The challenge of resource management

Resource management

Food, water and energy are fundamental to human development.

The significance of food, water and energy to economic and social well-being.

An overview of global inequalities in the supply and consumption of resources.

The changing demand and provision of resources in the UK create opportunities and challenges.

An overview of resources in relation to the UK.

Food:

• the growing demand for high-value food exports from low income countries and all-year demand for seasonal food and organic produce

• larger carbon footprints due to the increasing number of ‘food miles’ traveled, and moves towards local sourcing of food

• the trend towards agribusiness.

Water:

• the changing demand for water

• water quality and pollution management

• matching supply and demand – areas of deficit and surplus

• the need for transfer to maintain supplies.

Energy:

• the changing energy mix – reliance on fossil fuels, growing significance of renewables

• reduced domestic supplies of coal, gas and oil

• economic and environmental issues associated with exploitation of energy sources.

Energy

Demand for energy resources is rising globally but supply can be insecure, which may lead to conflict.

Areas of surplus (security) and deficit (insecurity):

• global distribution of energy consumption and supply

• reasons for increasing energy consumption: economic development, rising population, technology

• factors affecting energy supply: physical factors, cost of exploitation and production, technology and political factors.

Impacts of energy insecurity – exploration of difficult and environmentally sensitive areas, economic and environmental costs, food production, industrial output, potential for conflict where demand exceeds supply.

Different strategies can be used to increase energy supply.

Overview of strategies to increase energy supply:

• renewable (biomass, wind, hydro, tidal, geothermal, wave and solar) and non-renewable (fossil fuels and nuclear power) sources of energy

• an example to show how the extraction of a fossil fuel has both advantages and disadvantages. [Northumberland coal or Gannett oilfield]

Moving towards a sustainable resource future:

• individual energy use and carbon footprints. Energy conservation: designing homes, workplaces and transport for sustainability, demand reduction, use of technology to increase efficiency in the use of fossil fuels

• an example of a local renewable energy scheme in an LIC or NEE to provide sustainable supplies of energy. [Tanzania]