Resource Management: Food Water and Energy

The Global Distribution of Resources

Resources are not evenly distributed around the world. A country's level of development and quality of life are closely linked to its access to food, water, and energy.

• Food security — when all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food
• Water security — reliable access to sufficient clean water for health, livelihoods, and production
• Energy security — access to reliable, affordable energy supplies to meet demand

Food in the UK

Changing Demand

• The UK imports approximately 46% of its food — up from ~30% in the 1980s
• Growing demand for exotic and out-of-season foods (avocados, mangoes, berries year-round) — transported by air, increasing food miles and carbon emissions
• Increased demand for organic, locally sourced, and fair trade foods
• Changing diets — more plant-based options; growth in veganism/vegetarianism
• Convenience food and takeaway market has grown significantly

Food Miles and Carbon Footprint

• Food miles = the distance food travels from producer to consumer
• A typical UK Sunday roast can include ingredients from 6+ countries
• Air-freighted foods (e.g. Kenyan green beans) have a much larger carbon footprint than local/seasonal alternatives
• Solutions: buying local and seasonal; growing your own; reducing food waste (UK wastes ~9.5 million tonnes of food annually)

Agribusiness in the UK

• UK farming has become increasingly mechanised and industrialised — larger farms, fewer workers, higher yields
• Intensive farming raises concerns about soil degradation, water pollution (fertiliser/pesticide runoff), biodiversity loss (hedgerow removal), and animal welfare
• Organic farming is growing but represents only ~3% of farmland

Water in the UK

Supply vs. Demand

• Northwest England, Scotland, and Wales receive the most rainfall — but have lower population density
• Southeast England has the highest population density but receives less rainfall — creating a water deficit
• This creates a supply-demand imbalance: where water is abundant, fewer people need it; where demand is highest, supply is lower

Water Stress

• Parts of southeast England are officially classified as "seriously water stressed"
• London's demand exceeds local supply; water is transferred from Wales and the Midlands
• Climate change may reduce summer rainfall further; hotter temperatures increase demand
• Population growth (especially in the southeast) increases demand

Managing Water

• Water transfer schemes — moving water from areas of surplus to deficit (e.g. Kielder Water in Northumbria can transfer water south via rivers and pipelines)
• Reservoirs — storing water during wet periods (e.g. Rutland Water)
• Desalination — the Beckton plant in London can convert Thames Estuary water to drinking water (expensive, energy-intensive)
• Demand management — water meters, leakage reduction (water companies lose ~20% through pipe leaks), water-efficient appliances
• Greywater recycling and rainwater harvesting in new buildings

Energy in the UK

The UK's Energy Mix

The UK's energy sources have changed significantly:

• Decline of coal — from ~90% of energy in 1950 to near zero today; last coal power station scheduled to close
• Growth of natural gas — from North Sea (now declining); ~40% of electricity generation
• Nuclear — provides ~15% of electricity; ageing stations being decommissioned; Hinkley Point C under construction
• Renewables — fastest-growing sector: wind (onshore and offshore — UK is a world leader in offshore wind), solar, biomass, hydroelectric, tidal
• Renewables now generate over 40% of UK electricity in good years

Energy Security

• The UK has moved from being a net exporter of energy (1980s/90s — North Sea oil and gas peak) to a net importer
• Relies on imports of gas (Norway, Qatar) and oil — making the UK vulnerable to price volatility and geopolitical tensions
• Fracking (hydraulic fracturing for shale gas) was explored but paused due to earthquake risks and environmental opposition

Reducing Energy Demand

• Insulation — loft and cavity wall insulation; double glazing
• Smart meters — real-time energy use monitoring encourages conservation
• Energy-efficient appliances — A+++ rated boilers, washing machines, lighting (LEDs use ~80% less energy than incandescent bulbs)
• Building regulations — new homes must meet minimum energy efficiency standards
• Transport — shift to electric vehicles; improved public transport; active travel (cycling/walking)

Exam tip: You only need to study ONE of food, water, or energy in depth for the exam, but you must know the overview of all three for the UK. Check your teacher's guidance on which in-depth option you are studying.