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Using natural resources: water, food and energy
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Everyone needs water, food and energy. These resources are spread unevenly, and some will run out.
Renewable or not?
Renewable resources will not run out if managed well: wind, solar, water, wood from sustainable forests.
Non-renewable resources are finite: fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas) and many minerals took millions of years to form and will run out.
Most of the world's energy still comes from fossil fuels, which release carbon dioxide when burned.
Water and food
Water stress happens when demand is greater than supply, as in many dry, fast-growing regions.
Food security means people always have enough safe, nutritious food. Climate, conflict, poverty and waste all affect it.
Sustainability
Examples: switching to renewable energy, saving water, cutting food waste, recycling and protecting forests.
The UK has greatly increased electricity from wind power, including large offshore wind farms.
Give one advantage and one disadvantage of wind power.
- Advantage: it is renewable and does not release carbon dioxide while making electricity.
- Disadvantage: it only works when the wind blows, so supply varies.
- Some people also object to how turbines look or sound.
Answer: Renewable and low-carbon, but the supply varies with the wind.
Renewable resources (wind, solar, water) can last if managed; non-renewable ones (coal, oil, gas) will run out. About 97% of Earth's water is salt water. Water stress and food security are global challenges. Sustainable use meets today's needs without harming future generations.
The interactive lesson includes the diagrams for this topic.
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