What is the difference between physical and economic water scarcity?
Physical scarcity is insufficient water supply for demand (e.g. arid regions); economic scarcity is inability to access available water due to lack of infrastructure or investment, despite water being present. Learn it step by step →
Resource Security is a core part of A-Level Geography. Revise the key concepts and common mistakes below, then lock them in with the free games.
Peak OilHubbert's 1956 theory of maximum extraction point; conventional peak debated; unconventional sources (shale) postponed.
Resource CurseParadox of resource-rich countries underperforming: Dutch disease, corruption, conflict; e.g. DRC coltan, Nigeria oil.
Critical Raw MaterialsEU list of materials essential to the economy and at high supply risk (34 on the 2023 list); includes rare earths, lithium and cobalt for green technology.
Circular EconomyReduce-reuse-recycle replacing linear take-make-dispose; design for disassembly; Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
Lithium TriangleChile, Bolivia and Argentina hold over half of the world's identified lithium resources, in salt flats; critical for EV batteries.
L
Learn Resource Security step by step
Free interactive mini-lessons: short screens, worked examples and quick checks. Pick your exam board:
Questions where students often pick the tempting wrong answer — make sure you know the right one:
What is the difference between physical and economic water scarcity?✗ Water scarcity only happens in dry countries.✓ Physical scarcity is insufficient water supply for demand (e.g. arid regions); economic scarcity is inability to access available water due to lack of infrastructure or investment, despite water being present.
Practise Resource Security — free games
Test yourself with these quick revision games for this topic:
