Natural Resources for the Future

Unit 6 Part 1 pg.236-249

1. Natural Resources:A. Economy depends on natural resourcesB. Provide base materials of societyC. Contribute to quality of life

2.Canada’s prosperity is a result of :A. A strong natural resource baseB. Skilled workersC.World trade and strong export marketsD. Innovation and ingenuity

Natural Resources- The Big Picture

4. Natural Resources are divided into three (3) categories:

A. Renewable resources ie. Wild animals, plants, forests and soil

B. Non-renewable resources ie. Copper, iron, diamonds, fossil fuels such as oil and gas

C. Flow resources ie. Water, wind and sunlight

3. Natural Resource:- Anything found in nature that can be used by people.

5. Sustainable Resource System:

o A. A system that will be used into the future

o B. One in which natural resources are not used up faster then they can renew themselves, be recycled, or be replaced with other resources.

6.Resource Consumption Almost every product bought comes from a

natural resource !

The wealthy industrialized world represents 20% of the world’s total population but consumes 80% of the world’s resources

People are consuming at an unsustainable rate.

Handout #1 pg.241

Natural resources bring money into the economy by:

1. Providing jobs2. Exports (royalties). Products are sold to

another country and the company must pay taxes to federal/provincial governments which benefits entire country.

7. An Economic perspective

8. Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is an economic indicator that measures

the value of all the goods and servicesproduced in one country for a given year.

GDP includes:o All money exchanges in the countryo Personal incomeso Business incomeso Natural resources

9. Benefits of Natural resources:o A. Adds economic value; builds strong

economieso B. Job prospectso C. Ecological Benefits :(trees/oxygen/CO2)o D. Aesthetic benefits :looks nicer to have

green spaces

Valuing resources

A.Consumption of natural resources is increasing.

B.Competition for selling natural resources is increasing.

C.Control is more and more in the hands of large international companies.

D.Concern for the environment is increasing.E. Address aboriginal land rightsF. Changes are occurring how resources are

extracted and used.

10. Trends that are effecting natural resources in Canada:

11. Transnational corporations : are international companies, operating in several countries and many control natural resources ie Vale.

Communities benefit economically:A. Source of employmento B. Contribute to community, ie roads, arenas

etc.

Transnational Corporations

12. Sustainable Development - Resources should not be consumed faster

than they can regenerate. - Sustainable development is a challenge for

government, industry and organizations. - Government has responded to this

challenge by passing laws to reduce harm to the natural environment.

- New resource development projects are required to undergo an environmental assessment.

Environmental Assessment : is a detailed study that tries to determine the potential environmental impact of a proposed development.

Handout # 2 Read Case StudyP. 246-248

Part 2 pgs.250-259Canada’s Agricultural Land Resources

A. Agricultural land is considered a renewable resource if properly cared for.

B. Requires other natural resources such as water and fossil fuels.

C. Agricultural land is limited in Canada. Only 7% is arable: suitable for growing

crops.

1. Agriculture

Determining where and what to grow depends on:

o A. Climateo B. Landformso C. Soilo D. Demands from consumers(buyers)o E. Competitiono F. Food priceso G. Transportation systemso H. Nearness to market

2. Factors Affecting Agriculture

Farmers face a number of challenges:o A. Natural hazards such as frost, drought,

floods and disease.o B. High cost of fuel and equipment.o C. Low crop prices.o D. Competition from subsidized farms and

industrialized factory farms.

3. Challenges of Farmers:

A. Subsidy: money given by the government to help offset costs such as expensive machinery or high fuel prices; helps keep price of product low.

B. Prices for farm products are determined by the world market.

C. Price of Product X( ex: grain ) is the same in Canada and other countries.

D. Government pays a subsidy to Canadian farmers, as it is sometimes more expensive to grow in Canada.

4. Farm Subsidies

Trends include:A. Changing Consumer Demands: Pressure on farmers to produce new products or moreof one product

B. Changing Technology: Technology is always changing; machinery, chemicalsand high-yield seeds increase production.

C. Fewer but Larger Farms: Improved technology has allowed for larger farms andfewer workers. But cities are becoming bigger andusing surrounding farmland.

