Resource Reliance and Demand Factors

Resource Reliance

• Resources are essential for human life, including food, water, and energy.
• Demand for resources is increasing rapidly, often outpacing the supply.
• Access to resources varies geographically.

Factors Driving Resource Demands

• 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.

Challenges in Meeting Resource Demands

• 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.

Environmental Impacts of Resource Extraction

• 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

• 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 and Boserup Theories

• 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.