1. SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
The theory of using SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT is very important and has big implications, particularly with
ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
Define Sustainable Development: ‘Sustainable Development meets the needs of today‛s population without harming the
ability of future generations to meet their own needs.‛
‘In other words we need to use fewer resources and take more care of the planet.‛
The Earth should be viewed as a ‘Limited Resource‛
Precious resources (which can‛t be replaced) are being used up, possibly within our lifetimes e.g. oil and gas
Some consequences of not using renewable energy sources are widespread environmental pollution e.g. Global Warming
AGENDA 21
Governments of 153 countries agreed a policy of Sustainable Development at the ‘Earth Summit‛ in Rio – 1992
Agenda 21 aims to achieve Sustainable Development at a local level

2. CONFLICTS & SOLUTIONS
Within any National Park problems or CONFLICTS arise:
Conflicts:
1. Planning regulations are very strict, and development is strictly controlled, although demand for housing is resulting in
some ‘suburbanisation‛
2. Some industries destroy the ethos of the Parks
e.g. Slate quarrying (Lake District and Snowdonia) and limestone quarrying (Peak District) creates local jobs but ruins
the environment
3. Visitors and tourists provide most jobs and income for residents, but cause traffic congestion, pollution, litter and
footpath erosion
4. Visitors can cause damage to farmland and animals, destroying farmers‛ livelihoods
5. Nature lovers require large areas to protect birds, animals and plants from invading tourists
‘Honeypots‛
Honeypot areas (attractive scenery or areas of historic significance) become so overused by tourist visitors that they start to
change (e.g. supermarkets are built to cater for the visitors) and eventually lose the character that made them special –
e.g. Bowness-on-Windermere in the Lake District
In some cases Problems which exist have had attempts to solve them:
PROBLEMS ATTEMPTED SOLUTIONS
Footpaths worn away New routes planned; signposted routes; artificial
surfaces laid
Destruction of vegetation, erosion of footpaths Areas fenced off; education of visitors; landscaping
Litter, vandalism, trespassing Provision of picnic areas with litter bins; park wardens
Cars parked on grass verges or in narrow lanes Car parks; one-way systems; park and ride schemes
Congestion on narrow roads Roads closed to traffic in tourist season / at weekends;
park and ride; encouragement to use minibuses, to cycle
or to walk
Heavy lorries, local traffic and tourist traffic Scenic routes separating local and tourist traffic
‘Honeypots‛ (views, cafés) cause crowding Develop alternative Honeypots, direct visitors to other
attractions
Conflicts of Users, e.g Restricting tourist access to footpaths and bridleways,
- between local farmers and tourists separating activities e.g. water skiing and angling
- between tourists
Unsightly new cafés, car parks and caravan parks Screened behind trees, only certain natural colours
allowed in paint schemes

3. RESOURCES: CONSERVATION/MANAGEMENT/STEWARDSHIP
Increased population and higher standards of living have meant natural resources are being used up faster
These problems can be dealt with in 3 ways:
Conservation (or Recycling) PROTECTING NATURAL RESOURCES TO PREVENT THEM RUNNING OUT
- conserving the soil to prevent erosion for future generations
- reducing demand for ‘Fossil Fuels‛ means they last longer and harmful effects reduced
(e.g. cars with more efficient engines use less fuel, loft insulation)
- recycling metals and papers means using less raw material and cuts energy use, some
materials can be ‘re-processed‛ (paper bags › toilet paper) or ‘reclaimed‛ (metal and glass
from scrap cars)
Managing Resources ABILITY TO HAVE THE RIGHT RESOURCES IN THE RIGHT PLACE WHEN THEY ARE
NEEDED
- this is a ‘Balancing Act‛
- MEDCs use most resources, but come from LEDCs - as LEDCs grow they require more
resources
- research into alternative materials and energy resources is time consuming and expensive
Stewardship MEANS USING RESOURCES RESPONSIBLY SO SOME ARE LEFT AND SO DAMAGE
CAUSED IS MINIMAL
- Resource Conservation using resources carefully to slow our consumption e.g. making cars
more efficient so they use less fuel
- Resource Substitution changing resources for more sustainable ones e.g. using recyclable
aluminium instead of steel for making cans
- Pollution Control limiting pollution to reduce problems like Global Warming and Acid Rain
- Recycling reduces amount of waste

4. NATIONAL PARKS
In ENGLAND and WALES a number of National Parks (set up to protect ‘Wild Environments‛) exist
National Parks:
- Areas of outstanding natural beauty, including large areas of mountain and moorland – and they are protected by law for
the enjoyment of all members of the public (include diverse and spectacular scenery)
- They were established in 1949 to preserve and enhance the beauty of the landscape and to give the public access to the
countryside for recreation
- Much of the land is privately owned
- Public access is encouraged but restricted to footpaths, bridleways, open fells and mountains
- They contain many permanent settlements like villages
- They support local populations who are dependent on primary (farming, forestry and mining) and tertiary (tourism)
employment
- They are looked after by the ‘National Parks Authorities‛
The authorities have 3 jobs:
1. Protect the environment
2. Promote the enjoyment and understanding of the Parks
3. Look after the interests of the residents
The Map below shows the distribution of the National Parks in England and Wales, and the year each park was designated:

5. NON-RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES
Non-Renewable Energy resources are limited
Define Non-Renewable: These resources take so long to form that they can‛t be replaced once they run out. These
include FOSSIL FUELS. They are NOT Sustainable and are a major source of POLLUTION
Forms of Non-Renewable Energy:
Oil
Gas FOSSIL FUELS are FINITE (once used can‛t be replaced)
Coal
Nuclear major issues with this source – although produces electricity cheaply there are serious risks to PEOPLE and
the ENVIRONMENT
Other issues arising from Non-Renewable Energy Resources include:
Acid Rain / Global Warming from the burning of Fossil Fuels
Serious Risks from Nuclear Power
3 Major Issues in Energy Debate
1. Balancing the need for power and the need to protect the environment from pollution
2. Technology must be developed to help find and improve the use of alternative energy sources
3. Energy use in general must become more efficient, so less is wasted
RENEWABLE ENERGY RESOURCES
Renewable Energy resources should last for ever if they are used carefully
Define Renewable: These are Sustainable Resources that won‛t run out – stuff like water, wind and sun. Wood
can be renewable if replanting is managed well
Forms of Renewable Energy:
Solar Energy energy from the Sun (via special cells to produce electricity)
Wind Power energy from massive windmills (turn turbines to produce electricity)
Tidal/Wave Power energy from movement of tides (turn turbines to produce electricity)
HEP Hydro Electric Power – power from water passing through turbines – used in Dams
Geothermal energy from heat below the ground (water passed down into ground, comes up as steam – turns
turbines to produce electricity)
Biomass energy from plant and animal waste
Wood Fuel