What is Sustainability?

Definition of Sustainability:

Sustainability means using resources in a way that meets our needs today without harming future generations’ ability to meet their own needs. It involves balancing environmental health, economic growth, and social well-being. For example, using renewable energy sources like solar power helps ensure resources remain available for future use.

Section 1: Oil Reserves and Their Distribution

Diagram A: Oil Reserves Distribution

Task 2a: Create a Table

To show the distribution of the world’s oil reserves, we can create a table with locations, the size of remaining reserves, and how many years of production they have left. Here’s an example structure:

| Location | Size of Remaining Oil Reserve (billion barrels) | Years of Production Left |

|——————|————————————————–|————————–|

| Middle East | 750 | 80 |

| North America | 200 | 20 |

| Russia | 150 | 30 |

| South America | 50 | 10 |

Task 2b: Major World Issue

The major world issue shown in Diagram A is the unequal distribution of oil reserves, which can lead to conflicts and economic disparities between countries. Some regions have a lot of oil, while others have very little. This can affect global politics and economics.

Section 2: Sustainability and Natural Resources

Task 3: How Does Sustainability Help Us?

Sustainability helps us think about how we use natural resources by encouraging us to conserve and protect them. It reminds us to consider the long-term effects of our actions on the environment. By being sustainable, we ensure that future generations can enjoy the same resources we do today.

Task 4: Local Actions for Sustainability

At a local level, my family and I take several actions to use resources sustainably. We recycle, conserve water, and use public transport or walk instead of driving. These small actions help reduce waste and make a positive impact on the environment.

Section 3: The UK Government and Sustainability

Task 5: UK Government’s Actions

The UK Government acts to improve sustainability by promoting renewable energy sources like wind and solar power. They also implement policies to reduce carbon emissions and support recycling programs. These actions help protect the environment and encourage a sustainable future.

Section 4: National Grid and Energy Generation

Task 6a: What is the National Grid?

The National Grid is a system that delivers electricity from power plants to homes and businesses across the UK. It ensures that there is a balance between electricity supply and demand. It plays a vital role in managing energy distribution.

Task 6b: Important Information from 2017

In 2017, the National Grid published important information about the UK’s energy generation mix on their Twitter feed. They highlighted how much energy was produced from renewable sources versus fossil fuels. This information helped raise awareness about energy consumption and sustainability.

Task 6c: Pie Chart

To draw a pie chart showing the energy generation mix, you can represent different energy sources like gas, coal, nuclear, wind, and solar. Each section of the pie will show the percentage contribution of each energy source for that day.

Task 6d: Today’s Energy Mix

To find out today’s energy mix, visit the National Grid’s Twitter feed. Compare it to the mix from 2017 to see if there are more renewable sources being used now than before. This will help you understand how energy generation is changing over time.

Section 5: Challenges to Earth’s Sustainability

Task 7: Human Impact on Sustainability

People challenge the sustainability of the Earth’s systems by overusing resources, polluting the environment, and contributing to climate change. Deforestation, excessive fossil fuel use, and waste generation are some examples of how human actions can harm natural systems. Understanding these impacts is crucial for developing sustainable practices.

Section 6: Understanding Images and Perspectives

Task 8a: What Does ‘7 Billion’ Refer To?

The term ‘7 billion’ likely refers to the current global population. It highlights the number of people living on Earth and the pressure this places on resources. This is important for discussions around sustainability and resource management.

Task 8b: Cartoonist’s Point of View

The cartoonist may be making a point about the challenges of supporting a growing population. They could be highlighting issues like resource depletion, environmental degradation, or the need for sustainable practices. Understanding this perspective can help us think critically about our world.

Questions for Each Level

Easy Level Questions

  1. What does sustainability mean?
  2. Name one action your family takes to be sustainable.
  3. What is the National Grid?
  4. Why is oil distribution a major world issue?
  5. What is one renewable energy source?
  6. How many years of oil production does North America have left?
  7. What does recycling help with?
  8. Why is it important to save resources?
  9. What country has the largest oil reserves?
  10. What is the main purpose of the National Grid?

Medium Level Questions

  1. How can using public transport help sustainability?
  2. What are two actions the UK Government takes to improve sustainability?
  3. Describe how the distribution of oil reserves can affect global relationships.
  4. What might happen if we run out of oil?
  5. How does the National Grid balance electricity supply and demand?
  6. What is a pie chart used for?
  7. How has the energy generation mix changed since 2017?
  8. What are some examples of overusing natural resources?
  9. Why is it important to consider future generations when using resources?
  10. What are some challenges of supporting a population of 7 billion people?

Hard Level Questions

  1. Explain how sustainability can impact economic growth.
  2. What are the long-term effects of relying on fossil fuels?
  3. Discuss the role of government policies in promoting sustainability.
  4. How do human activities contribute to climate change?
  5. What are the implications of unequal oil distribution for global politics?
  6. Analyze the effectiveness of the UK’s renewable energy policies.
  7. How can individuals contribute to sustainability on a larger scale?
  8. Compare the energy generation mix from 2017 to the present day.
  9. What strategies can be implemented to reduce resource depletion?
  10. Discuss the significance of the ‘7 billion’ figure in relation to sustainability challenges.

Answers

  1. Sustainability means using resources wisely to meet our needs without harming future generations.
  2. My family recycles plastic and paper to help keep waste out of landfills.
  3. The National Grid is a system that distributes electricity to homes and businesses.
  4. Oil distribution is unequal, which can lead to conflicts between countries.
  5. An example of a renewable energy source is solar power.
  6. North America has about 20 years of oil production left.
  7. Recycling reduces waste and helps conserve resources.
  8. Saving resources is important for ensuring they are available for future use.
  9. The Middle East has the largest oil reserves.
  10. The National Grid’s main purpose is to deliver electricity efficiently.
  11. Using public transport reduces pollution and helps conserve fuel.
  12. The UK Government promotes renewable energy and implements recycling programs.
  13. Unequal oil distribution can create tensions and conflicts between nations.
  14. If we run out of oil, it could lead to energy shortages and economic challenges.
  15. The National Grid manages supply and demand to prevent blackouts and energy waste.
  16. A pie chart visually represents data, showing proportions of a whole.
  17. The energy generation mix may have increased the share of renewables since 2017.
  18. Overusing resources leads to depletion and environmental harm.
  19. Considering future generations ensures that resources remain available and healthy.
  20. Supporting 7 billion people challenges resource management and environmental sustainability.
  21. Sustainability can create long-term economic benefits by promoting green technologies.
  22. Relying on fossil fuels can lead to environmental damage and resource depletion.
  23. Government policies can encourage sustainable practices through incentives and regulations.
  24. Human activities like burning fossil fuels increase greenhouse gases, contributing to climate change.
  25. Unequal oil distribution can lead to economic disparities and international conflicts.
  26. The UK’s renewable energy policies have increased the use of wind and solar energy significantly.
  27. Individuals can reduce energy use, advocate for policies, and support sustainable businesses.
  28. The energy generation mix has likely moved towards more renewable sources over time.
  29. Strategies like recycling, conservation, and using renewable resources can help reduce depletion.
  30. The ‘7 billion’ figure highlights the urgent need for sustainable practices to support a growing population.