Theory question 204
Environmental Resources(a)(i) Define the term Environmental Resources. (ii) List two types of Environmental Resources other than water. (b) Highlight four ways in which water is important as an environmental resource. (c) Outline two problems that might arise from the degradation of water resources.
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(a)(i) Environmental resources are the useful materials and conditions in the natural environment that man uses to satisfy his needs.
(ii) Land/soil resources; mineral resources; vegetation (forest) resources; atmospheric resources (wind, sunshine); wildlife; human resources.
(b) Drinking and domestic use; irrigation and agriculture; hydro-electric power; transport; fishing; industrial use (cooling, processing); recreation and tourism; habitat for aquatic life.
(c) Shortage of safe drinking water; spread of water-borne diseases; death of fish and aquatic life; reduced farm output; loss of income for fishermen; conflicts over water.
Give a use and an example for each point.