Raw Materials, Energy, and Industrial Change
Raw Materials and Their Impact
Sources of Raw Materials
Raw materials are natural resources that are transforming industry. Organic raw materials originate from agriculture, livestock, forestry, and fishing exploitation. Mineral raw materials come from the Earth’s crust. Minerals can be metallic, non-metallic, and energy minerals.
Global Raw Material Dynamics
The production of raw materials on Earth is concentrated in countries such as those in Latin America. Consumption focuses on developed countries that import large quantities for industry and trade. The trade of raw materials is a main cause of the external debt of developing countries.
Key Energy Sources
Nuclear Fission Energy
Nuclear fission energy is the sudden separation of atoms of heavy radioactive minerals. It is used to obtain electricity at nuclear power plants, in medicine, and in the chemical industry.
Advantages:
- High energy output
Disadvantages:
- Risk of accidents
- Storage of waste produced
- High cost
Hydroelectric Energy
Hydroelectric energy comes from water suddenly released from behind a dam or artificial barrier situated on rivers. It has the advantage of being responsible, clean, and inexhaustible.
Disadvantages:
- Flooding of villages and farmland
- Negative impact on animal and plant species
Alternative Energy Sources
Alternative energy sources began to develop after the oil crisis, which forced industrial countries to seek alternatives. They have the advantage of being inexhaustible, clean, and much less polluting than traditional sources, although their technology is often underdeveloped.
Solar Energy
Originates from the light and heat of the sun, which are concentrated using panels, providing heat.
Wind Energy
Originates from wind, using turbines to provide electricity.
Biomass Energy
Originates from agricultural, livestock, and forestry waste.
Tidal Energy
Originates from tides. Problems include the environmental changes generated.
Geothermal Energy
Originates from the internal heat of the Earth, used to heat water.
Nuclear Fusion Energy
Originates from the union of light atoms of deuterium, two isotopes of hydrogen.
Understanding Industry Types
- Manufacturing-based industries: Produce semi-finished products used by other industries.
- Equipment goods industries: Produce products necessary for the operation of other industries and transport.
- Consumer goods industries: Produce manufactured products for direct consumption by consumers.
Evolution of Industrial Landscapes
Second Industrial Revolution (1870-1950s)
This period took place between 1870 and the mid-twentieth century. It was based on the appearance of new machines and energy sources like the internal combustion engine and electricity. Production was centered in large factories, often organized around Fordism (assembly line) and Taylorism (increased production, less time). The resulting products were homogeneous and cheaper, manufactured in series.
Main industrial sectors included steel, electrochemistry, electrometallurgy, petrochemicals, and consumer goods. Industrial location depended on factors such as proximity to new energy sources and consumption centers. Basic industries were often located near ports and rail hubs, forming large industrial agglomerations.
Mature industries that emerged during the Second Industrial Revolution faced a crisis in the 1970s due to outdated methods or competition from countries with lower costs. Many states supported their conversion, leading to the closure of consistently unprofitable companies and promoting reindustrialization in affected areas.
Third Industrial Revolution (Mid-20th Century On)
This revolution began in developed countries from the mid-twentieth century. It is based on new information technologies that allow instant transmission of data and uses electricity as a primary energy source. Work is often carried out in smaller, separate establishments.
Factories use industrial robots and easily reprogrammable machines to diversify production. This requires highly skilled industrial workers and has led to increased outsourcing of industrial activities. Production results are often small-series products, with diverse sectors and themes (e.g., electronics, biotechnology, aerospace).
Industrial location is much more flexible thanks to new technologies that enable dispersed locations.