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Resource Management

A resource is just something that we use -- and in this case we're talking about food, water and energy. Resources such as food, water and energy are needed for basic human development. Access to these three resources affects the economic and social well-being of people and countries. The global supply and consumption of resources is very unequal, and consumption depends on a country's wealth as well as resource availability.

Resources, such as food, water and energy, are needed for basic human development. Access to these three resources affects the economic and social well-being of people and countries. Food: When people can't access enough safe, nutritious food, they can't eat the right balance of nutrients. This can cause malnourishment. Malnourishment includes undernourishment -- where people don't get enough food of any kind. Malnourishment can limit children's development (e.g. by causing iron deficiency). It also increases the likelihood of getting ill -- globally, one third of all under-5s die from diseases linked to malnourishment. Water: People need clean, safe water for drinking, cooking and washing. Without proper sanitation, water sources get polluted by raw sewage. Water-borne diseases such as cholera and typhoid kill many people each year. Water is needed to produce food, clothes and many other products, so it has a big impact on people's lifestyles. Energy: Countries need energy for industry and transport, as well as for use in homes. Electricity can allow countries to develop industry, creating jobs and wealth. Lifestyles in higher income countries (HICs) depend on a large, stable supply of energy. Without electricity, people in lower income countries (LICs) and newly emerging economies (NEEs) may use other resources. Burning wood can lead to local deforestation, so people have to walk further to find fuel. Kerosene stoves can release harmful fumes. Electricity can also power pumps for wells and provide more safe water for communities. A lack of any one of these resources can affect a person's ability to attend school or work. This can prevent people from learning and using skills needed to help their country's economic development.

Key Terms

Resource — Something that we use, such as food, water and energy.
Malnourishment — When people can't eat the right balance of nutrients. Includes undernourishment -- where people don't get enough food of any kind.
Undernourishment — Where people don't get enough food of any kind. A type of malnourishment.

Exam Tips

  • •Make sure you can describe how the demand for food in the UK has changed, including the rise in demand for high-value foods, seasonal products and organic produce.
  • •Learn the key statistics: 10% of UK greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture (2017), 1.1% of UK employment in agriculture (2017), 91% of energy from coal and oil in 1970, 38% of electricity from renewables in 2022.
  • •Be able to explain the difference between water surplus and water deficit in the UK, and know which areas experience each.
  • •Understand the economic AND environmental issues of exploiting energy sources -- exam questions often ask for both sides.
  • •Remember that water demand in the UK has increased by about 70% since 1975, and population is predicted to reach nearly 73 million by 2040.