

A fossil fuel that is primarily used for electricity generation and industrial processes, but also contributes to air pollution and climate change.

Renewable energy

Energy derived from sources that are naturally replenished, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.

Infrastructure

The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise, such as roads, buildings, and power grids.

Biomass

Organic matter, such as wood, agricultural waste, or animal manure, that can be used as a renewable energy source.

Intelligent networks

Energy systems that are interconnected and use advanced technology to optimize energy distribution and consumption.

Renewable energy capacity

The total amount of energy that can be generated from renewable sources, which has been increasing by 4% in recent years.1. Crude oil:Non-renewable oil that is located in vast reservoirs and can be extracted with a 90% chance of success.

Proven oil

Oil that has a 90% chance of being extracted and is certain to be available.

Unproven oil

Oil that is believed to be present but uncertain about how to extract.

OPEC

Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, consisting of 12 members who produce 80% of the world's oil.

Peak oil

The point when the maximum rate of global oil production is reached, likely to be before 2030.

Hubbert's peak

The peak in the production curve that indicates a shortage as production continues to increase.

Conventional energy sources

Well-established sources of energy such as oil, natural gas, or coal that are extracted through straightforward processes.

Unconventional energy sources

Harder to extract energy resources, typically oil or gas, that require longer and more expensive processes.

Energy mix

The proportions of hydrocarbons, renewable energy sources, and nuclear energy that a country uses to meet its domestic needs.

Nuclear energy use

The percentage of energy generated from nuclear sources.

Renewable energy sources

Energy sources that come from natural processes or resources that are constantly replenished, such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric power.1. South America:The region with the largest increase in renewable energy from around 15% to around 25%.

Europe and Africa

Regions with little to no change in renewable energy since 1965.

Asia

Region with an increase in renewable energy from around 3-4% to around 7%.

Fossil fuels

Oil, coal, and natural gas that contribute to 80% of global energy consumption and produce greenhouse gases.

Wind power

Sustainable, low-carbon energy source that has become cheaper and more reliable with technological advancements.

Wind farms

Offshore installations that can increase wind energy usage but are expensive to build.

Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS)

Technology to capture and store carbon dioxide emissions from burning coal.

Industry sector

Sector that uses 36% of the world's energy, with over half used in the production of steel, cement, paper, plastic, and aluminum.

Recycled material

Using more recycled material in buildings to reduce the amount of new material needed.

Lightweight cars

Cars designed to be lightweight and use less energy, with a record of 14,000 miles per gallon.

Food-Water-Energy Nexus

The interconnectedness of food, water, and energy systems.

Fracking

The process of injecting liquid at high pressure into rocks to extract oil or gas.

Desalination plants

Facilities used to convert saltwater into freshwater for drinking purposes.1. Lack of water:Insufficient amount of water needed for steam generation or cooling in power plants.

Biofuel

Any fuel derived from biomass.

Decreased rainfall

Reduction in the amount of rainfall.

Lower crop yields

Decrease in the amount of crops produced due to drought.

Tidal energy

Energy generated from the tides.