Yr 12 Geo Topic 1 Revision Questions PDF

REVISION QUESTIONS Sustainability in the contemporary world What is sustainability Define sustainability (1) “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Define sustainable development (1) ○ "Sustainable...

REVISION QUESTIONS Sustainability in the contemporary world What is sustainability Define sustainability (1) “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Define sustainable development (1) ○ "Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs." ○ Sustainable development is a broad term to describe policies, projects and investments that provide benefits today without sacrificing environmental, social and personal health in the future. Outline the FOUR pillars of sustainability (4) THE SOCIAL PILLAR: Focuses on maintaining and improving social equality by considering the importance and implications of values such as cohesion, well being, reciprocity, thriving, peace, inclusivity and relationships Considers how to preserve and acknowledge the nature and effect of individual and collective impact on others An understanding of equality and human rights are used to support the social pillar of sustainability Are people being looked after? THE ECONOMIC PILLAR: Focuses on improving economic growth and standards of living through efficient resource use Profit making and economic growth of a business are important because they are indicators of a service/product being useful. However, economic sustainability must consider the nature and rate of growth and it’s potential to harm ecological systems and relationships among people A circular economy model is emerging as an example of a more sustainable way to run the economy THE ENVIRONMENTAL PILLAR: Focuses on preserving the environment and adopting a more rational use of resources such as minerals, to maintain biodiversity and improve the quality of the land, air and waterways. This pillar considers renewable energy, local suppliers, eco-friendly design and digital transformation as ways to achieve economic growth with minimal harm to the environment and society. THE CULTURAL PILLAR: Focuses on protecting, developing and expressing values and cultural diversity to achieve more satisfactory intellectual, emotion, moral and spiritual existence Access to a diverse pool of beliefs and practices is integral for cohesion and belonging, development, and peaceful coexistence. Prosperity, creativity and innovation All the pillars work together to function, allowing sustainability to be achieved What are the principles of ecologically sustainable development? Outline the precautionary principle (2)  ○ The precautionary principle is a policy tool used in environmental law that encourages decision makers to pause, review and evaluate potential consequences on the environment when there is a reasonable level of scientific uncertainty. ○ A lack of full scientific certainty should not be used as a reason for postponing measures to prevent environmental degradation ○ Argues that it is better to act NOW, rather than later, even if we don’t have certain proof of all the future outcomes ○ The Precautionary Principle essentially argues that it is “better to be safe than sorry”. Act now, even if you don’t have all the information, to avoid more harm in the future. Outline intergenerational equity (2) ○ The principle of ‘Intergenerational Equity’ states that the present generation should ensure that the health, diversity and productivity of the environment are maintained or enhanced for the benefit of future generations. ○ Recognises that we have responsibility and moral obligation to manage the environment so that subsequent generations are able to survive and flourish ○ At this rate, younger generations will disproportionately experience the negative consequences of environmental damage. Intergenerational equity and justice therefore requires we act NOW to preserve the environment, rather than waiting for future generations to fix it. Outline conservation of biological diversity and ecological integrity (2) ○ ‘Biological diversity’ is the variety of living animal and plant life from all sources. It includes diversity within and between species and diversity of ecosystems. ○ Ecological integrity is about maintaining the diversity and quality of ecosystems and enhancing their capacity to adapt to change and provide for the needs of future generations. Argues that if we fail to conserve biodiversity and ecological integrity that complex ecosystems will collapse and negatively impact future generations. Biodiversity acts as a safety net and insurance for the unpredictable things the future brings. Biodiversity can help an ecosystem stay resilient and recover from change. Opportunities and challenges for achieving global sustainability Explain the purpose of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (4) Describe the role of global forums, agreements and cooperation in achieving sustainability (3) Investigation of ONE global economic activity (Oyster Aquaculture) The nature and spatial patterns of the economic activity  Describe the nature of oyster aquaculture (what is it and how does it work) (3) ○ Oyster farming is an aquaculture practice in which oysters are bred and raised mainly for their pearls, shells and inner organ tissue, which is eaten. ○ Oyster growing methods include: rack and bag culture, floating culture, bottom culture, stake culture, suspended nets and long line culture. Oyster aquaculture, also known as oyster farming, is a form of mariculture where oysters are cultivated and raised under controlled conditions. This practice involves several key steps: Spawning and Hatchery: Oyster farmers induce spawning by manipulating environmental conditions like temperature and water quality. Fertilized eggs develop into larvae, which are then nurtured in hatcheries until they reach a suitable size for settlement. Seed Production: Larvae are encouraged to attach to specific surfaces, such as oyster shells or artificial substrates. These young oysters, called spat, are carefully collected and transferred to growing areas. On-Growing: The spat are placed in various cultivation systems, including: Bottom Culture: Oysters are directly placed on the seabed, where they attach to natural or artificial structures. Off-Bottom Culture: Oysters are raised in controlled environments, such as cages, trays, or suspended on ropes. This method offers better protection from predators and allows for more efficient monitoring and management. Harvesting: Once oysters reach market size, they are harvested. The timing of harvest depends on factors like species, desired size, and market demand. Oyster farming has gained popularity due to its potential for sustainable seafood production, environmental benefits, and economic opportunities. It provides a reliable supply of high-quality oysters while minimizing pressure on wild populations. Describe the spatial patterns of ONE global economic activity you have studied (3) The spatial distribution of oyster aquaculture production globally is heavily concentrated in Asia, with China being the dominant producer, accounting for