6.1.2

Uneven Distribution of Resources

Test yourself

How are Resources Distributed Globally?

Different climates, geographies, and countries have access to different resources.

Illustrative background for How are resources distributed?Illustrative background for How are resources distributed? ?? "content

How are resources distributed?

  • Some countries have lots of energy resources, some countries have lots of access to water, some countries have access to food and some countries have good access to all of them.
  • The DRC has 52% of all the surface water in Africa.
  • Some economists believe that the UK developed rapidly because it had access to coal (energy), had a good climate and fertile farmland (food), as well as natural water sources (lakes, reservoirs, and underground aquifers).
Illustrative background for Where are resources consumed?Illustrative background for Where are resources consumed? ?? "content

Where are resources consumed?

  • If a country doesn't have a resource, it usually uses technology to access it, or it imports it from another country. Historically, it may lead to war, and colonialism could be explained by a desire to secure resources.
  • High-income countries (HICs) have more money and usually consume more resources because they can afford to. They are able to import resources cheaply from other countries.
  • The DRC is a low-income country. 58% of all of the DRC's exports go to China, who purchase raw materials cheaply from the DRC.
Illustrative background for Newly emerging economies (NEEs)Illustrative background for Newly emerging economies (NEEs) ?? "content

Newly emerging economies (NEEs)

  • Consumption is growing very quickly in NEEs like China, India, Indonesia, and Brazil.
  • The increasing consumption of energy resources is a particular problem globally because burning fossil fuels produces carbon dioxide, which contributes to the greenhouse effect.

Jump to other topics

1The Challenge of Natural Hazards

1.1Natural Hazards

1.2Tectonic Hazards

1.3Weather Hazards

1.4Climate Change

2The Living World

3Physical Landscapes in the UK

3.1The UK Physical Landscape

3.2Coastal Landscapes in the UK

3.3River Landscapes in the UK

3.4Glacial Landscapes in the UK

4Urban Issues & Challenges

5The Changing Economic World

6The Challenge of Resource Management

6.1Resource Management

6.2Food

6.3Water

6.4Energy

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