Study resource

Section C: The challenge of resource management key terms

Use these key terms for Section C: The challenge of resource management in AQA Geography 8035. The page is built from approved learning objectives for this topic and links back to the wider unit, topic hub, and related revision assets.

At a glance

key terms

Resource type

Topic

Section C: The challenge of resource management

AQAGCSEGeographyChallenges in the human environment

Key terms

  • Resource management

    The process of managing the supply and consumption of resources such as food, water, and energy to ensure economic and social well-being.

  • Economic well-being

    The state of having stable income or other resources that support a standard of living now and in the foreseeable future.

  • Global Inequalities

    Disparities in the distribution and access to resources across different regions and populations.

  • Resource Consumption

    The use of natural resources by individuals, communities, and nations to meet their needs.

  • Food Miles

    The distance food travels from production to consumer, impacting carbon footprint and sustainability.

  • Agribusiness

    Commercial farming operations that integrate various agricultural activities, including production, processing, and distribution.

  • Water Quality

    The condition of water based on its physical, chemical, and biological characteristics, affecting its suitability for various uses.

  • Water Transfer

    The process of moving water from one location to another to manage supply and meet demand, often involving infrastructure like pipelines and reservoirs.

  • energy mix

    In Resource management, energy mix means the combination of different energy sources used to meet a region's energy needs. This matters in Section C: The challenge of resource management because it supports the learning objective to describe UK energy resource issues including the changing energy mix, reliance on fossil fuels, renewables, reduced domestic fossil fuel supplies and exploitation issues. Use energy mix only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, evidence-aware, and useful for AQA GCSE Geography 8035 revision.

  • fossil fuels

    Natural substances formed from the remains of ancient plants and animals, used as a primary energy source.

  • calorie intake

    In Food (optional route), calorie intake means the amount of energy consumed from food and drink, measured in calories. This matters in Section C: The challenge of resource management because it supports the learning objective to describe global patterns of calorie intake and food supply. Use calorie intake only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, evidence-aware, and useful for AQA GCSE Geography 8035 revision.

  • food supply

    In Food (optional route), food supply means the availability of food resources to meet the dietary needs of a population. This matters in Section C: The challenge of resource management because it supports the learning objective to describe global patterns of calorie intake and food supply. Use food supply only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, evidence-aware, and useful for AQA GCSE Geography 8035 revision.

  • economic development

    The process of improving the economic well-being and quality of life for a community by increasing the wealth and resources available.

  • rising population

    An increase in the number of people living in a specific area, which can lead to higher demand for food and resources.

  • food supply

    In Food (optional route), food supply means the availability of food resources to meet the needs of a population. This matters in Section C: The challenge of resource management because it supports the learning objective to explain factors affecting food supply including climate, technology, pests and disease, water stress, conflict and poverty. Use food supply only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, evidence-aware, and useful for AQA GCSE Geography 8035 revision.

  • water stress

    A situation where the demand for water exceeds the available supply, impacting food production and consumption.

  • food insecurity

    A condition where people lack reliable access to sufficient quantities of affordable, nutritious food.

  • famine

    In Food (optional route), famine means a severe shortage of food resulting in widespread hunger and significant mortality. This matters in Section C: The challenge of resource management because it supports the learning objective to explain impacts of food insecurity including famine, undernutrition, soil erosion, rising prices and social unrest. Use famine only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, evidence-aware, and useful for AQA GCSE Geography 8035 revision.

  • Irrigation

    In Food (optional route), Irrigation means a method of supplying water to crops to enhance food production. This matters in Section C: The challenge of resource management because it supports the learning objective to explain strategies to increase food supply including irrigation, aeroponics, hydroponics, the new green revolution, biotechnology and appropriate technology. Use Irrigation only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, evidence-aware, and useful for AQA GCSE Geography 8035 revision.

  • Biotechnology

    The use of living organisms or their systems to develop or create products, often used to improve food supply.

  • large-scale agricultural development

    A significant agricultural project that involves extensive land use and resources to increase food production.

  • advantages and disadvantages

    The positive and negative aspects or outcomes associated with a particular agricultural development project.

  • sustainable food supply

    Strategies that ensure food production meets current needs without compromising future generations, including practices like organic farming and permaculture.

  • permaculture

    An agricultural system that seeks to create sustainable and self-sufficient ecosystems by integrating land, resources, people, and the environment.

  • sustainable food supply

    Food production methods that meet current needs without compromising future generations' ability to produce food.

  • local LIC or NEE scheme

    A specific project or initiative in a Low-Income Country (LIC) or Newly Emerging Economy (NEE) aimed at enhancing food sustainability.

  • Water Surplus

    In Water (optional route), Water Surplus means an area where the amount of water available exceeds the demand for water. This matters in Section C: The challenge of resource management because it supports the learning objective to describe global patterns of water surplus and water deficit. Use Water Surplus only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, evidence-aware, and useful for AQA GCSE Geography 8035 revision.