approximately 85% of the global production in 2018. Other significant oyster-producing countries include France, the United States, South Korea, Japan, and the Philippines. The production is also influenced by factors such as market demand, government policies, and disease outbreaks. The production is primarily concentrated in coastal areas with suitable environmental conditions for oyster growth, such as water temperature, salinity, and nutrient availability. For example, the market demand for oysters in Asia, particularly in China, has driven the growth of oyster aquaculture in the region. Additionally, government support for aquaculture development in some countries has also contributed to the growth of oyster production. ○ China: The Chinese government has heavily invested in aquaculture, providing subsidies, research funding, and infrastructure development. This support has significantly contributed to China's dominance in global oyster production. ○ South Korea: The South Korean government has implemented various policies to promote sustainable aquaculture, including technical assistance, research funding, and market development initiatives. ○ Japan: The Japanese government has supported aquaculture through research and development, technical training, and financial incentives.  Overall, the spatial distribution of oyster aquaculture production is highly concentrated in Asia, with China being the dominant producer. However, production is also increasing in other regions, albeit at a slower pace. The production is concentrated in coastal areas with suitable environmental conditions and is influenced by various factors, including market demand, government policies, and disease outbreaks. Influences on the global economic activity Discuss how biophysical factors have influenced ONE global economic activity you have studied (6) Temperature → directly impacts oyster metabolism, feeding and growth rates. Excessive heat (above 35 degrees) can kill or stress oysters impacting reproduction. Rainfall → Prolonged rainfall and flooding can alter salinity levels due to freshwater inflows. This can lead to susceptibility to disease. Rainfall also leads to increased runoff of nutrients and pollutants which can impact oyster habitats. Water quality can include aspects such as pH, turbidity and salinity. Oysters thrive in very specific conditions, and if these become imbalanced, then issues can occur. Oysters rely on calcium carbonate to build their shells, a process sensitive to pH levels. Lower pH (acidic conditions) hinders shell formation, especially in young oysters, impacting growth and survival. Rising CO2 levels in the atmosphere increase ocean acidity, posing a long term threat to oyster aquaculture by weakening their shells and making them more prone to disease. oysters can be susceptible to diseases which can spread across entire estuaries Common diseases include QX, POMS (Pacific Oyster Mortality Syndrome) and Winter mortality. Temperature changes are a significant factor in disease outbreak. Warmer temperatures in summer months can trigger viral and bacterial infections (QX and POMS). Winter conditions on the other hand can contribute to winter mortality in regions. Fluctuating salinity levels due to rainfall and drought can stress oysters and make them more susceptible to disease, which weaken immune systems. Discuss how economic factors have influenced ONE global economic activity you have studied (6) Supply and demand refers to the relationship between the quantity of oysters that producers will to sell at a price, and the quantity that consumers wish to buy. The global supply of oysters is dominated by China (86%), while other countries produce at much lower rates Most oysters are consumed domestically, rather than internationally as oysters are an easily perishable item. This means there is limited global production of oysters. There are also many supply chain issues that exist at a global level such as transportation issues, labour shortages and geopolitical tensions.  The COVID 19 pandemic severely impacted global seafood trade, restricting access to international markets and causing revenue losses for oyster farm Demand varies globally, but they are a popular as a premium, gourmet food particularly in Australia, North America and Europe. There is an increasing demand for oysters in the Asia region. Countries in Asia are developing, and a growing middle class creates more disposable income for spending on luxury items. There has also been a growth in demand from eco-conscious consumers who are more aware of the environmental impacts of food production. As oyster production is considered fairly sustainable, this makes it attractive to eco conscious consumers. Discuss how technological factors have influenced ONE global economic activity you have studied (6) Having efficient transport methods is important for oyster aquaculture, as production often occurs in non-urban areas. Therefore, transport networks are required to connect to cities where the product is mostly consumed (ie. restaurants and fish markets). Improved transport has the following advantages: Preserving freshness: Advancements in refrigerated transport methods means better storage and prolonged freshness Opens up more access to trade further Faster delivery times: Advancements in logistics and real time tracking technology better match supply to demand Faster and more efficient delivery, higher customer satisfaction, less waste Genetic resistant breeding programs → Researchers have identified specific genes associated with resistance to QX disease, allowing breeders to select oysters that are more likely to survive exposure to QX This genetic selection can be further refined through genomic tools like genome-wide association studies (GWAS), which link genetic traits to disease resistance. Tools for early detection → Advances in molecular diagnostics have made it easier and faster to detect QX in oyster tissues, even at low levels of infection. Molecular diagnostics technologies allow for precise and early detection, enabling oyster farmers to remove infected individuals before the disease spreads to the entire population. Selective breeding and genetic improvements: Able to cultivate oysters with desirable traits Faster growth rates More tolerant to disease and environmental stressors Better hatchery monitoring: Better able to control water conditions eg. salinity, pH Higher survival rates, healthier spat, superior product  Improved packaging: Vacuum sealing technology reduces exposure to contaminants Increased shelf life Slows spoilage and improves moisture Allows for access to broader markets Discuss how political and organisational factors have influenced ONE global economic activity you have studied (6) Current trends and future directions Explain how emerging technologies are likely to impact future directions of oyster aquaculture (4) Evaluating sustainability Explain TWO strategies used to improve sustainability within the oyster aquaculture industry (6) Using a range of criteria and evidence, evaluate the sustainability of ONE strategy used in oyster aquaculture (8)