Human Geography

1. Human Geography By Brandon Shopland & Greg Seselja June 6, 2011 Social Studies 11 – Block 1 Source: http://www.solstation.com/stars/earth.htm

2. Global Warming Global Warming is the current rise in the average temperature of the Earth’s oceans and atmosphere The exaggerated effect of warming temperatures on the Earth Sources: http://www.zurmat.com/2010/12/22/global-warming-lets-stop-it/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_warming

3. Sources of Global warming • Greenhouse gases: • Carbon Dioxide (CO2) which comes from the burning of fossil fuels (ex. Coal, oil, natural gas) and wood (9%-26% of greenhouse effect) • Methane (CH4): from cows expelling gas, rotting garbage, action of termites (4%-9%) • Nitrous Oxides (NOx): from burning fossil fuels, fertilizers, action of termites • Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs): refrigerants, foams, aerosols • 85%) Burning of Fossil Fuels Source: http://www.motherearthnews.com/Nature-Community/Global-Warming-Emissions-Dangerous.aspx • Low Level Ozone (O3): action of sunlight on car exhaust (3%-7%) • Water Vapour: greatest contributor to natural greenhouse effect (responsible for 36% to 66% of the absorption of infrared/long wave radiation; along with clouds (66% to

4. What Causes Global Warming? • Enhanced Greenhouse Effect: human activities putting more greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, resulting in more heat being trapped in the atmosphere (Carbon Dioxidefrom burning fossil fuels, Nitrous Oxides, Chlorofluorocarbons, Low Level Ozone) • Natural Variation in the climate due to factors such as changes in the earth’s orbit or tilt and changes in energy output from the sun Source:http://scienceclassblogs.ning.com/forum/topics/envscipd35789-1 • Urban Heat Island Effect: cities are usually warmer than its surrounding areas because of the heat generated within them and since cities have grown considerably in the last 100 years, they therefore produce more heat • Periodic Changes in Ocean • Temperatures affect Atmospheric Temperatures: ex: El Niño (warming effect) and La Niña (cooling effect) and Pacific Decadal Oscillation Source: http://scienceblogs.com/startswithabang/2010/10/counterclockwise_but_there_are.php

5. Impacts of Global Warming • General Impacts: • Ice caps on Mountains in the Tropics and Subtropics melting rapidly (ex. 30m/year) • Freezing level in the earth’s atmosphere gaining altitude at a rate of approximately 5m/year • In the Northern hemisphere, spring arrives approximately 8 days earlier than in the 1960’s • Retreating permafrost in Alaska and Northwest Canada • Average Global Temperatures warming 0.6 degrees Celsius over the past 100 years • Small change in the Average Global Temperatures produce dramatic effects • “Positive” Impacts • Northern expansion of agriculture • Reduction in winter heating costs • Year-round shipping in northern waters • Negative Impacts • Rising Sea levels • Increasing amounts of pests and forest fires • Increased prairie drought In conclusion, scientists feel that the negative impacts outweigh the positive impacts

6. Solutions to Global Warming • Transfer cleaner energy technology to developing nations in exchange for carbon credits such as hydroelectric power or Ballard fuel cell) • Help pay off developing nations’ debts in exchange for preservations of tropical rain forest- a carbon sink • Switching from conventional energy sources such as natural gas, coal and oil, to clean renewable energy sources such as solar, hydro and wind energy • Use clean renewable resources which don’t emit greenhouse gases

7. International Agreements • Kyoto Conference (1997): major industrialized countries (MEDCs) agreed to cut greenhouse gas emissions by an average of 5.2% relative to 1990 levels for 2008 to 2012. Targets included: USA-7%, Canada-6% and Europe-8% (no targets for NICs and LEDCs) • Countries failing to meet these reduced emission standards will receive a 30% penalty on amount missed • Only 17 out of 38 countries are close or have met their Kyoto emission goals. • Copenhagen Accord: The main goal was to limit global warming to no more than 2 degrees Celsius pre-industrial world average. The Accord also concluded that there would be no binding emissions reduction targets for any country and that there would be a $100 billion climate aid fund for the developing world • Cancun Climate Accord: December 2010. Limit global warming to 2 degrees Celsius and emissions by MEDCs must fall by 25%-40% below 1990 level. The Accord set a target of working out a “global goal for substantially reducing global emissions by 2050”

