Distribution of Water, Food, Energy, and Other Resources
- Imagine a world where water, food, and energy are perfectly balanced, meeting everyone’s needs without strain.
- Unfortunately, this is far from reality.
- Resources are unevenly distributed, creating disparities that affect billions.
- Some areas of the world are described as resource rich, while others as resource poor.
- In theory having natural resources should help with a country's development, but it is not always the case.
The resource curse, also known as the paradox of plenty, refers to the phenomenon where countries with abundant natural resources, such as minerals and oil, often experience less economic growth and poorer development outcomes compared to countries with fewer natural resources.
Key aspects of resource curse are:
- Economic Dependency: Over-reliance on resource exports can lead to economic volatility and neglect of other sectors.
- Corruption and Governance Issues: Wealth from resources can fuel corruption and weaken governance, as control over lucrative resources may lead to power struggles and mismanagement.
- Social and Environmental Challenges: Resource extraction can cause environmental degradation and social conflicts, impacting long-term sustainable development.
An example of resource curse is Democratic Republic of Congo.
Water
Uneven Distribution and Virtual Water
Uneven Distribution of Freshwater Resources
- Freshwater is vital for drinking, agriculture, and industry, yet it is unevenly distributed across the globe.
- Nearly 800 million people do not have access to safe drinking water (no access to water and/or it takes more than 30-minute round trip to get water).
- Water use is projected to increase by 50% in the next 30 years.
- Nearly half of humankind lives in under conditions of water stress (especially in North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Western Asia, and South Asia).
Consumption of Water Varies Between Places
- Average water consumption per capita varies significantly between high-income, middle-income, and low-income countries: from couple of thousands of liters of water per person per day to less than 50.
- The scale of water consumption is also impacted by environmental conditions and water availability.
- World average water use: Agriculture (70%), Industry (22%), Municipal Sector / Domestic Use (8%).
Virtual Water
- Virtual water refers to the volume of water embedded in the production of goods and services, particularly agricultural products.
- It encompasses all the water used throughout the entire production process, including water for irrigation, processing, and transportation.
- The concept highlights the notion that water is not just a physical resource but also a crucial element in global trade, influencing food security and water management policies.
Producing 1 kilogram of beef requires at least fifteen thousand of liters of water.
Food
Production And Consumption Follow Different Patterns
Food Production Mostly Relies on Environmental Conditions
- Agriculture requires water availability, fertile soils, proper topography and exposure to Sun as well as handful of human factors.
- The are countries referred to as "breadbaskets" being prominent producers and exporters of food, especially of staple grains, particularly wheat and other cereals.
- Examples include: USA, Ukraine, Russia, Canada, Argentina.
Many students assume that increasing agricultural land always boosts food production. However, deforestation and land degradation can reduce long-term productivity.
Food Imports for Nations with Limited Arable Land
- Some countries rely heavily on food imports due to limited arable land or harsh climates.
- Examples include: Japan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Singapore, Egypt.
How do cultural preferences and economic policies shape food security strategies in different countries? Consider the ethical implications of land acquisitions in foreign countries.
Energy
Hydrocarbons, Nuclear, and Renewables
Hydrocarbons: Dominance and Challenges
- Hydrocarbons (oil, coal, and natural gas) remain the dominant energy source, but they pose significant challenges.
Hydrocarbons account for ~80% of global energy consumption, despite growing investments in renewables.
Nuclear Power: Low Emissions but High Risks
- Nuclear power offers a low-carbon alternative to hydrocarbons but raises concerns about safety and waste management.
- Global energy transition away from fossil fuels most likely will not be possible without nuclear energy.
What are the trade-offs between expanding nuclear power and investing in renewable energy? Consider factors like cost, safety, and environmental impact.
Renewables: The Growing Role of Hydro, Solar, Wind, and Biofuels
- Renewable energy sources are critical to the global energy transition, offering sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels.
- However, each source of renewable energy has its advantages and limitations caused by its cost, efficiency, reliability, flexibility as well as spatial and temporal availability.
- Renewables also bring disadvantages, e.g.: visual and noise pollution, disturbance to wildlife (wind turbines), challenges related to recycling (solar panels), driving food prices up (biofules replacing alimentary plants and limiting food supply).
- Despite development of renewables, their share in global energy mix is still significantly lower than the share of fossil fuels. It is ~6% in case of hydropower and ~7,5% in case of all other modern renewables.
Global primary energy consumption by source
Renewables are not evenly distributed. For example, solar energy is most effective in sunny regions, while wind energy thrives in coastal or open areas.
Modern Sources: Hydrogen and Geothermal Energy
- Emerging technologies like hydrogen and geothermal energy offer promising solutions for a sustainable future.
Think of hydrogen as a rechargeable battery. It stores energy that can be released when needed, but the process of "charging" (producing hydrogen) requires significant energy input.
Reflection and Broader Implications
- The uneven distribution of water, food, and energy resources has profound implications for global security and sustainability.
- Addressing these challenges requires innovative solutions, international cooperation, and a commitment to sustainable development.
How do cultural, economic, and political factors influence decisions about resource allocation? Consider the ethical dilemmas of prioritizing short-term economic growth over long-term sustainability.
