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Environment: Recognizing Viewpoints

Environment: Recognizing Viewpoints. Chapter 4. The Environment Theme in Geography. Environment is the total physical setting of the Earth. Environment theme considers how natural systems work together Landforms, climate, soil, plants, and animals all form the living balanced system

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Environment: Recognizing Viewpoints

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  1. Environment: Recognizing Viewpoints

    Chapter 4
  2. The Environment Theme in Geography Environment is the total physical setting of the Earth. Environment theme considers how natural systems work together Landforms, climate, soil, plants, and animals all form the living balanced system Nasa Scientist, James Lovelock developed the Gaia theory He believed that all parts of the living Earth, Gaia, must work together to remain healthy
  3. Earth’s Cycles and Spheres Balance is maintained by natural cycles, such as the carbon cycle Natural cycles are driven by the energy of the sun These cycles affect people positively or negatively
  4. Earth’s Cycles and Spheres (cont.) These cycles work in different zones Atmosphere: above the Earth, the band of gases, water vapour and dust surrounding the Earth Hydrosphere: the water on the surface of the Earth Lithosphere: the crust, the solid outer shell of the Earth Ecosphere: includes the lower layers of the atmosphere, all of the hydrosphere, and the first metres of the lithosphere.
  5. Issues and Viewpoints Issue – topic or problem that does not have one definite correct answer Fact – something that is known and can be proven to be true Opinion – what one thinks or feels about a particular topic Bias – favouring a particular point of view, that cannot be proven Compromise – to settle on a solution that is between two different viewpoints
  6. Three Gorges Dam China’s major resource is the Yangtze River It is the world’s third largest river Chinese government decided to build the world’s largest hydroelectric project at Three Gorges on the Yangtze River to provide electricity for China’s industries
  7. Three Gorges Dam (cont.) Tree Gorges Dam Qutang Gorge Wu Gorge Xiling Gorge To complete the dam Borrow money from international banks Hire engineers from other countries Ask foreign factories to build parts for the project
  8. One Side of The Issue Electricity generated will provide power to factories in China’s industrial centres Create tens of thousands of jobs in China Should control floods that have cost many lives in the past Change fast flowing Yangtze Rive to smooth, deep waterway Will ease the passage of ocean going ships
  9. The Other Side of The Issue 13 cities and more than 1000 square kilometres of land will be flooded when the dam creates a reservoir People will have to settle elsewhere Historical sites and natural habitats of endangered species will be flooded Changes to the river will destroy fish stock Interfere with wildlife migration Damage rich agricultural land Threaten livelihood of 75 million who farm and fish for a living near the Yangtze River
  10. Oak Ridges Moraine in Ontario North of Toronto Should the natural area be preserved? Moraine: eroded materials left behind by glaciers In late eighteenth century, the sandy moraine was covered by white pine forests Cleared away by the lumber industry Without the trees to protect the sandy soil, it eroded very easily In the twentieth century, large areas of the ridge were replanted with trees in soil conservation project Large portions of the moraine owned by real estate Want to build homes for Toronto’s expanding population Opponents want the Oak Ridges Moraine preserved for parks, recreation, and agriculture
  11. One Side of The Issue Population of GTA continues to rise Affordable housing needed close to the city If Oak Ridges preserved, housing will have to built farther away This would increase travel distance, more gas will be used, causing harm to the environment Developers own the land, thus have a right to make a profit on their investment Must be paid for their loss of profit if not allowed to build People in the area are being selfish by depriving others of the chance to enjoy living in a small town atmosphere
  12. Other Side of The Issue Important rivers, such as Humber, Don, and Rouge could be damaged if the moraine is covered by housing Sand and gravel of the Oak Ridges Moraine allow surface water to penetrate in the underground aquifers Aquifers are porous, sponge like rocks that collect and hold water Important source of water for wells Water levels will drop if too many people move in and use the well water Moraine is a fragile are, with thin soil over fine sands Suited for grazing and recreation, not for large housing subdivisions Developers are being greedy and want to make a profit at the expense of the environment
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