Resource Conservation (Cambridge International IGCSE Geography)

Spec point — 3.7.4 · Understand the importance of resource conservation

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]

Final answer: 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]

Final answer: 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

Spec point — 3.7.4 · An area where economic development is taking place & causing the environment to be at risk

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