What: To use the information already learnt to summarize the environmental risks of economic development
WHAT I NEED TO BE ABLE TO :
WHAT I NEED TO BE ABLE TO :
- Describe how economic activities may pose threats to the natural environment, locally and globally
- Demonstrate the need for sustainable development and management
- Understand the importance of resource conservation
Global warming
he Greenhouse Effect is a natural process which is vital to the existence of mankind. Greenhouse gases help to warm the planet and without them the Earth would be dramatically colder and unable to support life on a large scale. Shortwave radiation from the Sun passes through the atmosphere where it is absorbed and radiated by the Earth. The radiation is in the form of long wave radiation, not all of which escapes back into space. Some is trapped and reflected back by a layer of greenhouse gases. The reflected energy returns to Earth where is it absorbed warming the planet.
The problem with greenhouse gases is than mankind is increasing the concentrations of greenhouse gases within the atmosphere, which then in turn trap more heat creating further warming.
Greenhouse gases are any gases that absorb and emit radiation in the thermal infrared range. They most commonly include carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, sulphur dioxide, nitrous oxide, water vapour and ozone.
Greenhouse gases can be produced in a number of ways:
problems caused by global warming
Mitigation is where you try to reduce the effects of global warming
The problem with greenhouse gases is than mankind is increasing the concentrations of greenhouse gases within the atmosphere, which then in turn trap more heat creating further warming.
Greenhouse gases are any gases that absorb and emit radiation in the thermal infrared range. They most commonly include carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, sulphur dioxide, nitrous oxide, water vapour and ozone.
Greenhouse gases can be produced in a number of ways:
- transportation
- animals (cows produce large amounts of methane)
- burning fossil fuels
- melting permafrost releases methane
- industry
- domestic use
- changes in the Sun’s solar radiation (sunspot theory)
- release of gases into the atmosphere during volcanic eruptions
- changes in the Earth’s orbit and tilt of the axis, changing the distance of the Earth from the Sun (Milankovitch cycles)
problems caused by global warming
- RISING SEA LEVELS rising temperatures are causing glaciers and ice caps to melt, this is adding to the volume of water within the worlds oceans, meaning that sea levels have to rise. This can then cause further problems due to coastal flooding and the loss of land.
- LOSS OF BIODIVERSITY the habitats of many plants and animals are changing due to the warming temperatures experienced. Although some animals will be able to adapt or migrate to new areas, others are likely to face extinction.
- ENVIRONMENTAL REFUGEES some low lying island nations are under threat from rising sea levels, this is placing their inhabitants at risk meaning that many are being forced to leave their homes to seek safety elsewhere.
- CHANGES IN OCEAN CURRENTS the ocean currents are vital in maintaining the climate of many regions as they redistribute heat from the equator towards the poles. There is the possibility that some of these currents, such as the Gulf Stream, may weaken or stop. This could then see the climate of particular regions change dramatically.
- LOSS OF INDUSTRY Coastal industries like tourism and fishing will be effected as sea levels rise, as tourism destinations and fishing communities could be destroyed.
- DROUGHTS AND FAMINES increasing temperatures and declining levels of precipitation can mean than farming is likely to become increasingly difficult. These changes in climate could result in many crops failing, resulting in famine.
- DISEASES rising temperatures could see mosquitos being able to survive in a greater range of environments, meaning that diseases such as malaria are likely to become more widespread and common. Also diseases like skin cancer are also increasing as the global climate changes.
- INCREASED TROPICAL STORMS some scientists believe that warming temperatures are increasing the magnitude and frequency of tropical storms.
- HEAT WAVES rising temperatures are resulting in an increase in the magnitude and frequency of heat waves experienced.
- MELTING PERMAFROST the melting permafrost releases large amount of methane, which is increasing the greenhouse effect, and is also releasing freshwater into the oceans which may affect the ocean currents.
- IMPROVED ARCTIC NAVIGATION the amount of Arctic ice is declining which is opening up new shipping routes through the Arctic regions, these are much quicker than traditional shipping routes.
- INCREASED AGRICULTURAL LAND melting permafrost is opening up new land to agriculture, which could be vital in providing food to meet the demands of the rising population.
- ACCESSIBILITY OF RESOURCES many scientists believe that there are reserves of fossil fuels under icecaps in Greenland, Alaska, Siberia and Antarctica.
- REDUCED HEATING if global temperatures continue to rise then people will have to spend less on heating within their homes. This will save money but also reduce the demand for energy, reducing the amount of greenhouse gases being emitted into the atmosphere.
- INCREASED TOURISM as global temperatures rise nations, such as the UK, are likely to experience a rise in the income from tourism as people will decide to holiday in the UK rather than going abroad.
- RELEASE OF FRESHWATER the majority of the world's freshwater is trapped in glaciers. With rising temperatures it is likely that some of this freshwater will be release and if captured could be used to reduce some of the effects of droughts.
- REDUCTION IN COLD DEATHS the young and old are especially vulnerable to the cold. Therefore if global temperatures continue to rise then the number of deaths resulting from the cold should decline.
Mitigation is where you try to reduce the effects of global warming
- RENEWABLE ENERGY
- REDUCE, REUSE, RECYCLE
- AFFORESTATION
- CARBON SEQUESTRATION (capturing carbon dioxide before it is released into the atmosphere)
- INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS (Kyoto Protocol meant countries promised to attempt to limit the amount of greenhouse gases released)
- HYBRID CARS
- BUILD MORE SEA DEFENCES
- IMPROVED METEOROLOGY
- DISEASE TREATMENT (many diseases will become more prevalent so we could research new cures and treatments to reduce their impacts)
- DESALINATION (removing salt from salt water to create water which is fit for human consumption)
- RESETTLEMENT
- AIR CON OR HEATING
Environmental risks of economic development
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POLLUTION
What is it?
"The contamination of air, water, or soil by substances that are harmful to living organisms. Pollution can occur naturally, for example
through volcanic eruptions, or as the result of human activities, such as the spilling of oil or disposal of industrial waste."
The main types of pollution are:
Pollution can be categorized into 2 different types:
TYPES OF POLLUTION
AIR
According to the dictionary, air pollution is the contamination of air by smoke and harmful gases, mainly oxides of carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen. Some examples of air pollution include:
LAND
Land pollution is the degradation of the Earth's surface caused by a misuse of resources and improper disposal of waste. Some examples of land pollution include:
RADIOACTIVE
Radioactive pollution is rare but extremely detrimental, and even deadly, when it occurs. Because of its intensity and the difficulty of reversing damage, there are strict government regulations to control radioactive pollution.
Sources of radioactive contamination include:
WATER
Water pollution is the contamination of any body of water (lakes, groundwater, oceans, etc). Some examples of water pollution:
THERMAL
Thermal pollution is the increase of temperature caused by human activity. A few examples of this include:
LIGHT
Light pollution is the brightening of the night sky inhibiting the visibility of stars and planets by the use of improper lighting of communities. Some examples of what causes light pollution:
SOIL EROSION AND DESERTIFICATION
What is it?
"The contamination of air, water, or soil by substances that are harmful to living organisms. Pollution can occur naturally, for example
through volcanic eruptions, or as the result of human activities, such as the spilling of oil or disposal of industrial waste."
The main types of pollution are:
- Water Pollution.
- Air Pollution.
- Land Pollution.
- Thermal Pollution.
- Radioactive Pollution.
- Noise Pollution.
- Light Pollution.
Pollution can be categorized into 2 different types:
- Incidental Pollution - this is one off pollution typically caused by a one off disaster or even eg. Chernobyl nuclear meltdown.
- Sustained Pollution - This is persistent long term pollution typically caused by factories or indursty.
TYPES OF POLLUTION
AIR
According to the dictionary, air pollution is the contamination of air by smoke and harmful gases, mainly oxides of carbon, sulfur, and nitrogen. Some examples of air pollution include:
- Exhaust fumes from vehicles
- The burning of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, or gas
- Harmful off-gasing from things such as paint, plastic production, and so on
- Radiation spills or nuclear accidents
LAND
Land pollution is the degradation of the Earth's surface caused by a misuse of resources and improper disposal of waste. Some examples of land pollution include:
- Litter found on the side of the road
- Illegal dumping in natural habitats
- Oil spills that happen inland
- The use of pesticides and other farming chemicals
- Damage and debris caused from unsustainable mining and logging practices
- Radiation spills or nuclear accidents
RADIOACTIVE
Radioactive pollution is rare but extremely detrimental, and even deadly, when it occurs. Because of its intensity and the difficulty of reversing damage, there are strict government regulations to control radioactive pollution.
Sources of radioactive contamination include:
- Nuclear power plant accidents or leakage
- Improper nuclear waste disposal
- Uranium mining operations
WATER
Water pollution is the contamination of any body of water (lakes, groundwater, oceans, etc). Some examples of water pollution:
- Raw sewage running into lake or streams
- Industrial waste spills contaminating groundwater
- Radiation spills or nuclear accidents
- Illegal dumping of substances or items within bodies of water
- Biological contamination, such as bacteria growth
- Farm runoff into nearby bodies of water
THERMAL
Thermal pollution is the increase of temperature caused by human activity. A few examples of this include:
- Warmer lake water from nearby manufacturing (using cool water to cool the plant and then pump it back into the lake)
- Included in thermal pollution should also be the increase in temperatures in areas with lots of concrete or vehicles, generally in cities
- Airplanes, helicopters, and motor vehicles
- Construction or demolition noise
- Human activities such as sporting events or concerts
LIGHT
Light pollution is the brightening of the night sky inhibiting the visibility of stars and planets by the use of improper lighting of communities. Some examples of what causes light pollution:
- Street lamps that shine light in all directions, instead of with a hood to point light downward toward the street.
