Key Terms: The Challenge of Resource Management (AQA GCSE Geography): Revision Note

Resource management - key terms glossary

Carbon footprint – The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted by an individual, product, or country, usually measured in tonnes of CO₂ equivalent.

Consumption – The use of resources such as food, water, and energy by people or countries.

Energy mix – The combination of different energy sources used to meet a country's energy needs (e.g. fossil fuels, nuclear, renewables).

Exploitation – The use of natural resources in a way that can cause long-term environmental harm or social injustice.

Fossil fuels – Non-renewable energy sources such as coal, oil, and gas formed from ancient organic matter.

Global inequalities – Differences in access to food, water, and energy between high-income and low-income countries.

Renewable energy – Energy from sources that are naturally replenished, such as wind, solar, and hydro.

Resource – A supply of something useful (e.g. food, water, energy) that people need to survive and improve their lives.

Sustainable resource management – Using resources in a way that meets present needs without compromising future generations’ ability to meet theirs.

Food - key terms glossary

Agribusiness – Large-scale, industrial food production run by companies using intensive farming methods.

Carbon emissions (from food) – Greenhouse gases produced during the growing, processing, transporting, and packaging of food.

Food insecurity – When people do not have reliable access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food.

Food miles – The distance food travels from where it is produced to where it is consumed.

Food security – When people have regular access to enough safe and nutritious food for an active, healthy life.

Irrigation – The artificial watering of land to help grow crops in dry areas.

Organic produce – Food grown without the use of chemical fertilisers, pesticides, or genetically modified organisms.

Permaculture – Sustainable farming practices that mimic natural ecosystems and reduce environmental impact.

Sustainable food supplies – Producing food in a way that protects the environment, supports local communities, and ensures long-term food security.

Undernourishment – When a person’s diet lacks sufficient calories or essential nutrients.

Water - key terms glossary

Desalination – The process of removing salt from seawater to make it suitable for drinking and irrigation.

Groundwater – Water stored underground in permeable rock layers called aquifers.

Grey water – Wastewater from household activities (e.g. baths, sinks) that can be reused for irrigation or flushing toilets.

Industrial water use – Water used for manufacturing and industrial processes, often contributing to pollution.

Irrigation (in agriculture) – The controlled use of water to assist in growing crops, especially in arid areas.

Over-abstraction – Taking too much water from rivers, lakes or groundwater, leading to water shortages or environmental damage.

Pollution – The contamination of water sources with harmful substances such as chemicals, waste, or sewage.

Reservoir – A large, artificial or natural lake used to store water for human use.

Water deficit – When demand for water exceeds available supply in a particular area.

Water stress – A situation where water availability is insufficient to meet the demands of people and the environment.

Water transfer – The movement of water from areas of surplus to areas of deficit, often through pipelines or canals.

Energy - key terms glossary

Biofuels – Fuels made from organic materials such as crops or animal waste, often considered renewable.

Carbon neutral – A process or product that results in zero net carbon emissions, often by offsetting emissions elsewhere.

Energy insecurity – When a country cannot reliably access enough affordable energy to meet its needs.

Energy surplus – When a country produces more energy than it uses, often allowing it to export energy.

Fracking (hydraulic fracturing) – A technique used to extract gas from shale rock by injecting high-pressure liquid into it.

Hydroelectric power (HEP) – Energy generated from the movement of water, typically using dams.

Nuclear power – Energy generated from splitting atoms, producing large amounts of energy with low carbon emissions but potential safety risks.

Non-renewable energy – Sources of energy that will eventually run out, such as coal, oil, and gas.

Renewable energy – Energy sources that will not run out, such as solar, wind, geothermal, and tidal power.

Tidal energy – Electricity generated by harnessing the movement of tides.

Wind power – Energy generated from wind turbines converting wind energy into electricity.