4. Market Trends in Agriculture

D. Increase Control of Agriculture byTransnational Corporations Transnational corporations often grow, process and

distribute food often eliminating the farmer from profits

Ex. Agribusiness Industry: a large scale farmingbusiness that carries out all the steps involvedin producing food; growing, storing,processing and transporting.

E. Increase in Factory Farming A gradual shift from small family farms to largeindustrialized operations (Factory Farm)

Trends continued…

5. Changing Technology – During the 1960s & 70s, developments in machinery, chemicals and seeds increased food production doubling the food supply since 1950. - However, some technology such as pesticides, has negative impact on the environment and health. Public concerns have brought about the ban of some toxic pesticides and reduced use.

6. Moving Away from the Farm- Improved technology = bigger but fewer farms, fewer farmers & farm workers, thus, migration from rural to urban areas. This urban growth eventually takes over surrounding farmland.

7. Sustainable Agriculture Those against factory farms look to

sustainable agriculture as a responsible alternative as it…- is profitable- protects the environment (ex. Organic agriculture)- conserves natural resources- supports rural community- will last into the future

Handout #3

Part 3 Fishery pgs. 260-271

- 1992 cod moratorium announced by the federal govt. for NL.- NL fishery still employs more than 20,000 people. The fishery has increased in value from 2009 to 2010.- East & West Coast wild salmon have also been disappearing.

Reactions- Fishing other species in deeper waters.- Fish farming or aquaculture.- People moving to urban areas for work.

1. Declining Fish Stocks

A. - Continental shelf: outer edge of the continent that extends below the surface of the ocean. Best Fishing areas or Fishing Banks are in these warm shallow waters.B. - Grand Banks: largest & one of the most productive fishing banks in the world. In this area, the nutrient-rich water is stirred-up by the cold Labrador current meeting the warm Gulf Stream. Sunlight penetrates the shallow water and supports the growth of plankton which fish eat.

C. Groundfish: live on the ocean floor; caught by trawlers.D. Pelagic fish: swim in open water & caught by long-liners using purse seines.E. Shellfish: found along the ocean bottom and caught in traps or weirs.

2. Background on Canada’s Fisheries

A. Changing Technology – technology such as radar & GPS aid fishers to find fish.

B. Trawlers – stay at sea for weeks - process & freeze fish on board- catch up to 30 tons per net = 600 tons per day- 25, 000 worldwide; 1000 registered Canadian- nets take other species & destroy prime fishing

habitat

C. Overfishing – catching too many fish puts stocks at risk.

3. Reasons for Declining Stocks (figure 6.29)

D. Bycatch – nets accidentally catch small fish reducing the ability of fish stocks to reproduce & recover because its dumped.- waste equals 80% of total catch in some fisheries.

E. Quota System – quota is the amount of a species of fish

- issued by the fed. Govt.- after cod moratorium, licenses & quotas were issued for lobster or snow crab.

Handout #4

4. Aquaculture - fish farming; breeding & growing of fish in controlled spaces.

Advantages: food rich in omega 3 fats, good source of protein, economically viable.

Disadvantages: high levels of antibiotics & toxic chemicals, threat to wild salmon stock & natural systems.

What’s Needed?- Involvement of fed. & prov. govts.- Reduced fish quotas- Time to rebuild- Marine environment must be considered- Continued research- Involvement of all stakeholders

5. Resolving the Fisheries Crisis:

- Choose fish species from rebounding stocks (ex. Atlantic snow crab) or that are caught in ways protective of fish habitat (ex. haddock & Pacific halibut caught by hook & line).- Organizations to follow & encourage sustainable fisheries (ex. Marine Stewardship Council; Audubon Society).

6. Sustainable Fisheries

Taking Stock Video

Handout #5

Part 4 Mining pgs.272- 283

- A. We produce more than any other country; 95% in Sask.- B. Potash is 2nd to diamonds in its contribution to our non-metallic minerals production.- C. Rich in potassium & use to make fertilizer, soap, animal food, medicines and water softener.

