Resource Conservation (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE Geography)
Revision Note
Written by: Bridgette Barrett
Reviewed by: Jenna Quinn
Resource Conservation
Conservation is the protection and rational use of the environment and natural resources to ensure they are there for future generations
This involves measures that use resources efficiently to extend their existence for as long as possible
Conservation measures include:
Recycling and reuse of resources such as clothing or glass and plastics
Using energy-efficient appliances—these use less energy to power them and less water
Stewardship of protected areas—National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
Greater use of, and investment in, renewable energies
Quotas on resources used—raising quotas to ensure the fish population is not overfished
Protection of particular ecosystems—Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the Antarctica Treaty, which includes agreements about the exploitation of Antarctica
Reducing deforestation
Laws to protect resources and areas
Fines for people/organisations/companies that damage the environment
Reducing the use of or rationing of resources
There are many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that aim to conserve and protect the environment and natural resources;
World Wildlife Fund
Greenpeace
Friends of the Earth
Woodland Trust
Government actions to conserve resources
Congestion charges within cities to reduce traffic
Investment in renewable energy sources
Grants for solar panels
Gas emission limits for vehicles
Charging points for electrical vehicles
Increase in tax on petrol and diesel
Individual actions to conserve resources
Use public transport
Walk or cycle
Reduce, reuse and recycle
Buy energy-efficient appliances
Invest in double glazing and insulation
Wash clothes less often and at lower temperatures
Compost food and garden waste
Worked Example
Study Fig 1, which shows advice about conservation of natural resources.
Explain how following the advice given in Fig 1 can help to conserve natural resources.
[3 marks]
Answer
Uses fewer resources/less demand for resources or example/there are fewer resources wasted [1]
Saves resources for the future [1]
Can use resources again/make more use [1]
Resources last longer [1]
Saves energy [1]
Waste products become useful [1]
Explain the importance of conserving natural resources and the natural environment.
[5 Marks]
Answer
Many are non-renewable/will run out/are finite [1]
Life in the future would not be possible without clean water [1]
Life in the future would not be possible without clean air [1]
Life in the future would not be possible without land for cultivation [1]
To protect habitats [1]
Conserving the natural environment will ensure ecosystems remain in balance [1]
Species do not become extinct/animals do not die [1]
To prevent global warming/acid rain/desertification etc. [1]
Creates conflict/civil rest [1]
Forests act as carbon sinks [1]
Example Case Study: Pearl River Delta, China
Case Study
Located in South-East China, the Pearl River is China's third longest river
The Pearl River enters the South China Sea to the southeast of Guangzhou
The area surrounding where the river enters the sea is the Pearl River Delta
The Pearl River Delta is China's largest economic hub, creating over 9% of China's total GDP
It is the largest urban area or megacity in the world
Over 60 million people live in the region
Pollution sources
Air pollution from power plants
There are both gas- and coal-fired power stations in the region that emit sulphur dioxide, carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxide
Emissions lead to smog and acid rain
They also add to the enhanced greenhouse effect
Toxic waste from factories
Sewage from large populations is released into the rivers
Impacts of pollution
The Pearl River Delta has the highest level of acid rain in China
This leads to acidified groundwater
It also increases heavy metals found in crops and drinking water
This is linked to increased rates of stomach cancer
Increased heavy metals in river water and river sediments, including lead, zinc, chromium, copper, arsenic and mercury
Heavy metals are all harmful to humans and wildlife when absorbed in sufficient quantities
Heavy metals pass through the food chain
Rice cultivated in the area is contaminated with arsenic and poses a health risk to the people who consume it
Pesticides affect wildlife and accumulate in the food chain, impacting human health
Fertilisers lead to eutrophication
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