unsustainable resource management

Overfishing – Atlantic Cod, 1900s

Resource: Atlantic Cod fish in the North Atlantic

What happened:

• Almost a century of overfishing depleted cod populations.
• The environment could not regenerate the fish stocks fast enough.

Environmental impacts:

• Severe biodiversity loss; Atlantic Cod became nearly extinct.
• Disruption of the marine ecosystem.

Social and economic impacts:

• Fishermen and fish sellers lost their primary source of income.
• Businesses dependent on fish faced huge financial losses.
• Communities suffered from unemployment and reduced food supply.

Lesson:

• Unsustainable extraction can collapse industries and harm both the environment and the society that depends on it.

Deforestation – Amazon Rainforest, Brazil

Resource: Forests in the Amazon

What happened:

• Forest cleared for timber logging, cattle grazing, palm oil farming, and settlements.
• Palm oil farming particularly consumes nutrients and requires large areas of land.

Environmental impacts:

• Massive biodiversity loss; many species become endangered.
• Habitat destruction for countless animals and plants.
• CO₂ emissions contribute to climate change and global warming.

Social impacts:

• Local communities affected by environmental degradation.
• Soil becomes infertile, reducing agricultural productivity for local farmers.
• Long-term climate effects impact populations both locally and globally.

Lesson:

• Unsustainable land use and resource extraction can cause long-term environmental damage and affect human communities.

sustainable resource management

Sustainable Fishing – Norway

Resource: Fish stocks in Norway (cod, herring, mackerel)

What happened:

• Norway introduced quotas, seasonal bans, protected areas, and licensing to prevent overfishing.
• Scientific monitoring ensures fish populations are maintained.

Environmental impacts:

• Fish stocks remain healthy and ecosystems are protected.
• Biodiversity is preserved and overfishing is avoided.

Social and economic impacts:

• Provides stable jobs for fishermen, processors, and transport workers.
• Ensures food security and reliable income for local communities.
• Encourages community involvement, building social cohesion and local decision-making.

Lesson:

• Sustainable management balances human needs with environmental protection, ensuring long-term social and economic benefits.

Community Forestry – Nepal

Resource: Forests in rural Nepal

What happened:

• Communities manage forests through tree planting, controlled logging, and protected areas.
• Local forest user groups are involved in decisions and maintenance.

Environmental impacts:

• Forests are preserved, reducing soil erosion and protecting biodiversity.
• Forest ecosystems remain healthy and resilient.

Social and economic impacts:

• Provides firewood and fodder sustainably, improving health and daily life.
• Children spend less time collecting resources, allowing them to attend school.
• Encourages community participation and leadership skills, strengthening social cohesion.

Lesson:

• Sustainable resource management improves health, education, and social wellbeing, while protecting resources for the future.

temporal changes in global production and consumption

Food

• Global food production has increased due to technological advancements and agricultural intensification.
• Consumption has shifted—rising meat and processed food intake in emerging economies like China and India.
• Inequality remains: while some regions face obesity, others suffer from undernourishment.

Water

• Water consumption has tripled over the last century due to agriculture, industry, and urban growth.
• Overuse in regions like Central Asia (Aral Sea) and Cape Town has led to severe shortages.

Energy

• Historically dominated by fossil fuels (coal, oil, gas), especially in industrialized countries.
• Renewables (solar, wind, hydro) are now growing rapidly, especially in countries like Germany and China.
• Demand continues to rise globally, especially in developing countries.

multinationals and global supply chains

TNC Example: Nestlé

• HQ: Switzerland
• Operates in 180+ countries, adapting to local markets while maintaining a global brand.bbv
• Involved in food, beverages, and health products.

MNC Example: Apple

• HQ: USA
• Global operations: design in California, manufacturing in China and India, retail worldwide.
• Centralized control over design and branding, with decentralized production.