1. Canada – Potash capital of the world

A. ore bodies: rocks with enough of a mineral to be worthwhile mining; located using high-tech computer & satellite technology.

B. Magnetometers find metallic minerals. However, traditional methods must still be used: study maps & air photos; collect maps & soil samples; examine rock cores to determine mineral amounts.

2. Hunting for treasure – Finding the Minerals

C. Open pits: for ore bodies close to the surface.D. Shafts & tunnels: for ore bodies deep underground.E. knowledge of geography is helpful: metallic minerals are found in igneous rock of the Canadian Shield; fossil fuels (coal, oil, natural gas) are found in sedimentary rock of western & Atlantic Canada.F. the potential economic value of the ore & an environmental assessment process determine the probability of a mine.

A. provide raw materials for manufacturing & high-tech industries.B. single-industry towns (ex. Logan Lake, B.C.).must diversify its economy ( encourage other businesses) as protection when the ore is no longer plentiful or profitable.C. 80% of total Can. minerals value found in Ont., Sask., B.C., Que.D. represents 8.6% of NL’s total GDP.E. In the future Nunavut’s prime location (Canadian Shield rock) has potential for gold, base metals and diamond mines.

3. Mining Towns & the Economy

A. 1st in uranium production.B. 1 out of top 5 in production of gold, aluminum, zinc, platinum & salt.C. 5th in diamond production.D. about $80 billion a year for Canada.E. more than 300,000 jobs in Canada.

4. Global Connections

A. In 2010, we exported $85 billion worth of minerals & primary metals.B. In 2010, our mineral imports totaled $67 billion.

C. Difference between imports & exports is called :balance of trade

5. The Mineral Trade

A. Mining uses much energy (fossil fuels & electricity) that affect air & water quality, & contribute to green house gas emissions.B. Sometimes mining companies help to re-establish wildlife habitat or to develop recreational areas.C. Govts. enforce environmental laws & ensure the restoration of affected landscapes & ecosystems

6. A Balancing Act – Mining’s Impact on Natural Systems

A. includes rain & fog.B. highly acidic & threatens ecosystems.C. problem in Atlantic Canada as its water & soil systems lack natural alkalinity & cannot neutralize acid.D. caused by burning of coal or oil in electrical generating plants & the burning of gasoline in vehicles.

E. biggest producers: refining & smelting industries

7. Acid Rain

F. kills coniferous trees.G. water & soils in Canada’s north are

sensitive.H. a lake with a minimum pH level of 5.0 is

considered dead , from which fish or water shouldn’t be consumed.

I. between 1991 and now, emissions causing acid rain have been cut in half (ex. Inco Ltd. In Sudbury, p.283).

Handout # 6

Part 5 Canada: A Country of Forests

Pgs. 284-295

A. 397.3 million hectares covering ½ of Canada’s land mass.B. almost 57% is commercial forest (ex. Timber).C. cover 90% of the Atlantic Maritime ecozone.D. Boreal forest, Canada’s largest forest region, is part of the largest ecosystem on Earth.

A. continual change through a cycle of growth, death & renewal.

B. interact with other natural systems (climate, water, soil).

1. Canada’s Forests – Complex Natural Systems

A. 300+ communities in Canada depend on forestry.

B. 195,000 people directly employed.C. 5500+ people work in forestry industries

in NL.

D. exports of forest products = $24 billion per year.

2. Economic Values

A. reduce soil erosion, recycle water, & control water flow.

B. produce oxygen & absorb carbon dioxide (carbon sinks).

C. contain a rich diversity of speciesD. urban forests help create cleaner air &

water for 80% of Canadians living in towns & cities.( filtering system)

3. Ecological Values

Forests:A. are aesthetically pleasing

B. they provide traditional food, medicines, & materials for Aboriginal peoples

4. Cultural and Social Values

A. 94% of Canadian forests are publically owned

B. Exceptions: 90% P.E.I., 68% N.S., & 50% N.B. are privately owned.

5. Who Owns Canada’s Forests?

A. Clear Cutting – involves clearing an area of all it’s trees at

one time. - 90% of Canada’s forests are cut this way - Forest companies prefer this method

because it costs less and is safe for loggers - Environmental groups( Sierra Club of

