Resource Conservation
- Conservation is the protection and rational use of the environment and natural resources to ensure they are there for future generations
- This involves measures which use resources efficiently to extend their existence for as long as possible
- Conservation measures include;
- Recycling and reuse of resources such as clothing or glass and plastics
- Using energy efficient appliances - these use less energy to power them and less water
- Stewardship of protected areas - National Parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)
- Greater use of, and investment in renewable energies
- Quotas on resources used - rising quotas to ensure the fish population is not overfished
- Protection of particular ecosystems - Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and the Antarctica Treaty which includes agreements about the exploitation of Antarctica
- Reducing deforestation
- Laws to protect resources and areas
- Fines for people/organisatiions/companies that damage the environment
- Reducing use of or rationing of resources
- There are many non-governmental organisations (NGOs) which aim to conserve and protect the environment and natural resources;
- World Wildlife Fund
- Greenpeace
- Friends of the Earth
- Woodland Trust
| Government Actions | Individual Actions |
| Congestion charges within cities | Use public transport |
| Investment in renewable energy | Walk or cycle |
| Grants for solar panels | Reduce, reuse and recycle |
| Gas emission limits for vehicles | Buy energy efficient appliances |
| Charging points for electric vehicles | Invest in double glazing and insulation |
| Increase tax on petrol and diesel | Wash clothes less often and at lower temperatures |
| Invest in public transport | Compost food and garden waste |
| Fines for businesses and industries which pollute |
Worked example
Study Fig 1, which shows advice about conservation of natural resources.
Explain how following the advice given in Fig 1 can help to conserve natural resources.
[3]
- Answer:
- Uses fewer resources/less demand for resources or example/there are fewer resources wasted [1]
- Saves resources for the future [1]
- Can use resources again/make more use [1]
- Resources last longer [1]
- Saves energy [1]
- Waste products become useful [1]
Explain the importance of conserving natural resources and the natural environment.
[5]
- Answer:
- Many are non-renewable/will run out/are finite [1]
- Life in future would not be possible without clean water [1]
- Life in future would not be possible without clean air [1]
- Life in future would not be possible without land for cultivation [1]
- To protect habitats [1]
- Conserving the natural environment will ensure ecosystems remain in balance [1]
- Species do not become extinct/animals do not die [1]
- To prevent global warming/acid rain/desertification etc. [1]
- Creates conflict/civil rest [1]
- Forests act as carbon sinks [1]
