Resource Reliance and Demand Factors

Study Notes

Population Growth: The global population is rising exponentially (currently 7.8 billion), projected to reach 9 billion by 2050. This increases the demand for all resources.
Economic Development: Developing countries (LDCs and EDCs) require increased energy and resources as they industrialize and adopt lifestyles of developed countries (ACs). Need for more water in food production is also increasing.
Technological Advancements: Demand for resources required for new technologies (electronics, robotics) is growing rapidly. Humans are actively seeking to acquire more resources through innovation.

Climate Change: Weather patterns and temperatures are changing, impacting farming and resource availability. Rainfall patterns are becoming more unpredictable.
Geological Constraints: Not all countries have access to necessary resources like fossil fuels and minerals. Specific rock types limit the availability of water storage.
Conflicts: War may disrupt transport and damage infrastructure essential for delivering resources.
Poverty: In many regions, limitations exist in accessing technologies and resources due to poverty and lack of financial capabilities.

Water Management: Building dams and reservoirs can affect ecosystems and disrupt natural water flow. Artificial constructions are unsustainable in the long term.
Fishing: Overfishing of certain species and destructive fishing practices have negative effects on marine ecosystems.
Farming: Increased reliance on pesticides and fertilizers are harming biodiversity, thus reducing the ecological balance. Heavy machinery can lead to soil erosion.
Energy Resources (Deforestation and Mining): Logging using modern machinery negatively impact forests, disrupting habitats and emitting greenhouse gases. Mining activities may pollute soil and water.

Food security is the ability of people to access food to maintain a healthy life.
Insecurity arises when people lack such access and are unsure about their next meal.
Many factors influence food security, including poverty, conflict, and environmental issues (e.g., climate change).

Malthus: Believed population growth would outstrip food production, leading to widespread famine and societal collapse.
Boserup: Argued that humans would find ways to manage and increase food production if needed, despite population growth. Technology and innovative methods would play a key role in this.