Canada) are not in favor of clear cutting

6. Forest Harvesting Methods

B. Strip Logging - a form of clear –cutting in which long strips

of land are cleared of trees , leaving some islands of trees intact

- reduces soil erosion and is less disruptive to wildlife

- allows natural reseeding to take place

C. Shelterwood Cutting - is used in an area of trees that are

generally the same age - at first some mature trees are cut - then remaining trees provide shade for

new seedlings - once new trees regenerate , the rest of the

mature trees are cut

D. Selection Cutting - is used when there are different types of

trees of various ages ( decidious forests) - good method to remove diseased trees - these areas usually regenerate themselves

A. Forest Management Plan – states that harvesting operations need to be planned carefully with the sustainability of forests and the protection of wildlife in mind.

7. Forests For The Future

B. Ways to improve forest management include :

- leave a band of forest around lakes , ponds and slopes to reduce soil erosion

- reduce the size of clear cut areas - set aside intact ecosystems for wildlife and

seed regrowth.

C. Model Forests - an approach to sustainable management of small areas of local forest that involves input from all stakeholders who work together as a team.

There are 15 model forests across Canada.

D. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) – is an international organization that makes

the public aware of the most sustainably produced forest products they can buy.

Handout # 7 Forestry

1. No one can live without water, but opinions differ on how to use it and the value of it.

A. Water Ethics – A set of moral principles and beliefs about what is right and wrong when considering the use of water.

Part 6 Water – The Essence of Life pg. 296- 305

2. Views on Water Who should own our

water? The Commons: Natural

resources like water belong to everyone and should be protected by people and government.

A Commodity: Natural resources like water may be owned privately and sold for a profit.

3. Where is Canada’s Water? Canada has 20% of the world’s fresh water,

but much of this water is unavailable for our use:◦ A. Water is too deep underground or in remote

parts of Canada.◦ B. 50% of this water flows into the Arctic Ocean,

making it unavailable for the densely populated areas of southern Canada.

4. Wetlands A. Canada has 25% of

the world’s wetlands. B. Wetlands – water

in a marsh, swamp, or fen, that is fresh or salty, standing or flowing and two to six metres in depth.

C. Importance of wetlands: - Crucial natural system and wildlife habitat - Protect local water quality - Have an economic, ecological, cultural,

recreational, and scientific value.

As wetlands are drained to develop other land uses, it is only a matter of time before water is affected.

5. The Great Lakes Watershed

- The largest fresh water system in the world

- About 40 million people depend on the Great Lakes watershed .

- Each year, only 1 percent of the Great Lakes water is renewed through precipitation and rivers flowing into lakes.

- Pressure on this water source is increasing as cities, industries and agriculture continue to expand and develop.

- Because The Great Lakes are shared by the United States and Canada, international cooperation is needed to protect the watershed.

- Concerns have been expressed about pollution, declining lake levels, and the impact of climate change.

6. Diverting Water A. Water Diversion – is rerouting water from

one drainage basin to another.

B. There are a number of communities within the United States that often have critical water shortages

C. Ontario and Quebec as well as 8 states have signed an agreement to ban large water diversions.

7. Who Controls Our Water?

A. As part of a global marketplace, Canada is a part of the worldwide trend towards the privatization of water supplies.

B. Private water supply – Owned by companies and not the Canadian people. The company’s main goal is to make as much profit as possible.

This gives little reason to conserve water.

Several organizations in Canada are fighting against privatization of water in order to protect water sources for the future.

Handout # 8 How Much Water Do You Use

8. Protecting Our Water Resources A. In larger cities municipal water supplies

are generally safe. B. However there are many factors that can

contaminate water, making it unsafe to drink.◦ - Logging and mining operations produce

contaminants that can enter a water source◦ - Small communities struggle financially to build

and monitor expensive water treatment systems.

- This can lead to boil orders in rural communities.

- All provincial governments have declared safe drinking water a priority.

- Strict laws and policies are put in place such as the Safe Drinking Water Act which sets out requirements for testing and treating municipal water.

