Edexcel GCSE Geography A key terms

A plausible pathway describing how greenhouse gas emissions could develop in the future; it is an assumption used in projections, not a guaranteed outcome.

Reducing energy use by avoiding unnecessary consumption, for example switching off unused electrical equipment.

The use of energy, for example to heat homes, power factories or provide transport.

The amount of energy required by people and economic activities, including homes, farming, industry and transport.

Providing the same useful service with less energy, for example using LED lighting rather than less efficient lighting.

Housing designed to provide warmth and other services using less energy.

Developing and using an energy resource to provide usable energy, such as extracting natural gas or harnessing wind.

The combination of different sources used to supply energy in a country or area.

A source that can be used to provide energy, such as coal, wind or sunlight.

Having a reliable supply of sufficient energy at an affordable price.

The energy made available for use from resources such as coal, oil, natural gas, uranium, wind and sunlight.

The additional warming caused by human activities increasing the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

A focused geographical question that an investigation seeks to answer using evidence.

An effect on ecosystems, habitats, land, water or environmental quality.

The condition of a place's surroundings, including features such as building maintenance, litter, pavement condition and green space.

The wearing away and removal of material by agents such as flowing river water.

The tidal mouth of a river where freshwater meets seawater.

A person's ethnic identity, associated with shared cultural background, heritage or ancestry; it is not the same as nationality or migration status.

Nutrient enrichment of water that encourages excessive algal growth and can lead to oxygen depletion.

Moving people away from a dangerous area to a safer place.

Describes plants that retain foliage throughout the year, although individual leaves are eventually replaced.

Discarded electrical and electronic equipment, such as old computers.

Goods and services sold to customers in other countries.

The relatively calm central area of a mature tropical cyclone, where sinking air limits cloud formation.

The ring of towering thunderclouds around a tropical cyclone's eye, containing its strongest winds and most intense rainfall.

The downward section of the discharge line as river discharge decreases after its peak; also called the recession limb.

Adding other income-generating activities to farming, such as providing tourist accommodation.