8. Canada’s Contribution for Solution • Proposal of Carbon Tax and Carbon Credits based on a Cap and Trade System • By 2010, if Canada meets their Kyoto target at 6% reduction relative to 1990, 571 Mt CO2 • In order for Canada to reach the Kyoto target, it must reduce CO2 productions by 241 Mt which is an actual 30% reduction • As of May 2006, Prime Minister Stephen Harper indicated that Canada would not be able to meet its Kyoto target since the country’s emissions were 27% above 1990 levels. As a result the country would pursue a “Made in Canada” strategy to deal with climate change. The Canada Clean Air Act would be put forward in the Fall of 2006. British Columbia Reduces In 2007, the government of British Columbia announced its Climate Change Action Plan which beginning on July 1, 2008, called for a 1/3 cut relative to 2006 in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. They would work with the government of California to create a system of “green ports” along the Pacific Coast and to build a network of hydrogen fuelling stations to promote the development of fuel-cell cars.

9. Ozone Depletion The Ozone layer located in the Stratosphere is important to humans because it filters out the UVB and UVC rays but not UVA rays. Chlorofluorocarbons play a big role in Ozone Depletion and as a result, layers in the Ozone form holes/ Source: http://www.coolantarctica.com/Antarctica%20fact%20file/science/ozone_hole.htm

10. Sources of Ozone Depletion • Chlorofluorocarbons (CFC’s) which are used in aerosol sprays, fridges, air conditioners, solvents, foams, and fire extinguishers. CFCs are stable, durable, resistant to being dissolved by rain, versatile and are non-flammable • Methyl Bromide which is a highly effective fumigant used to control insects and pathogens in more than 100 crops • Halons which extremely effective fire extinguishing agents CFCs are used in aerosol spays Source: http://peer.tamu.edu.curriculum_ modules/Ecosystems/hazards.ozone.htm • The huge problem with CFCs is that since they are very stable, they have a very extensive lifespan which allows them to stay in the atmosphere and travel throughout it. • Ex: CFC-11: 50 years CFC-12: 102 years CFC-115: 1700 years

11. What Causes Ozone Depletion? The Depletion of the Ozone layer is caused by primarily Chlorine and Bromine gases entering the Stratosphere and being broken down by the Sun’s solar radiation. As a result, the trapped Chlorine and Bromine particles break down the Ozone Particle which consists of 3 Oxygen atoms (O3) located in the Stratosphere Source : http://www.makeitgreen.webs.come/Ozonedepletion.html

12. The Impacts of Ozone Depletion • Crop damage • Cataracts which damage the eyes • Immune system suppression such as shingles • 1% drop in the ozone layer = 1% more UVB rays reaching the earth Source: http://www.missjamiedee.com/?cat=36 • Higher skin cancer rates including melanoma

13. Solutions To Ozone Depletion • Alternatives to ozone-depleting chemicals include: • Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) which have some depletion but not as much as CFCs • Hydroflurocarbons (HFCs) which have no impact on the ozone layer but are up to 12500 times more potent than CO₂ on a per unit basis as a greenhouse gas The Sun breaks down chlorine and bromine gases entering the stratosphere • People can protect themselves from ozone depletion by: • wearing a t-shirt on sunny days, • covering up with sun screen, • wearing sunglasses and/or hat and as a result, there is 78% better protection Source: http://www.betweentalk.com/blog/2010/08/last-minute-summer-to-do-list/cartoon-sun/

14. InternationalAgreements • The International Community has set a phase out schedule for ozone depleting chemicals • MEDCs have agreed to phase out CFCs, halons, carbon tetrachloride (which has a 42-year atmosphere lifespan) and methyl chloroform by 1996 and methyl bromide by 2005 • NICs and LEDs say that they will phase out CFCs by 2010 and methyl bromide by 2015 • The Multilateral Fund has helped developing nations reduce their dependency on ozone depleting chemicals as of July 2008 • However, as of Fall 2007, MEDCs have agreed to cut HCFCs by 2020, and NICs and LEDCs agreed to cut HCFCs by 2030

15. Canada’s and British Columbia’s Efforts • On a national scale, the Canadian Government is fighting ozone depletion by the production and import of CFC’s phased out by January 1, 1996 and methyl bromide phased out by January 1, 2005. The production and import of HCFCs will be phased out by January 1, 2020 • The provincial government of British Columbia is mandating the recovery of ozone destroying substances prior to equipment disposal. For example, CFCs can be recycled.