9. Groundwater Contamination A. Groundwater – water held in soil and

rocks that is located under the surface of the earth and is naturally filtered by several layers of sand and gravel.

B. Industrial spills, pipeline and chemical tank leaks, and agricultural wastes can contaminate this water source, which eventually moves into lakes and rivers, carrying these pollutants.

10. Treating Your Drinking Water A. Most methods treat water and kill

pathogens (bacteria or viruses) that make people sick.

B. Chlorine is often used because it is inexpensive. However, recent studies show that a combination of chlorine and organic material in water can cause health problems and even cancer.

C. Ozonation and UV light are also good at killing pathogens and treating water.

11. Treating your Sewage A. Rural communities send waste to a septic

system, which is approved by their local municipal government.

B. Many communities live in an area where there is a municipal sewer system underground◦ The water drained into the sewers must be

treated before it is released into lakes and rivers.

Handout # 9

Working in Canada

Part 7 : pg. 350 – 363

1. Economy Sectors A. Economy: Activities related to the

production and distribution of goods and services in a particular geographic region.

B. There are 3 sectors in Economy◦ 1. Primary Industry (Extraction)◦ 2. Secondary Industry (Manufacturing)◦ 3. Tertiary Industry (Service)

2. Primary Industry

Primary Industry : an industry involved in

obtaining raw materials. These are the industries

which take the raw materials from the earth.

Examples: Forestry, Fishing, Mining, Oil.

3. Secondary IndustrySecondary Industry – is an industry involved in processing raw materials at the first stage of manufacturing.

Ex. Primary manufacturing : Produces usable products from raw materials. For example, wood is processed into pulp and paper.

Ex. Secondary Manufacturing: Uses the products of primary manufacturing to make other products. For example, paper is used to produce newspaper and books.

Secondary Industry

4. Tertiary Industry

Is a service industry. Provides services such as transportation and retail outlets.

Examples: Waiter, Fast Food Worker, Doctor, Nurse, Teacher, Taxi Driver, etc.

Distribution of employed people, by industry, by province (Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick)

  2006

  Canada N.L. P.E.I. N.S. N.B.

  thousands

All industries 16,484.3 215.7 68.6 441.8 355.4

Goods-producing sector 3,985.9 49.1 18.9 85.7 77.1

Agriculture 346.4 1.9 3.9 4.7 6.2

Forestry, fishing, mining, oil and gas 330.1 16.4 2.4 12.7 9.9

Utilities 122.0 2.2 0.3 1.8 3.1

Construction 1,069.7 12.9 5.7 27.3 21.1

Manufacturing 2,117.7 15.7 6.6 39.1 36.9

Service-producing sector 12,498.4 166.6 49.7 356.2 278.3

Trade 2,633.5 37.7 9.9 78.2 56.8

Transportation and warehousing 802.2 11.6 2.2 18.7 19.9

Finance, insurance, real estate and leasing 1,040.5 6.5 2.1 22.3 16.4

Professional, scientific and technical services 1,089.9 6.7 2.8 18.4 14.5

Business, building and other support services1 690.0 8.5 2.8 28.8 21.8

Educational services 1,158.4 16.6 4.6 34.7 27.2

Health care and social assistance 1,785.5 30.1 7.9 59.1 45.3

Information, culture and recreation 745.0 8.8 2.6 16.3 11.9

Accommodation and food services 1,015.0 13.4 5.6 29.8 25.0

Other services 701.0 11.3 2.9 20.7 17.7

Public administration 837.4 15.3 6.3 29.2 21.7

1. Formerly Management of companies, administrative and other support services.Source: Statistics Canada, CANSIM, table (for fee) 282-0008 and Catalogue no 71F0004XCB.Last modified: 2007-01-04.

Canada’s Economy

Canada’s Economy

01020304050607080

1901 1921 1941 1961 1980 1995

Years

Percentage

Primary

Secondary

Tertiary

5. Value-Added - Value Added The increase in the value of an article

brought about by the production process minus the cost of production.◦Ex: Wood can be sold more if it is cut into timber rather than just selling the logs.

◦Apple juice costs more than apples.

Handout # 10