Human activities and glaciation - EdexcelConflicts of land use - Scotland
Economic activities take place in glaciated areas but these may cause conflict. Management strategies try to reduce this conflict and ensure that the land is being used responsibly.
Conflicts may arise in glaciated areas about how the land is being used. For example, it can be difficult to balance using a particular environment for tourism, with ensuring that it is conserved for future generations.
Water management
Flooding mountain valleys to create dams results in a loss of land and habitats. However, using falling water to generate electricity through hydroelectric power (HEP)Energy generated from fast-flowing water. is very sustainable as it is a renewable energyPower that is generated using natural resources that will not run out, eg wind and wave power. source that does not produce greenhouse gasThe gases responsible for global warming - carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons).. Conflict can be created as some people believe that the natural environment should be preserved, not used for generating electricity.
Forestry
This provides much needed employment in rural areas and boosts the local economy. However, some people feel that logging destroys habitats and reduces biodiversityThe range of animals and plants in a given area. causing conflict between different groups of people.
Quarrying
Quarrying for rocks like sandstone, granite and slate creates lots of jobs, which is good for the local economy. However, it also brings noise, heavy traffic and dust. Quarrying can also be an eyesore so tourist sites may be badly affected.
Tourism
Tourism is a major source of employment and income in rural mountainous areas. For example, Cairn Gorm Mountain in the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland creates many jobs through skiing and snowboarding. These activities create conflict with those people who believe that the mountain should be conserved for wildlife.