16. Acid Rain Acid rain is a rain or any other form of precipitation that has a pH of less than 5.6, meaning that it possesses elevated levels of hydrogen ions (low pH) Source: http://www.darentiff.com/worship/2009/08/lakewood-hope-for-today-abundance-of-rain/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acid_rain

17. Sources of Acid Rain • Sources of Acid Rain: sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitric oxide (NO) coming from burning coal and gasoline engines • Use the sky as a garbage dump, build taller smokestacks to carry pollutants away “out of sight, out of mind” to get rid of sulphur dioxide and nitric oxide. As a result, build up of acidic pollutants in the atmosphere evaporating and then precipitating as acid rain “Pollution knows no borders”

18. What Causes Acid Rain? • Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are released into the atmosphere • Sulphuric and Nitric Acids are formed when water vapour reacts with sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions • The Gases travel due to the wind and dissolves in the rain water The process of acid rain and the effects of it Source : http://myecoproject.org/get-involved/pollution/acid-rain/

19. Impacts of Acid Rain • Impacts of Acid Rain on the Environment: • Dying forests • Release of toxic metals into waterways which kill fish and plants • Impacts of Acid Rain on Humans: • Weathering statues and buildings • Breathing in air pollution can harm infants and the elderly in particular • Acids in drinking water can release heavy metals such as lead from distribution pipes Dying forests are a major effect of acid rain precipitation Source :http://www.solcomhouse.com/acidrain.htm

20. Solutions to Acid Rain and International Agreements • 1990 US Clean Air Act: makes restrictions on sulphur dioxide and nitric oxide emissions • Install scrubbers in smokestacks • Wash coal • Improve vehicle emission systems • Switch from burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas to renewable energy resources such as wind and hydro • As individuals, people can do the littlest things like recycling waste, riding a bike instead of driving a car, using public transit, carpooling, and they will make a difference in conserving energy

21. General Air Pollution Source: http://www.tropical-rainforest-animals.com/air-pollution.html

22. Problems of General Air Pollution • Smog containing carbon monoxide, ground level ozone, particulate matter from incomplete combustion • Major Contributors = cars = industrial processes = ships • Carbon dioxide from burning fossil fuels (i.e. coal, oil, and natural gas) and wood  • Thermal inversion: a layer of warm air traps pollutants in a cold layer below it; made worse by the topography of the Fraser Valley; occurs under calm, clear, stagnant conditions Aerial View of Thermal Inversion Source: http://watchingtheworldwakeup.blogspot.com/2009/01/all-about-inversions.html Source: http://watchingtheworldwakeup.blogspot.com/2009/01/all-about-inversions.html

23. Effects of General Air Pollution • Eye, nose, throat irritation  • Respiratory problems (i.e. Bronchitis, asthma)  • Increased heart problems and increased health costs • Damage to crops • Reduced visibility  • Increased CO2 leads to an enhanced greenhouse effect and associated problems 

24. Solutions • Plant trees: urban green spaces  • No burn days etc • Air Quality Monitoring • Air Care: keep car tuned up  • Gasoline alternatives: methanol and ethanol  • Make home more energy efficient i.e. upgrade insulation, furnace, • Windows • Go green: walk, bike, carpool, transit • Efficient wood burning stoves  • Hybrid vehicles and eventually zero emission vehicles utilizing the hydrogen fuel cell • Need an international agreement to regulate ship emissions “Think Globally, Act Locally” (Dr. David Bellamy Source: Clip Art

25. Canada and USA agree • Canada and USA Clean Air Treaty • Power Plants and industrial sourced to cut nitrogen oxide emissions (burning fossil fuels) by 50% to 75% by 2004 • Cutting these emissions will help reduce the production of ground-level ozone (a major pollutant) • Cutting these emissions will also help reduce acid rain • Canada also plans to tighten vehicle emission standards and bring them into line with the USA

26. World Food Supplies A abundance of different foods which are produced all over the world Source: http://hanksthinktank.com/food-glorious-food

27. Green Revolution Green Revolution refers to a series of research, development, and technology transfer initiatives such as  the development of high-yielding varieties of cereal grains, expansion of irrigation infrastructure, modernization of management techniques, distribution of hybridized seeds, synthetic fertilizers, and pesticides to farmers, that increased agriculture production around the world beginning in the late 1960s Increased use of various technologies such as pesticides, herbicides are an initiative of the Green Revolution Definition and Image Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Revolution