  • Water Deficit

    In Water (optional route), Water Deficit means in water (optional route), water deficit means an area where the demand for water exceeds the available supply of water. this matters in section c: the challenge of resource management because it supports the learning objective to describe global patterns of water surplus and water deficit. use water deficit only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, evidence-aware, and useful for aqa gcse geography 8035 revision. Use it specifically when describing the global distribution of water surplus and water deficit, including how climate, rainfall reliability, population demand, and access to supply create a pattern. This distinct definition supports Describe global patterns of water surplus and water deficit. in Section C: The challenge of resource management.

  • economic development

    The process of improving the economic well-being and quality of life for a community by increasing the wealth and resources available.

  • rising population

    An increase in the number of individuals living in a specific area, which can lead to higher demand for resources such as water.

  • Over-abstraction

    The excessive extraction of water from a source, leading to depletion and potential environmental harm.

  • Water availability

    The accessibility of water resources for use, influenced by factors such as climate, geology, and infrastructure.

  • water insecurity

    A situation where access to safe and sufficient water is limited, leading to negative impacts on health, food production, and social stability.

  • waterborne disease

    Illnesses caused by pathogens in contaminated water, which can lead to serious health issues and increased mortality rates.

  • Desalination

    In Water (optional route), Desalination means a process that removes salt and minerals from seawater to produce fresh water. This matters in Section C: The challenge of resource management because it supports the learning objective to explain strategies to increase water supply including diverting supplies, increasing storage, dams, reservoirs, water transfers and desalination. Use Desalination only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, evidence-aware, and useful for AQA GCSE Geography 8035 revision.

  • Water Transfer

    The movement of water from one area to another to manage water supply and address deficits.

  • large-scale water transfer scheme

    A project designed to move water from areas of surplus to areas of deficit to meet demand.

  • advantages and disadvantages

    The positive and negative aspects or outcomes associated with a particular scheme or project.

  • Water conservation

    In Water (optional route), Water conservation means the practice of using water efficiently to reduce unnecessary water usage. This matters in Section C: The challenge of resource management because it supports the learning objective to explain sustainable water strategies including water conservation, groundwater management, recycling and grey water. Use Water conservation only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, evidence-aware, and useful for AQA GCSE Geography 8035 revision.

  • Groundwater management

    The process of managing and protecting groundwater resources to ensure sustainable supply.

  • sustainable water supply

    The provision of water resources in a manner that meets current needs without compromising future availability.

  • local LIC or NEE scheme

    A specific project or initiative in a Low-Income Country (LIC) or Newly Emerging Economy (NEE) aimed at enhancing water sustainability.

  • Energy consumption

    The amount of energy used by individuals, communities, or countries over a specific period.

  • Energy supply

    The total amount of energy available for use, derived from various sources including fossil fuels and renewables.

  • Energy consumption

    The amount of energy used by individuals, communities, or nations, often increasing due to economic development and population growth.

  • Economic development

    The process of improving the economic well-being and quality of life for a community by increasing the wealth and resources available.

  • Exploitation cost

    In Energy (optional route), Exploitation cost means the financial expense associated with extracting and utilizing energy resources. This matters in Section C: The challenge of resource management because it supports the learning objective to explain factors affecting energy supply including physical factors, exploitation cost, production cost, technology and political factors. Use Exploitation cost only in this subtopic-relevant sense so the definition stays concise, evidence-aware, and useful for AQA GCSE Geography 8035 revision.

  • Political factors

    Government policies and regulations that influence energy supply and distribution.

  • Energy insecurity

    The risk of insufficient energy supply due to factors such as exploration challenges, economic costs, and environmental impacts.

  • Economic costs

    The financial implications associated with energy insecurity, including increased prices and investment in alternative energy sources.

  • renewable energy

    Energy sourced from natural processes that are continuously replenished, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.

  • non-renewable energy

    Energy derived from finite resources that cannot be replenished within a human timescale, such as fossil fuels and nuclear energy.

  • Fossil Fuel Extraction

    The process of obtaining fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and natural gas from the Earth.

  • Advantages and Disadvantages

    The positive and negative impacts associated with fossil fuel extraction, including economic benefits and environmental concerns.

  • carbon footprint

    The total amount of greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product, usually expressed in equivalent tons of CO2.

  • individual energy use

    The amount of energy consumed by a single person, which can include electricity, heating, transportation, and other energy-related activities.

  • energy conservation

    The practice of reducing energy consumption through efficient design, demand reduction, and improved technology.

  • fossil fuel efficiency

    The effectiveness of using fossil fuels in a way that maximizes energy output while minimizing waste and environmental impact.

  • renewable energy

    Energy derived from resources that are replenished naturally, such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power.

  • sustainable energy supply

    Energy supply that meets present needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.

Section C: The challenge of resource management key terms | AQA… | ExamCompanion