- Extra, unnecessary lights around the home
- Cities that run lights all night long
SOIL EROSION AND DESERTIFICATION
- Soil erosion is a naturally occurring process that affects all landforms. In agriculture, soil erosion refers to the wearing away of a field's topsoil by the natural physical forces of water and wind or through forces associated with farming activities such as tillage.
- Soil degradation is the decline in soil quality caused by its improper use, usually for agricultural, pastural, industrial or urban purposes. Soil degradation is a serious global environmental problem and may be exacerbated by climate change.
- Desertification can result from poorly managed human intervention in the savannah. Areas of desert are created by the destruction of natural vegetation. Causes of desertification include:
- Removal of vegetation cover.
- Overgrazing.
- Uncontrolled fuel wood collection.
- Unsustainable farming practice and loss in fertility of soil.
- Excessive tree felling.
Sustainable development and management
Development: refers to the standard of living and quality of life of its human inhabitants. In this context, development is a process of change that affects people's lives. It may involve an improvement in the quality of life as perceived by the people undergoing change.
Sustainable development: is development that meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
Examples of Sustainable Development
- Solar Energy The greatest advantages of solar energy are that it is completely free and is available in limitless supply. Both of these factors provide a huge benefit to consumers and help reduce pollution. Replacing non-renewable energy with this type of energy is both environmentally and financially effective.
- Wind Energy Wind energy is another readily available energy source. Harnessing the power of wind energy necessitates the use of windmills; however, due to construction cost and finding a suitable location, this kind of energy is meant to service more than just the individual. Wind energy can supplement or even replace the cost of grid power, and therefore may be a good investment and remains a great example of sustainable development.
- Crop Rotation Crop rotation is defined as “the successive planting of different crops on the same land to improve soil fertility and help control insects and diseases.” This farming practice is beneficial in several ways, most notably because it is chemical-free. Crop rotation has been proven to maximize the growth potential of land, while also preventing disease and insects in the soil. Not only can this form of development benefit commercial farmers, but it can also aid those who garden at home.
- Efficient Water Fixtures Replacing current construction practices and supporting the installation of efficient shower heads, toilets and other water appliances can conserve one of Earth’s most precious resources: water. Examples of efficient fixtures include products from the EPA’s WaterSense program, as well as dual-flush and composting toilets. According to the EPA, it takes a lot of energy to produce and transport water and to process waste water, and since less than one percent of the Earth’s available water supply is fresh water, it is important that sustainable water use is employed at the individual and societal level.
- Green Space Green spaces include parks and other areas where plants and wildlife are encouraged to thrive. These spaces also offer the public great opportunities to enjoy outdoor recreation, especially in dense, urban areas. According to the UW-Madison Department of Urban and Regional Planning, advantages of green spaces include, “helping regulate air quality and climate … reducing energy consumption by countering the warming effects of paved surfaces … recharging groundwater supplies and protecting lakes and streams from polluted runoff.” Research conducted in the U.K. by the University of Exeter Medical School also found that moving to a greener area could lead to significant and lasting improvements to an individual’s mental health.
Exam questions
2007: Human activities often pose a threat to the natural environment. These include economic activities such as:
• mining and quarrying • agriculture • transport • providing energy
Choose one of the activities from the list above and name an area where the environment is at risk from this activity. Explain how it has affected the natural environment of your chosen area. [7]
2010: Human activities may cause water and air pollution. Choose an example which you have studied of either water pollution or air pollution. Describe the causes of this pollution and its effects on people and the environment. [7]
2013: Name an example of a sea, lake or river which has been polluted by human activity and explain the causes of this pollution. [7]
2013: For a named river, sea or lake which you have studied, describe the causes of water pollution. [7]
2016: For a named area you have studied, state an economic activity which takes place which threatens the natural environment and explain how these threats are being managed. [7]
2017: For an example of an economic activity in a named area you have studied, describe how the threats to the natural environment are being managed. [7]
• mining and quarrying • agriculture • transport • providing energy
Choose one of the activities from the list above and name an area where the environment is at risk from this activity. Explain how it has affected the natural environment of your chosen area. [7]
2010: Human activities may cause water and air pollution. Choose an example which you have studied of either water pollution or air pollution. Describe the causes of this pollution and its effects on people and the environment. [7]
2013: Name an example of a sea, lake or river which has been polluted by human activity and explain the causes of this pollution. [7]
2013: For a named river, sea or lake which you have studied, describe the causes of water pollution. [7]
2016: For a named area you have studied, state an economic activity which takes place which threatens the natural environment and explain how these threats are being managed. [7]
2017: For an example of an economic activity in a named area you have studied, describe how the threats to the natural environment are being managed. [7]