28. Advantages to the Green Revolution • The green revolution allows us to produce more food in less space • Less space means there is more room for are ever growing population  • Less people have to be farmers which means they can be employed in other sectors of the workplace to improve our economy • Irrigation- will not have to depend on rainfall for crop survival • Pesticides and Herbicides will be used to get rid of insects, pests and kill unwanted plants such as weed. This will allow more room for crops to grow and much greater chances of gaining nutrients • Fertilizers will help speed up the process of growing crops and provide nutrients to them Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Revolution

29. Disadvantages to the Green Revolution • Pesticides can be potentially toxic to humans and animals  • Fertilizers which have very high levels of nitrogen in runoffs, can cause oxygen depletion in water and can potentially mix with groundwater and contaminate i • When used improperly, irrigation is a large waste of water and can damage the soil if used improperly  • • Nitrogen run off from fertilizers can get in the ground water and cause “blue baby syndrome”  Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Green_Revolution

30. Gene Revolution • The Gene Revolution is the application of bio-technology in food production which has great potential to farmers as it provides them with disease-free planting material and develops crops that resist pests and diseases, reducing use of chemicals that harm the environment and the health of human-beings. • It refers to Genetically Modified Foods which are foods derived from genetically modified organisms. • Through genetic engineering techniques, genetically modified organisms have had changes introduced into their DNA Sources: http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-08-08/open-space/28321178_1_gene-revolution-diseases-new-products http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_food

31. Advantages to Gene Revolution • Better Protection against diseases and pests • Genetic modification is much more precise than mutation breeding known as mutagenesis where an organism is exposed to radiation or chemicals to create a non-specific but stable change Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_food#Health_risks

32. Disadvantages to Gene Revolution • Many people prefer eating natural foods rather than genetically modified foods, so economically, sales could be lower • Traces of pesticides in genetically modified foods exposed to humans • •Sine genetically modifying technologies are somewhat expensive, poorer and smaller farming communities may struggle to have these technologies This will affect their ability to compete with other leading competitors around the world Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genetically_modified_food#Health_risks

33. Organic Farming • Organic farming is the form of agriculture that relies on techniques such as crop rotation, green manure, compost and biological pest control to maintain soil productivity and control pests on a farm. Essentially, it minimizes the use of chemicals and genetically modified organisms in the process. • Organic farming excludes or strictly limits the use of: • manufactured fertilizers • pesticides (which include herbicides, insecticides and fungicides) • plant growth regulators such as hormones, livestock, antibiotics, food additives and  genetically modified organisms Sustainable agriculture is the fastest-growing sector of the food industry. On the other hand, less than 1% of American cropland is farmed organically. Source: http://www.triplepundit.com/2009/10/organic-farming-and-the-future-of-food/ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organic_farming

34. Advantages to Organic Farming • Poison-free: no use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides and herbicides and other chemicals • Beneficial for organic farms since organic food is much more expensive, they make larger profits • Food tastes better since there are no traces of synthetic chemicals to ruin the natural flavour • The overall nutrition is better and has better vitamin and mineral content Source: http://www.small-farm-permaculture-and-sustainable-living.com/advantages_and_disadvantages_organic_farming.html

35. Disadvantages to Organic Farming • Organic Farms produce organic foods which comes in smaller quantities and making it more expensive for consumers to buy • Organic foods which do not use chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides tend to be prone to pest and disease infestation which can result in huge crop growth and profit loss • Organic foods, especially fruit are sometimes found with traces of E. Coli and other harmful pathogens • Organic foods tend to take a longer time period to grow whereas the process in genetically modified foods is much faster Source:http://www.small-farm-permaculture-and-sustainable-living.com/advantages_and_disadvantages_organic_farming.html

36. World Water Supplies Every Drop Counts Source: http://www.webbofscience.com/2009/06/06/molecule-of-the-week-water/

37. Problems with World Water Supplies • In 2025, 2/3 of the world’s population will be affected by a shortage of water • In 1995 20% of the world’s population was affected by a water shortage  • 97% of the worlds water is undrinkable seawater and 2% of it is polar ice caps  • The average family in the US uses about 2000 litres of water a day while some people survive on only 150 litres a day • “If you are going to have resource use regulations, make sure they are enforced with meaningful consequences for violations” • Even if the water is available it might be unsafe to drink (rivers and streams contaminated with pesticides from agriculture, industrial water from manufacturing plants and untreated sewage) • Africa has the least amount of safe water supply

