001 - Patterns in resource consumption

Syllabus Points

Evaluate (AO3) the ecological footprint as a measure of the relationship between population size and resource consumption.

Identify (AO1) international variations in its size.

Discuss (AO3) the two opposing views (neo-Malthusian and anti-Malthusian) of the relationship between population size and resource consumption.

Key Terminology

• Evaluate
• Identify
• Discuss
• Ecological footprint
• Biocapacity
• Malthus

Define the key words above using the 'Command Term' posters in the classroom, your 'Geography Course Companion' by Nagle and Cooke and the useful links below:

Useful Links

• Footprint Network: Ecological Footprint
• Google Definition: Biocapacity
• AAG Centre for Global Geography Education - Malthus

Activity One - Calculate

The phrase ecological footprint is something that is brandished around a lot today but what does it really mean? What is your ecological footprint? Click on the link below and using the quick quiz work out your ecological footprint. Then explore the simple actions that you could take to reduce your footprint.

• Footprint Calculator

1. Watch the Ted Talk above and write notes on what the ecological footprint is and what our consumption habits are doing to the planet.
2. Mind map the factors which influences the consumption of resources.

Activity Two - Identify

A map to show the biocapacity debters and creditors of the world.

http://www.footprintnetwork.org/ecological_footprint_nations/

1. Looking at the map above, describe the distribution of biocapacity debters and creditors.
2. Do any of the results surprise you?
3. Click on the link above and describe the changes in the ecological footprints for the USA, India and Morocco.

Activity Three - Plan

Using an essay grid plan out your answer for the question below. Think about how much an individual may use in some countries as opposed to others.

Evaluate the ecological footprint as a measure of the relationship between population size and resource consumption. (15 marks)

Activity Three - Theories

There are two key theories when investigating resources and population and they are neo-malthusian versus and anti-malthusian views. What are they and which view is correct? Watch the clips and write a summary of each view using the grid below.