38. Source:http://www.climate.org/topics/water.html

39. Solutions • Turn off the tap when not in use • Charging higher prices for water • Repairing leaky pipes • Fines for water waste  • Recycling wastewater for urban irrigation • Trickle-drip irrigation  • Micro Irrigation (small amounts of water applied to plant roots • Industrial water recycling • Replacing toilets with smaller volume toilet tanks (6 litres) • Advertising campaigning to restrict water usage • Low-flow shower heads • Lawn sprinkling regulations • Desalinization Plants-factories that separate salt and other minerals from water, however, they are expensive and use up too much energy Recycling water is just one way to save it Source: http://www.zazzle.ca/recycle_sign_sticker-217515315060579586 Sources:http://www.consumerenergyreport.com/2009/05/08/9-steps-to-making-your-green-brand-sustainable-and-relevant/

40. Wetland Preservation Source: http://web.uvic.ca/~wetlands/

41. Seven Benefits Habitat for unique plants and species Filters air pollution and releases oxygen Carbon and Methane sink Source: http://www.westperth.com/comevisit/thingstodo.html Geese are home to many different wetlands, especially in the Lower Mainland

42. Filtering of sediments stabilizes the wetland “Bottom Up” Approach to resource management . Ex: Involve local people in solutions” 4. Soaks up potential flood water 5. Filters water and releases nutrients to aquatic species such as fish 6. Provides Nutrients 7. Educational tool Source: http://geoscape.nrcan.gc.ca/h2o/bowen/images/wetlands_e.jpghttp://www.westfordma.gov/pages/government/towndepartments/boardsandcommittees/WestfordMA_concomm/pr2

43. FORESTS Source: http://www.topnews.in/green-bonus-saving-forests-2230876

44. Reasons for Cutting down the Tropical Rainforest • Beef cattle grazing area • Fuel wood collection • Dam Projects • Mining and industrial development • Slash and burn agriculture for subsistence farming and large scale commercial crops  • Logging valuable tree species; national governments sell logging concessions to raise money for projects, to pay international debts, or to develop industry  Source: http://thebeginningfarmer.blogspot.com/2007/11/more-ultra-high-density-grazing.html

45. Map of Tropical Rainforest Source:http://saferenvironment.wordpress.com/2008/08/20/rainforest-conservation-%E2%80%93-challenges-of-addressing-deforestation-issues/

46. Implications • Loss of carbon sink; climatic changes  • Loss of oxygen generator • Loss of air pollution filter  • Loss of species (The tropical rain forests cover 7% of the earths land surface, but are home to over 50% of all species) • Loss of medicines 

47. Map of Canada’s Boreal Forest Source: http://newswatch.nationalgeographic.com/2009/11/12/boreal_forest_protection/

48. Boreal Forest Conservation Agreement • 21 member companies of the Forest Products Association of Canada (FPAC) and 9 leading environmental organizations agreed to the Canadian Boreal Forest Agreement • The agreement applies to 72 million hectares of public forest licensed to FPAC members and stops logging on nearly 29 million hectares of forest in Canada. • The agreement focuses on the following main points: • The development of world leading forest management and harvesting practices  • The completion of joint proposals for networks of protected areas and the • recovery of species at risk including woodland caribou  • A full life cycle approach to forest carbon management  • Support for the economic future of forest communities and for the recognition of conservation achievements in the global marketplace  • “We do not inherit the land…and the sea…from our forefathers. We borrow it from our children.”(Haida Native quote)

49. World Population • The world population is estimated to be  6.92 billion by the United States Census Bureau • If we could shrink the world’s population to just 100 people, there would be : • 57 Asians • 21 Europeans • 14 Americans (S. American, N. America) • 8 Africans Comparing an over populated society to the world that they live in Source: http://rayharvey.org/index.php/tag/overpopulation/

50. Population Distribution Definition: the pattern of where people live in an area. Describes the way the way in which people are spread out across the earth’s surface On the following map, larger areas represent more populated areas Source: http://bigthink.com/ideas/21146